Master Chen Ziqiang visited the North West as a guest of Chen Taijiquan GB last week to host a number of seminars and we were fortunate enough to join him to study the 49 movement straight sword form.
The Chinese straight sword or Jian, is a beautiful and ancient weapon closely associated with Tai Chi and with Daoism in general. The Jian is a flexible blade that isn't able to meet force with force, instead the blade is used to deflect and redirect blows before delivering a slash or stab of its own.
The blade itself is usually considered as consisting of three parts, each used for different offensive and defensive techniques. The tip of the blade is the jiànfeng, meant for stabbing, slashing, and quick percussive cuts. The middle section is the zhongren or middle edge, and is used for a variety of offensive and defensive actions such as cleaving cuts, draw cuts, and deflections. The section of blade closest to the guard is called the jiàngen or root, and is mainly used for defensive actions such as deflecting an opponents strike.
The 49 Movement form stretches and strengthens the body's joints through a series of open and expansive postures. Flexibility in wrists and hands, lightness of footwork and agility in the waist are all hallmarks of the sword form which, when performed correctly, is said to resemble a dragon swimming through water.
The nature of the weapon lends itself naturally to the principles of Tai Chi. Often called the "Scholars Sword", it's difficult to master and swordplay is characterized by balanced body positions and a mixture of both defensive and offensive techniques. The fluid body movements, powerful thrusts and rapid swings, are synchronized into a beautifully flowing rhythm. The form itself is a developmental exercise teaching the relaxation and extension of energy. Sword practice aids general Tai Chi practice by improving balance, building strength and focusing the mind.
Over three evenings, Master Chen walked the group through every movement comprising the first half of the form, allowing practitioners of all levels an opportunity to improve their form.
There are video link below is to a publically viewable video on Master Chen Ziqiang's Facebook page which features him stepping through the form one movement at a time during a seminar.
This second video features Grand Master Chen Zhenglei performing the form. It differs slightly from Chen Ziqiang's version, but is essentially the same and is how we aspire to perform it at Ling Shui.
