Chen Taijiquan Broadsword, Tai Chi Saber, Dan Dao, Chen Zhaopei's 23 Movement Form: Links, Bibliography, Instructions, Quotes, Resources, Notes.

The 23 Movement Single Broadsword (Dao) Form discussed on this webpage was created by Chen Zhaopei (1893-1972),
18th Generation Chen Style Taijiquan Grandmaster, in the 1930's.

Bibliography Links Online Videos List of Movements Broadsword Techniques

Research by
Michael P. Garofalo

Warning: Practicing with Sword Weapons Can Be a Dangerous Activity for Adults. Please Use Caution!

© Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California, 2005-2016
This webpage is a work in progress. Thanks for your patience.

A Note to Readers: The Cloud Hands webpages have been online continuously since 2001. In 2009, over 1,350,000 webpages (excluding graphics) were served to readers around the world from the websites: Cloud Hands T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Valley Spirit Qigong, Walking, Taoism, Meditation and Yoga. Since 2005, I have also provided information about Taijiquan and Qigong at my Cloud Hands Blog. Since these mind-body arts websites are very well-established and stable websites, they provide readers with a good and secure starting point for their online research into Taijiquan and Chi Kung. The Cloud Hands websites are funded entirely by Green Way Research, with volunteer efforts by Michael P. Garofalo.
Unfortunately, as everyone knows, many other websites and webpages, documents, and videos appear and then disappear from the Internet scene. Authors do not pay to keep up their web hosting services, loose a "free hosting" option, change filenames, recode away from HTML, or decide to remove the webpages for various reasons. Consequently, links to some good webpages or videos become invalid and the files are no longer found on the Internet. You may find a some of these "dead links" to nonexistent webpages or videos cited below; and, there is no way to avoid this troublesome situation. For this reason, when you do find a good and useful webpage, be sure to save the webpage to a folder on your hard drive or server.
I welcome your suggestions for how to improve this webpage. Your comments, ideas, contributions, and constructive criticism are encouraged. Send your suggestions to my email box.

Basics of Broadsword Play. By Dong Wenyu. Part of the Chinese Wushu Series. Beijing, Foreign Languages Press, 1993. Explanation of techniques, practice methods, and four routines. 138 pages. ISBN: 7119015028. VSCL.

Chen Broadsword. There are many different Chen broad sword forms. This particular one is from Chen Zhao Kui, son of Chen Fake, the famous Chen stylist. Master Geroge Xu learned this from Ma Hong, who studied with Chen Zhao Kui. It is composed of 23 movements. Instructional videotape, 59 minutes. Volume 50.

Chen Short Hilted Broadsword. Instruction by Chen Zhenglei. "1 instructional DVD. Chen Zhenglei "explains principles and uses of the broadsword. There are multiple demonstrations. Teaching is in sections with one to three postures e. There is a brief introductory section in Chinese only, but teaching is in Chinese with English and Chinese subtitles. He teaches basic skills for hands, feet and movements. The 22 movements are taught with detail, step-by-step with multiple repetitions and different camera angles. $39.99."

Chen Single and Double Broadsword. By Chen Zhenglei. DVD 90 minutes. The single form has 13 movements and the Double form has 35 movements.

Chen Style Broadsword. By: Guangzhi Xing. 13 Minutes. Video download from Turtle Press.

Chen Style Single Broadsword. Instruction by Master Jesse Tsao. Sample Instructional DVD and VHS formats, 50 minutes. "This routine is short and refined with clear applications. It reflects the characteristics of Chen Style Tai Chi, combining softness with hardness and slowness with quickness; dodging and yielding with agile movements, cutting and hacking with great speed. Master Tsao presents demonstrations both in front and back view of the whole routine. He teachers step-by-step in slow motion, in English. There are plenty of repetitions in both front and back view in his detailed teaching." VSCL.

Chen Tai Chi Broadsword Form. Instructional DVD by Sifu Ken Gullette. 1 DVD, NTSC format, 65 minutes. Moline, Illinois, Internal Fighting Arts, 2008. "Sifu Gullette takes you into the Chen Tai Chi Broadsword Form in a way that no other DVD or VCD does. Ken's experience with the broadsword, both as a tournament champion and teacher, adds a new level of information that martial artists around the world have come to expect from him. For centuries, this form had only 13 movements. In the 1930's Chen Zhaopei added 9 more to create the form that's practiced today by the Chen family. This is the form that Sifu Gullette learned from Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang's students, Master Ren Guangyi and disciples Jim and Angela Criscimagna. In this DVD, you'll see the complete form with front and rear views. You'll get individual instruction on each movement in the form--step by step--with an emphasis on the internal body mechanics. You'll also learn the fighting applications for each movement. In a special section, you'll also learn basic broadsword techniques that can be used in any style of martial arts -- blocks, deflections, cutting techniques, stances, plus you'll learn how to use a scabbard in combat."

Chen Style Taiji Broadsword and Five Methods of Push Hands. Instructional DVD taught by Master Ren Guangyi. "The Chen Taiji Broadsword form is a classic weapon routine that is usually studied at the intermediate level. It enhances fajing, the relaxed, explosive release of force typical to Chen Taijiquan. The broadsword form is a rare example of the ferocity of Chen Taijiquan that emphasizes on speed and power delivered with the style’s unique requirements. An old Chinese martial arts saying goes, “Single broadsword techniques have focus on the hand while double broadsword techniques focus on the footwork.” The Chen Style Taiji broadsword follows this idea with precise coordination between the broadsword-wielding hand and the empty hand. Comprised of thirteen techniques, Chen Taiji broadsword instills harmonization of softness and hardness, quickness and slowness, adhering and following, and chansijing, the powerful silk reeling energy. Basic usage involves winding the broadsword around the upper body like a shield, closely wrapping the saber around the waist, expansive cleaving and total vehemence. Master Ren Guangyi’s execution of the broadsword exemplifies this spirit."

Chen Style Taijiquan Broadsword. Research by Michael P. Garofalo. This popular webpage includes a comprehensive bibliography, scores of links to webpages, an extensive listing of the names and name variations for each movement (English, Chinese, French, German and Spanish), selected quotations, sword techniques, performance times, a comprehensive media bibliography, and suggested instructional media for the Chen Broadsword (saber, Dao, Dan Dao) 23 movement form. © Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California, January 2010. 89Kb.

Chen Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword. By Chen Zhenglei. Translated by Zhang XinHu, Chen Bin, Xu Hailiang, and Gregory Bissell. Tai Chi Centre, 2003. 367 pages. ISBN: 7534823218. This book is in English. Detailed descriptions, with photographs, of the first form, sword form and broadsword form. An excellent companion to Chen Zenglei's instructional DVDs, with English narration. Review by Herbert O. Rich: "This is the first translated volume of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's three-volume set entitled "A Compendium of Taiji Boxing and Weapons". Chen Zhenglei is famed as a 19th generation Grandmaster of traditional Chen Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan). He is known to Taijiquan enthusiasts the world over for his skill and ability in teaching. This book is a detailed instruction manual for the basic set (or form) of the Laojia ("old frame") Chen style, as well as the single broadsword and straight sword forms. Profusely illustrated, it describes basic theory, physical requirements, postural movements, Qi circulation, and self defense applications for each of the postures of the form." The 23 movement broadsword form is described in detail, with many black and white photographs, on pages 322-360. VSCL.

Chen Style Taijiquan: The Source of Taiji Boxing. By Davidine Siaw-Voon Sim and David Gaffney. Berkeley, CA, North Atlantic Books, 2002. Index, charts, 224 pages. ISBN: 1556433778. Provides an excellent introduction to Chen style Taijiquan history and legends, outlines the major forms, discusses the philosophy and foundations of the art, and gives very good information on training methods, push hands, and weapons. Very well written, highly informative, and a unique contribution to the field. Essential reading for all learning the Chen style of Tai Chi Chuan. VSCL.

Chen Style Taiji Single Broadsword and Chen Style Taiji Double Broadsword. Demonstration and instructional by Chen Zhenglei. Language: Mandarin Chinese, with Chinese subtitles. It says you can get subtitles in English on DVD, but there is no English voiceover. Published by People's Sports Video Publishing House, Bejing, China. VCD (ISBN 788721035600) and DVD (788721064X). The DVD had no detailed menu: just two choices. "The Chen Style Taiji Broadsword is one of the short weapons used in the Chen style taiji. The routine of broadsword play has 13 movements, so called the thirteenth broadsword. This is a short form with good, solid Single Broadsword basics which include: close, thrust, block, chop, cut, intercept, twine, slice, parry and raise. This version shows characteristic Chen timing, reeling, softness and stepping. Played lightly for a Single Broadsword but within the scope of Tai Chi's flavor." Vendor 1 Vendor 2: Turtle Press. Each movement is explained in Chinese, with English subtitles (if you can get it to work) and demonstrated.

"Chen Tai Chi Broadsword." Instructional VHS videotape by George Xu. He teaches a 23 posture form created by Chen Zhaokui. 59 minutes. China's Living Treasures Series, Number 50. "There are many different Chen broad sword forms. This particular one is from Chen Zhao Kui, son of Chen Fake, the famous Chen stylist. Master Xu learned this from Ma Hong, who studied with Chen Zhao Kui. It is composed of 23 movements. The beginning of the volume contains 10 basic exercises. Each drill is demonstrated, explained and repeated two times. The next section of form repetition is broken down into the 3 sections of the form. Each of the form repetition segments is bracketed by the specific section performed continuously at normal speed. The volume concludes with the entire form performed at normal practice speed with movement names." One Hand Publications.

Chen Tai Chi Broadsword. Instructional videotape or DVD by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. 70 minutes. Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's Tai Chi Videos. He teaches a 23 movement form. VSCL.

Chen Zhaokui (1928-1981), the youngest son of the legendary Chen Fake (陳發科, 陈发科, Chén Fākē, Ch'en Fa-k'e 1887-1957).

Chen Zhaopei (1893-1972), (AKA: Ji Fu, Chen Zhaopi) studied Taijiquan with Chen Yanxi, Chen Xin, and his uncle Chen Fake. He is "one of the representatives of the 18th generation of Chen Style Taiji, was among the first to teach the Chen Style Taiji outside of the Chen Village. In 1928, he was invited to teach in Beijing, and in 1930 he was invited to teach in Nanjing. In 1958, he returned to the Chen Village to teach the 19th generation, and was a primary instructor of the 'Four Tigers' of the 19th generation: Chen Xiaowang, Wang Xian, Chen Zhenglei, and Zhu Tiancai. He never stopped teaching and was awarded the title: 'Grand Taiji Master' at the national martial art convention in 1960." Chen Qingzhou was also Chen Zhaopei's student. Numerous Taiji masters and authors say Chen Zhaopei created the 23 Movement Chen Taiji Broadsword routine in the the 1930's.
Biography 1,

Chinese Single Broadsword: A Primer of Basic Skills and Performance Routines for Practitioners. Compiled by Xie Zhikui. Consultant: Zeng Weiqi. Translated by John Moffett. Drawings by Xie Zhikun. Photography by Zhan Feng. Beijing, Foreign Languages Press, 1990. 405 pages. ISBN: 7119008307. An essential study of broadsword for wushu performers. Sword techniques: pp. 53-119. Individual routines and two person performance routines. VSCL.

The Complete Taiji Dao. "The Art of the Chinese Saber. By Zhang, Yun. Blue Snake Books, 2009. 464 pages. ISBN:1583942270. "This is a very complete book about the Chinese saber, or Dao. It presents the history, mechanics, skills and philosophy of Taiji Dao. There is a detailed description of the traditional Taiji Dao form, including applications for combat with many photos. There are descriptions and photos of two-handed Dao skills and fighting skills training. There are over 1,000 photos. Paperback. 427 pp. 8 X 10." "The Complete Taiji Dao introduces the principles and practice of Taiji Dao and provides illustrated discussions of the history of Chinese swords. The book covers the history and features of the dao; the Taiji principles from which Taiji Dao practice derives; the basic skills and techniques of the art; detailed descriptions and photographs of the traditional Taiji Dao form; and Taiji Dao fighting principles and training methods. Broad in scope and detailed in its presentation of the principles and practice of Taiji Dao, The Complete Taiji Dao represents a significant contribution to the field of traditional Chinese weapons practice." VSCL.

Tai Chi Broadsword. UTube Video, 2006, 3:21 minutes. Demonstrated by Master Ma Chunxi 馬春喜, Henan. If you want to see a beautiful and inspiring broadsword performances, watch Madame Master Ma Chunxi. The setting is in a park on a day in early spring day, and the music is perfect. A flawless performance! Not Chen Taiji ... but watch anyway.

Taiji Single Broadsword and Taiji Pole. Demonstration and instruction by Chen Qingzhou. Instructional DVD. 49 minutes, color. ISBN: 7887212545. Chinese narration with Chinese or English subtitles. ISRC: CN-M23-04-0060--O/V.G8. Published by People's Sports Video Publishing House. VSCL.

Traditional Chen Family Tai Chi Broadsword. Instructional videotape or DVD by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. 70 minutes. Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's Tai Chi Videos. He teaches the 23 movement form developed by Chen Zhaopei in 1933. "By Jiang Jian-ye. This classic weapon routine enhances fajin, relaxed explosive release of force, and silk reeling energy. Jiang, who studied intensively in China, demonstrates the 23-movement form from the back at the beginning of the tape and multiple times, back and front, at the conclusion. Teaching of the movements uses multiple repetitions and camera angles an reviews of segments. 70 Min. $39.95." - Wayfarer Catalog. Traditional Chen Family Tai Chi Broadsword. Instruction and demonstration by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. Available in VHS and DVD media formats. 70 minutes. Shifu Jiang demonstrates and carefully and slowly teaches the 23 movement form. He teaches the form in a step-by-step and movement by movement manner. Each movement is repeated from 3-5 times, slowly and at normal speed. Each movement is show from front, back and side views. Jiang's Tai Chi Videos. VSCL.

Taiji Broadsword. Demonstration by Master Chen Zhenglei 陳正雷 - 陳式單刀. UTube Video, 2006, 0:37.

Single Broadsword Form (Dan Dao)
Chen Style of Taijiquan, 23 Movement Routine
List of Movement Names and/or Descriptions

This 23 Movement Single Broadsword (Dao) Form was Created by Chen Zhaopei (1893-1972),
18th Generation Chen Style Taijiquan Grandmaster, in the 1930's.

Starting Form [CZ]
Opening [CXW]
Preparatory Form
Preparation Form [DSVS]
Opening Movement [MC]
Beginning [XQSD]
Commencement [TW]
Opening Form [CDW]
Opening [GM]
Opening Form [JT]
Preparation and Opening of the the Broadsword Form [MG]
Dan Dao Qi Shi, Chih Shih (Ch.)
Préparation et Ouverture la de la Forme de Sabre (Fr.)
Vorbereitung und Öffnung des Säbel-Programms (Gr.)
Preparación y Abertura el Rutina del Sable (Sp.)

Heart Protecting Broadsword [CZ]
Broadsword Protects the Heart [CXW]
Protect the Heart [DSVS, MC, TW]
Saber Protects the Heart [CDW]
Protecting Heart Knife [XQSD]
Broadsword Protects the Heart [GM]
Broadsword Protecting Heart [JT]
The Broadsword Protects the Heart [MG]
Hu Xin Dao (Ch.)
Sabre Protège le Coeur (Fr.)
Der Säbel Schützt das Herz (Gr.)
El Sable Protege el Corazón (Sp.)

Green Dragon Comes Out of Water [CZ, GM,JT]
Green Dragon Emerges from the Water [CSW, MC,TW]
Green Dragon Out of Water [DSVS]
Green Dragon Comes Out of Water [XQSD]
The Blue-Green (Azure) Dragon Comes Out of the Waters [CDW]
The Green Dragon Emerges from the Water [MG]
Qing Long Chu Shui, Qin Lung Choo Shui (Ch.)
Le Dragon Vert Émerge de L'eau (Fr.)
Der Grüne Drache Taucht vom Wasser auf (Gr.)
El Dragón Verde Emerge del Agua (Sp.)
青龍出水 : Green Dragon Emerges from the Water
青龙出水 : Green Dragon Comes Out of the Water, Qing Long Chu Shui

The Wind Scattering the Broken Flowers [CZ]
Wind Rolls Wildflowers [MC]
Wind Blows the Flowers [DSVS]
The Wind Scatters the Flowers [TW]
The Wind Whirls the Withered Flowers [GM]
Whirlwind Withers the Flowers [CDW]
Whirlwind Scatters Clouds [XQSD]
Wind Scatters the Flower Peteals [JT]
The Wind Blows the Withered Flowers [MG]
Feng Juan Chan Hua, Feng Juan Can Hua, Feng Juan San Yun (Ch.)
Le Vent Souffle les Fleurs Défraîchies (Fr.)
Der Wind Brennt die Verwelkten Blumen Durch (Gr.)
El Vento Sopla las Flores Marchitadas (Sp.)

The White Cloud Right Over Head [CZ]
White Cloud Covers Head [MC]
White Cloud Covers Roof [DSVS]
White Cloud Covers the Mountain Top [TW]
White Clouds Cover the Head [GM]
White Clouds Overhead [CDW]
White Clouds Cover Peak [XQSD]
White Clouds Cover the Peak [CXW]
White Clouds Overhead [JT]
The White Clouds Move Overhead [MG]
Bai Yun Gai Ding (Ch.)
Le Mouvement Blanc De Nuages Aérien (Fr.)
Die Weiße Wolken Bewegung Obenliegend (Gr.)
El Movimiento Blanco de las Nubes de Arriba (Sp.)

The Black Tiger Searches the Mountains [CZ]
Black Tiger Searches the Mountains [CXW, MC7, JT, CDW]
Black Tiger Searching the Mountain [DSVS]
Black Tiger Seeks the Mountain [XQSD]
Black Tiger Searches in the Mountains [GM,TW]
The Black Tiger Searches the Mountains [MG]
Hei Hu Sou Shan (Ch.)
Le Tigre Noir Recherche les Montagnes (Fr.)
Der Schwarze Tiger Sucht die Berge (Gr.)
El Tigre Negro Busca las Montañas (Sp.)

Suquin Carries the Sword on His Back [CZ]
Sun Qin Carries Saber on Back [MC8,TW]
Shu Qin Carries the Sword on His Back [DSVS]
Su Chin Backs Up His Sword [XQSD]
Su-Chin Bears Sword [CXW, CDW, GM]
Suquin Carries Sword on Shoulder [JT]
Sun Qin Carries the Sword on His Back [MG]
Su Chin Bei Jian, Su Gin Bei Qian (Ch.)
Sun Qin Rapporte le Sabre sur le Sien (Fr.)
Sun Qin Bringt den Säbel auf Seinem Zurück (Gr.)
Sun Qin Lleva el Sable en el Suyo Detrás (Sp.)

Golden Cock Stands on One Leg [CZ]
Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg [CXW, GM, XQSD, DSVS, CDW, JT, MG]
Jin Jidu Li, Jin Ji Du Li (Ch.)
Le Coq d'or se Tient sur une Jambe (Fr.)
Der Goldene Hahn Steht auf einem Bein (Gr.)
El Gallo de Oro Está Parado en una Pierna (Sp.)
金鸡独立 : Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg : Jin Ji Du Li

Roll and Close to the Coming Force [CZ]
Tumble from Wind [MC9]
Tumble Away from the Wind [TW]
Rolling Away From the Wind [DSVS, JT]
Rolling Away from the Blade [CXW, CDW, GM]
Fluttering Wind Cuts Grass   [XQSD]
Rolling Away from the Wind [MG]
Ying Feng Gun Bi, Yin Feng Jan Cao (Ch.)
Roulement Loin du Vent (Fr.)
Rollen Weg vom Wind   (Gr.)
El Rodar Lejos del Viento (Sp.)

Horizontally Cut the White Snake's Waist [CZ]
Chop White Snake at the Waist [MC10]
Cut White Snake Body [DSVS]
Cut the White Snake at the Waist [CXW, CDW, GM]
Waist Slash Kills White Snake   [XQSD]
Waist Chop at the White Snake [TW]
Cut the White Snakes Middle [JT]
Waist Chops White Snake
Slice the White Snake in Two [MG]
Yao Zhan Bai She, Yo Jan Bai She (Ch.)
Découpez le Serpent Blanc dans Deux (Fr.)
Schneiden Sie die weiße Schlange in Zwei (Gr.)
Rebane la Serpiente Blanca en Dos (Sp.)

Three Rings Surrounding the Sun (I) [CZ]
Three Rings Surround the Sun (II) [CZ, JT]
Three Rings Surround the Sun (III) [CZ]
Three Rings Around the Sun [DSVS]
Sun Links Three Rings [MC11]
Three Rings Circle Sun [XQSD]
The Sun Revolves Three Circles [CXW]
The Sun Revolves Three Times [TW]
Sun Revolves Three Cycles
The Sun Braces Three Rings [CDW, GM]
The Sun Revolves Three Circles
Three Rings Around the Sun [MG]
Ti Tao San Huan, Ri Tao San Huan, Jir To San Wan (Ch.)
Trois Anneaux Autour du Soleil (Fr.)
Drei Ringe um die Sonne (Gr.)
Tres Anillos Alrededor del Sol (Sp.)

Dispel the Clouds and See the Sun [CZ, JT]
Move the Clouds to See the Sun [DSVS]
Part Clouds to Gaze at Sun [MC6]
Part the Clouds to See the Sun [TW]
Dispel Clouds, Gaze at the Moon [XQSD]
Scatter the Clouds and See the Sun [CXW, GM, CWD]
The Clouds Scatter and Reveal the Sun [MG]
Bo Yun Wang Ri, Boh Yun Wan Yuea (Ch.)
L'éparpillement de Nuages et Indiquent le Soleil (Fr.)
Die Wolken Streuung und decken die Sonne auf (Gr.)
La Dispersión de las Nubes y Revela el Sol (Sp.)

Beat Grass to Look for the Snake on the Left [CZ]
Fan Grass to Search for the Snake (Left) [MC]
Separate the Grass to Look for the Snake, Left   [CXW]
Separate the Weed on the Left Side to Search for the Snake [CDW]
Beat Grass to Find Snake (Left) [DSVS]
Beat Grass to Look for Snake, Left [JT]
Part the Grass to Look for the Snake on the Left [TW]
Left/Right Part Grass to Look for Snake   [XQSD]
Separate the Weed to Seek the Snake (Left) [GM]
Grass Hides the Snake (Left)
Beat the Grass to Search for the Snake on the Left [MG]
Zuo Bo Cao Xun She, Tso Yo Boh Tsao Shun She

Parting the Grass Looking for Snakes
Bo Cao Xun She (Ch.)
Séparation de L'herbe Recherchant des Serpents (Fr.)
Trennung des Grases, das nach Schlangen Sucht (Gr.)
Separación de la Hierba que Busca Serpientes (Sp.)
龙行势 : Looking in the Grass for Snakes
寻找蛇在草

Beat Grass to Look for the Snake on the Right [CZ]
Fan Grass to Search for the Snake (Right) [MC]
Separate the Grass to Look for the Snake, Right [CXW]
Beat Grass to Find Snake (Right) [DSVS]
Beat Grass to Look for Snake, Right
Separate the Weed on the Right Side to Search for the Snake [CDW]
Beat Grass to Look for the Snake on the Right
Part the Grass to Look for the Snake on the Right [TW]
Left/Right Part Grass to Look for Snake [XQSD]
Separate the Weed to Seek the Snake (Right) [GM]
Grass Hides the Snake (Right)
Beat the Grass to Search for the Snake on the Right [MG]
You Bo Cao Xun She, Tso Yo Boh Tsao Shun She

Green Dragon Comes Out of Water [CZ, GM]
Green Dragon Emerges from the Water [CXW, MC,TW]
Green Dragon Out of Water [DSVS]
Green Dragons Comes Out of Water [XQSD, JT]
The Green Dragon Emerges from the Water [MG]
Qing Long Chu Shui, Qin Lung Choo Shui (Ch.)
Le Dragon Vert Émerge de L'eau (Fr.)
Der Grüne Drache Taucht vom Wasser auf (Gr.)
El Dragón Verde Emerge del Agua (Sp.)
青龍出水 : Green Dragon Emerges from the Water
青龙出水 : Green Dragon Comes Out of the Water, Qing Long Chu Shui

The Wind Scattering the Broken Flowers [CZ]
Wind Rolls Wildflowers [MC]
Wind Blows the Flowers [DSVS]
Wind Whirls the Withered Flowers [GM]
Whirlwind Withers the Flowers [CXW]
The Wind Scatters the Flowers [TW]
The Wind Scatters the Flower Parts [JT]
Whirlwind Scatters Clouds [XQSD]
The Wind Blows the Withered Flowers [MG]
Feng Juan Chan Hua, Feng Juan Can Hua, Feng Juan San Yun (Ch.)
Le Vent Souffle les Fleurs Défraîchies (Fr.)
Der Wind Brennt die Verwelkten Blumen Durch (Gr.)
El Vento Sopla las Flores Marchitadas (Sp.)

The Wild Goose Inserts Golden Wings [CZ]
Bird Departs on Golden Wings [MC]
Swallow Separates Its Golden Wings [CDW, GM]
Swallow Parts Golden Wings [XQSD]
The Bird Leaves a Golden Wing [TW]
Wild Goose Closes Golden Wings [JT]
Wild Goose Opens Wings [DSVS]
Goose Separates Its Golden Wings [CXW]
The Wild Goose Opens Its Wings [MG]
Yan Bie Jin Chi, Yen Bien Jin Shir (Ch.)
L'Oie Sauvage Ouvre Ses Ailes (Fr.)
Die Wilde Gans Öffnet Seine Flügel (Gr.)
El Ganso Salvaje Abre Sus Alas (Sp.)

Yecha Searches the Sea [CZ]
Ye Cha Explores the Sea [MC, TW]
Flesh Eating Demon Explores the Sea [CXW, CDW, GM]
Ye Cha Searches the Ocean  [DSVS]
Yecha Searches the Sea [JT]
Night Demon Searches Sea   [XQSD]
Flesh Eating Evil Demon: Yecha, Yaksha, Ye Cha, Na Zha, Yaocha
Ferocious Dragon Searches the Ocean
The Night Demons Search the Sea [MG]
Na Zha Tan Hai, Ye Cha Tan Hai (Ch.)
Les Démons de Nuit Recherchent la Mer (Fr.)
Die Nachtdämonen Suchen das Meer (Gr.)
Los Demonios de la Noche Buscan el Mar (Sp.)
哪吒探海 : Naza Explores the Sea Bottom
夜邪魔探索海

Turn Over Body Leftward to Cut [CZ]
Turn Over and Chop (Left) [MC]
Separate Limbs to Expose Body and Chop (Left) [GM]
Left Turning the Body to Cut [DSVS]
Turn Body and Chop on the Left [TW]
Left Rolling Body Chopping
Turn Body Leftward to Cut [JT]
Overturn Body and Chop (Jump High) [XQSD]
Turn Left to Chop [CXW, CDW]
Turning the Body to the Left to Cut
Turn Left to Chop [MG]
Zuo Fan Shen Kan (Ch.)
Tournez-vous à Gauche Vers le Coup de Hache (Fr.)
Wenden Sie nach Links an Hieb (Gr.)
Dé Vuelta a la Izquierda a la Tajada (Sp.)

Turn Over Body Rightward to Cut [CZ]
Turn Over and Chop (Right) [MC]
Separate Limbs to Expose Body and Chop (Right) [GM]
Right Turning the Body to Cut [DSVS]
Right Rolling Body Chopping
Turn Body and Chop Again
Turn Body Rightward to Cut [JT]
Turn Body and Chop on the Right [TW]
Turn Right to Chop [CXW, CDW]
Turning the Body to the Right to Cut
Turn Right to Chop [MG]
You Fan Shen Kan, Fan Xin Kan, Hei Xin Zai Kan (Ch.)
Tournez-vous à Droite Vers le Coup de Hache (Fr.)
Wenden Sie nach Rechts an Hieb (Gr.)
Dé Vuelta a la Derecha a la Tajada (Sp.)

White Snake Spits Out Its Tongue [CZ, CXW]
White Snake Spits Tongue [JT]
White Snake Spits Its Tongue [DSVS, GM]
Waist Slash Kills White Snake   [XQSD]
White Snake (Thrusts) Spits Its Tongue [CDW]
White Snake Flicks Tongue  [MC]
White Snake Flips Tongue [TW]
The White Snake Spits Out Its Tongue [MG]
Bai She Tu Xin, Yo Jan Bai She (Ch.)
Le Serpent Blanc Crache Hors de Sa Langue (Fr.)
Weiße Schlange Spuckt aus Seiner Zunge (Gr.)
La Serpiente Blanca Escupe Fuera de Su Lengüeta (Sp.)

Holding the Moon in the Arms [CZ]
Embrace Moon to Chest [MC]
Embracing the Moon [CXW, GM, CDW]
Holding the Moon [DSVS]
Chest Within Embraces the Moon [TW]
Embrace the Moon [XQSD]
Holding the Moon in the Arms [JT]
Embrace the Moon [MG]
Huai Zhong Bao Yue, Wai Jung Bao Yue
Holding the Moon in the Arms
Huai Zhong Bao Yue (Ch.)
Tenir la Lune dans les Bras (Fr.)
Umklammern des Mondes zum Busen (Gr.)
Sostener la Luna en Los Brazos (Sp.)
懷中抱月 : Clasp the Moon to the Bosom

Finishing Form [CZ]
Closing Form [CXW, DSVS, JT,CDW]
Closing [GM]
Close Form [XQSD]
Conclusion
Ending the Broadsword Form [MG]
Dan Dao Shou Si, Shou Shih (Ch.)
Fin de la Forme de Sabre (Fr.)
Ende der Säbel-Form (Gr.)
Terminar la Forma del Sable (Sp.)

Sources for Names and/or Descriptions of the 23 Movements
Of the Chen Style of Taijiquan Single Broadsword (Dan Dao) Form

[CZ] Chen Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword. By Chen Zenglei. Translated by Zhang XinHu, Chen Bin, Xu Hailiang, and Gregory Bissell. Tai Chi Centre, 2003. 367 pages. ISBN: 7534823218. The 23 movement broadsword form is described in detail, with many black and white photographs, on pages 322-360. According to Chen Zenglei, the 23 Movement Chen Taiji Broadsword form was created by Chen Zhaopei in the 1930's.

[DSVS] Chen Style Taijiquan: The Source of Taiji Boxing. By Davidine Siaw-Voon Sim and David Gaffney. Berkeley, CA, North Atlantic Books, 2002. Index, charts, 224 pages. ISBN: 1556433778. Information on pages: 178-181. According to these two authors, the 23 Movement Chen Taiji Broadsword routine was created by Chen Zhaopei in the 1930's.

[MC] Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan. By Mark Chen. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 2004. Appendices, notes, bibliography, 246 pages. ISBN: 155643488X. Information on pages: 230-233.

[TW] Tony Wong (Wong Wai Yi Tony) is a Chen Taijiquan teacher and advanced student of Grandmaster Chen Qingshou

Disclaimer

Warning: Practicing with Sword Weapons Can Be a Dangerous Activity for Adults. Please Use Caution!

"One of the short weapon forms of Chen Taijiquan, the broadsword form encompassed just thirteen movements prior to the 1930's. Between 1930 to 1938, eighteenth-generation Chen style master Chen Zhaopei taught Taijiquan at the famous Nanjing Central Kuoshu Institute. Feeling that the form was too short, he added an additional nine movements, creating the form practiced in Chenjiagou [Chen Villiage] today. Even with the extra movements, the Chen Taijiquan Single Broadsword form is a very short and dynamic routine. In character, this weapon is often likened to a fierce tiger, with each movement being more direct and obvious than the straight sword."
- Davidine Siaw-Voon Sim and David Gaffney, Chen Style Taijiquan, 2002, pp. 178.

"Laojia Chen style Taijiquan features one major broad sword (knife) form, consisting of 23 postures. The 13 techniques found in the form include chopping, chopping with the back, crossing, cutting, dodging, flicking, hanging, intercepting, lifting, piercing, splitting, sweeping, and ward-off. It stresses the coordination of hands, eyes, body and footwork. Originally, the form comprised of 14 postures, and was expanded to 23 by the noted Master Chen Zhao Pei in the 1930s."
- Broadsword - Dao, Chen Style Taijiquan

    "The Chen-style Single Broadsword Routine is a kind of the Chen-style Taiji short weapons. There are thirteen movement in the routine, so it is called the 'thirteen broadswords.' From 1930 to 1938, the famous Taijiquan master, the Chen-Family descendent of the eighteenth generation, Chen Zhaopei had added nine movements at the basic of original routine during teaching Taijiquan in Nanjing city. So it became the popular Taiji Single Broadsword routine in Chenjiagou village.
    The Chen-style Taiji Single Broadsword routine is short and refined, the usages of the forms are clear. There are thirteen kinds of rolling, closing, pricking, blocking, cutting, hacking, scooping, cross-cutting, twisting, shaking, supporting, slicing and tilting. They really reflect the characteristics of the Chen-style Taiji Single Broadsword, combining hardness and softness in harmony, equaling stress the quickness and slowness, dodging and transfers, relaxing and nimble, springing and shaking, sticking to each other without being separated, twine to neutralize the force. It remains the momentum of liking a fierce tiger and cutting forcefully to the Hua Mountain. It's short weapon, but it can be used as a long weapon."
-   Chen Zenglei, Chen Style Taijiquan, Sword and Broadsword, 2003, p. 322

"Kinetic movements (meaning, again, movements that depend on momentum) must be trained at speed. Any time you have a weapon in your hands that swings or spins, you must actually swing it or spin it in order to learn its behavior. If you try to practice it slowly, you will not receive feedback from the weapon's own kinetic properties, and will consequently never learn how to exploit them. Without kinetic training, you will always be fighting the weapon. In certain situations, you need to wield your own body kinetically. Chen Taiji's Second Form (Cannon Bashing) is designed for exactly that purpose. Any movement in which you sweep, leap, close quickly with the opponent, change orientation in mid-air, or swing around to attack from a different direction must similarly be trained at speed. These are all movements that exploit the body's mass and momentum."
- Mark Chen, Old Frame Chen Family Taijiquan, p. 86

Complete Performance of the Chen Style Taijiquan Broadsword Form
Time	Performer	Source
0:37	Chen Zhenglei	Taiji Broadsword UTube Video, 2006.
1:11	Jesse Tsao	Chen Style Single Broadsword. Instructional DVD.
0:51	Chen Qingzhou	Taiji Single Broadsword and Taiji Pole. Instructional DVD.
1:31	Jiang Jian-ye	Chen Tai Chi Broadsword. Instructional DVD.






	Average Performance Time

If you are fortunate enough to be working directly with a Taijiquan instructor in a group class or in private lessons, then listen carefully to your instructor, carefully repeat the movements as they are taught to you, and practice on a daily basis.

Many Taijiquan enthusiasts live in areas where there are no Taijiquan sword instructors. Fortunately, however, in the contemporary "Electronic Age," we have an ample number of very useful options and resources to help us continue our study and progress in learning Taijiquan. There are many fine Taijiquan master teachers who have worked diligently to develop, produce, and publish instructional DVDs or instructional videotapes for us to use. Also, there are numerous print publications and websites for us to utilize.

I have not been able to review all the resources available that provide instructions and/or demonstrations of the Chen Taiji Broadsword Form; but, I have seen, studied and reviewed quite a few of these resources.

1. Chen Style Single Broadsword. Instruction by Master Jesse Tsao. Sample Instructional DVD and VHS formats, 50 minutes. $39.95 US. "This routine is short and refined with clear applications. It reflects the characteristics of Chen Style Tai Chi, combining softness with hardness and slowness with quickness; dodging and yielding with agile movements, cutting and hacking with great speed. Master Tsao presents demonstrations both in front and back view of the whole routine. He teachers step-by-step in slow motion, in English. There are plenty of repetitions in both front and back view in his detailed teaching." Each movement is taught in detail with front and side views. Nice lush backyard setting for instruction. Good sound and volume. The form is taught in 4 lessons of about six movements per lesson. After each lesson the movements are shown multiple times, from different angles including back views, in normal and slow speeds, in a nice setting by the ocean. The entire form is demonstrated in normal and slow speeds. VSCL.

2. Chen Tai Chi Broadsword Form. Instructional DVD by Sifu Ken Gullettee. 1 DVD, NTSC format, 65 minutes. Moline, Illinois, Internal Fighting Arts, 2008. "Sifu Gullette takes you into the Chen Tai Chi Broadsword Form in a way that no other DVD or VCD does. Ken's experience with the broadsword, both as a tournament champion and teacher, adds a new level of information that martial artists around the world have come to expect from him. For centuries, this form had only 13 movements. In the 1930's Chen Zhaopei added 9 more to create the form that's practiced today by the Chen family. This is the form that Sifu Gullette learned from Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang's students, Master Ren Guangyi and disciples Jim and Angela Criscimagna. In this DVD, you'll see the complete form with front and rear views. You'll get individual instruction on each movement in the form--step by step--with an emphasis on the internal body mechanics. You'll also learn the fighting applications for each movement. In a special section, you'll also learn basic broadsword techniques that can be used in any style of martial arts -- blocks, deflections, cutting techniques, stances, plus you'll learn how to use a scabbard in combat."

3. Chen Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword. By Chen Zhenglei. Translated by Zhang XinHu, Chen Bin, Xu Hailiang, and Gregory Bissell. Tai Chi Centre, 2003. 367 pages. ISBN: 7534823218. $39.95 US. This book is in English. Detailed descriptions, with photographs, of the first form, sword form and broadsword form. An excellent companion to Chen Zenglei's instructional DVDs, with English narration. Review by Herbert O. Rich: "This is the first translated volume of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei's three-volume set entitled "A Compendium of Taiji Boxing and Weapons". Chen Zhenglei is famed as a 19th generation Grandmaster of traditional Chen Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan). He is known to Taijiquan enthusiasts the world over for his skill and ability in teaching. This book is a detailed instruction manual for the basic set (or form) of the Laojia ("old frame") Chen style, as well as the single broadsword and straight sword forms. Profusely illustrated, it describes basic theory, physical requirements, postural movements, Qi circulation, and self defense applications for each of the postures of the form." The 23 movement broadsword form is described in detail, with many black and white photographs, on pages 322-360. VSCL.

4. Chen Style Taiji Single Broadsword and Chen Style Taiji Double Broadsword. Demonstration and instructional by Chen Zhenglei. Language: Mandarin Chinese, with Chinese subtitles. It says you can get subtitles in English on DVD, but there is no English voiceover. Published by People's Sports Video Publishing House, Bejing, China. VCD (ISBN 788721035600) and DVD (788721064X). The DVD had no detailed menu: just two choices. "The Chen Style Taiji Broadsword is one of the short weapons used in the Chen style taiji. The routine of broadsword play has 13 movements, so called the thirteenth broadsword. This is a short form with good, solid Single Broadsword basics which include: close, thrust, block, chop, cut, intercept, twine, slice, parry and raise. This version shows characteristic Chen timing, reeling, softness and stepping. Played lightly for a Single Broadsword but within the scope of Tai Chi's flavor." Vendor 1 Vendor 2: Turtle Press. Each movement is explained in Chinese, with English subtitles (if you can get it to work) and demonstrated.

5. Traditional Chen Family Tai Chi Broadsword. Instructional videotape or DVD by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. 70 minutes. Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's Tai Chi Videos. He teaches a 23 movement form. "By Jiang Jian-ye. This classic weapon routine enhances fajin, relaxed explosive release of force, and silk reeling energy. Jiang, who studied intensively in China, demonstrates the 23-movement form from the back at the beginning of the tape and multiple times, back and front, at the conclusion. Teaching of the movements uses multiple repetitions and camera angles an reviews of segments. 70 Min. $39.95." - Wayfarer Catalog.

6. Chen Style Taijiquan Broadsword. By Michael P. Garofalo. This webpage includes a detailed bibliography, links, resources, reviews of materials, a list of the movement names used by various teachers of the 23 Chen Taiji broadsword form, online video links, time of performance records, recommended study materials, and the learning notes of the author. 2007-2010. 80Kb.

Disclaimer

Warning: Practicing with Sword Weapons Can Be a Dangerous Activity for Adults. Please Use Caution!

Red Bluff, Tehama County, North Sacramento Valley, Northern Central California, U.S.A.
Cities in the area: Oroville, Paradise, Durham, Chico, Hamilton City, Orland, Willows, Corning,
Rancho Tehama, Los Molinos, Tehama, Proberta, Gerber, Manton, Cottonwood,
Anderson, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, and Redding, CA, California.

Chen Taijiquan Broadsword (Saber, Dao) 23 Movement Form
Chen Tai Chi Chuan Broadsword (Saber, Dao) 23 Movement Form
List Movements, Sequence List, Listing of Movements, Order of Movements
Chen Style Taiji, Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan Broadsword (Saber, Dao, Dan Dao) 23 Movement Form
Chen Tai Chi Chuan Broadsword (Saber, Dan Dao, Dao) 22, 23, 24 Movement Form
Chen Taiji, Chen Taijiquan Broadsword (Saber, Dan Dao, Dao) 22, 23, 24 Movement Form
Tai Chi Chuan Chen Style Broadsword (Saber, Dan Dao, Dao) 22, 23, 24 Movement Form
Taiji, Taijiquan Chen Style Broadsword (Saber, Dan Dao, Dao) 22, 23, 24 Movement Form
Broadsword (Saber, Dan Dao, Dao) Tai Chi Chuan Taiji Taijiquan 22, 23, 24 Movement Form
Mike Garofalo's Taiji (Taijiquan, Tai Chi Chuan) Broadsword Guides, Bibliographies, Resource Lists
Mike Garofalo Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) Research, Guides, Lists, Instructions
Da Dao means big knife, i.e., a single edged broad sword type weapon. It is a long handled sword.
Dan Dao Qi Shi means opening the routine in the Chen family style Taijiquan broadsword form.
Chen Da Dao, Chen Dan Dao, Chen Taijiquan Da Dao, Dan Dao, Broadsword
Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan Taijiquan Da Dao, Dan Dao, Broadsword, Saber Form Routine

"Dao means a broadsword. They sometimes have a ring pommel with a scarf tied through it. The Taiji Dao has an S-shaped guard used to catch opponent's swords. The Taiji dao has a hand-and-a-half handle. This sword is also known as Shisanshi Dao, 13 dao. Another variation of the dao is the Jia Dao which has a straighter blade. The Jia Dao has a one hand length handle. The thirteen techniques of Taiji quan broadsword are cutting (kan), mincing (duo), rowing (hua), poking (jie), scraping (gua), flicking (liao), stabbing (zha), chopping (pi), fanning (san), blocking (fan), sliding (wan), twirling (liao), and slicing (che)." Glossary

Bibliography	Links	Chen Blog
Short 18 Form	Old Frame, First Form	Old Frame Second Form
Sword	Staff	Saber
Spear	Pole	Ruler
Standing	Silk Reeling	Ball
Qigong	Internal Training	Relaxation
Cloud Hands Blog	Cloud Hands Website	Cloud Hands Index
Yang Style Taiji	Green Way Research	Valley Spirit Center
Mike's Notebook	Chen Taiji Quotations	Home