Tai Chi Dao 2 (in Chinese) or Tai Chi Broadsword 2

The Dao is one of the most common weapons practiced by various schools of Chinese martial arts.

In Chinese martial arts, the Dao belongs to short weapon group such as Emei dagger or Jian (sword) whilst the halberd, spear and staff belong to the long range weapon group. The Dao is distinguished from Jian (sword) in that, the former has only one sharp edge and the blade broadens towards the tip and is slightly curved. The Dao is quite similar to the European Sica.

In China, the use of Dao dated back to China’s Bronze Age when the Dao was made of bronze. In ancient times, Dao became a popular weapon as it is an effective cutting tool when it was made with much stronger material such as iron and later steel.

In Chinese martial arts training, weapons training are use as further extension of the limbs. To be able to use any type of weapons, one must be skilled and versed in the hand form training. The Dao form is usually the first weapon in most martial arts schools taught after the master is satisfied with the student’s progress i.e. sound understanding and good foundation in the hand form. In general, Dao Form is much easier to learn and take less time to master the basic techniques for actual application. In the ancient imperial China, it became a standard military weapon issue for ordinary soldiers.

In Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, there are four types of weapons training:

1. Dao

2. Doubled Bladed Sword

3. Spear

4. Halberd.

All weapons training are based on the same principles and concept of Tai Chi Chuan. Any weapons training in Tai Chi Chuan help to embody such weapons to be one with your body and also further extend Yi. The Dao form is carried out at a much faster pace than the empty form with the same emphases on coordination of hand form, eye movement, body work, footsteps and skill. Each posture needs to be executed with precision, intent and Chi power. In addition, like the Tai Chi Form, each posture in the weapon form can also be tested and applied in combat. Some of the basic Tai Chi Dao techniques include chop, split, cut, intercept, uppercut, downward cut, thrust, winding, blocking, withdrawing, sliding, slicing, and peeling. All the movements are lead from the waist.