Cloud Hands Homepage
太極刀
Dao
Saber, Broadsword, Don-Dau,
Tou
Falchion, Long Knife, Machete, Sabre
Single Edged,
Curved, Chinese Broadsword
Willow Leaf, Goose Quill and Guan Dao, and Ox Tail Sabers
Chen Taijiquan Dao, Yang Taijiquan Dao, Wushu Competition
Dao
Bibliography, Links,
Resources
Alphabetical Index to the Cloud Hands Website
Bagua Broadsword.
Instructional videotape by Jiang Jian-ye. 70 minutes.
Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos.
BaGua Saber.
By Guo Zhen-Ya. Translated by Joseph Crandall. 40 pages.
Basic Broadsword. By Master Mark. This official form of the Chinese Physical Culture and Sports Commission incorporates the most basic and important broadsword techniques. Its step by step presentation makes it a fundamental text in the study of weaponry. Book of 96 pages, 190 photographs. CWRI Tai Chi Arts Association.
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.
Yang Jun
Broadsword - Chen Style Taijiquan
Broadsword:
Chinese Weapon of Self-Defense. By Eric Lee. Burbank,
CA, Ohara Publications, 1988. 159 pages. ISBN:
0897501195.
Broadsword (Dao): Techniques and Energies
Broadsword: Yang
Style Taijiquan
Butterfly
Swords History of the saber, chopper, hand broadsword,
etc.
Chang Yiu-Chun's
Broadsword. By Erle Montaigue. 17Kb. A instructional
VHS videotape of this 40 movement form is available.
Chen Style Taijiquan Broadsword: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Lists,
Quotes
Erle Montaigue
Chen Broadsword - Google Links
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.
George Xu
Chen Broadswords and Sword Videotapes. By Chen Xiaowang. Double broadsword, and Taiji Dadao.
Chen Xiaowang
Chen
Family Taiji Weapons Forms Names
Chen Green Dragon Crescent Moon Broadsword
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 Saber, Old Frame, List of
Postures/Movements
Chen Style
Taijiquan Broadsword
Chen Style Taijiquan Orothdox Broadsword and Pole. DVD in Chinese with
English
subtitles.
Chen
Style Taijiquan: Sword and Broadsword. Translated by Chen
Bin. Tai Chi Centre, 2003. 368 pages. ISBN: 7534823218.
"Chen Tai Chi Broadsword." Instructional VHS videotape by George
Xu. He teaches
a 23 posture form created by Chen Zhaokui. 54 minutes. China's
Living Treasures
Series, Number 50.
Chen Spring/Autumn Large Broadsword.
Instructional videotape by Jiang Jian-ye.
114 minutes. Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos.
He teaches a 30 posture form.
Chen Tai Chi Broadsword.
Instructional videotape by Jiang Jian-ye. 90 minutes.
Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos.
He teaches a 23 movement form.
"Chinese Kung Fu: Tai Chi Sabre for Self Defense." Edited by
Captain Tom Marks,
U. S. Army. Translated by Dominic Liu. Distributed by McLisa
Enterprises, Honolulu,
Hawaii, 1975.
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.
VSCL.
Xie Zhikui
Chinese Weapons. By E. T. C. Werner. Singapore: Graham Brash, 1989. ISBN: 9971491168.
”Classical
Tai Chi Chuan Sword, Taijiquan Jian 55 in the Yang Style: Comparison of Names
or Descriptions for the 55 Movements.” Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California, January 2008.
By Michael P. Garofalo. This document includes a detailed listing of the
names or brief descriptions of the 55 movements of the Classical Taijiquan Straight Sword
Form in the Yang Style of Taijiquan. This document includes names or brief descriptions
for each movement in English, Romanized Chinese (Pinyin and/or Wade Giles),
Chinese characters, Spanish, French, and German. The document
includes source citations and a bibliography. In PDF format, print only,
267Kb,
34 pages:
Webpage:
http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/Classical Taijiquan Yang Sword Form 55 List
Detailed.pdf
Cloud Hands Blog. By Mike Garofalo. Online since 2005.
Comments and Suggestions are Welcome
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.
Concepts, Search Terms, Terminology, Vocabulary:
Boken
(Japanese wooden sword), Budo
(Way of Warrior., Martial Arts - Japanese)
Chinese
Swords, Chinese
Swordsmanship, Dagger, Dai Dao - Hand Broadsword,
Dao (Chinese Broadsword), Falchion, Fencing,
Jian (Chinese Sword),
Iaido
(Japanese art of drawing and striking with sword),
Kendo
(Japanese art of fighting with bamboo swords),
Knife, Saber, Smallsword,
Sword,
Samurai
(Japanese Swordsmen)
Swords, Sun Style Tai Chi Swordsmanship, Swords
- Legends, Swordsmanship,
Rapier,
Tai Chi Swordsmanship, Yang Style
Tai Chi Swordsmanship
'Dao" is the Mandarin Chinese term, 'Tou' the Cantonese Chinese term for
the broadsword
or long knife.
Taiji Dao, Taiji Tao, Taiji Dai Dao.
Dao (Broadsword): Techniques and Energies
Down
Chop Hanging Thrust Broadsword. 1994. VHS videotape. ISBN:
1586570072.
Elementary
Swordplay and Broadsword Play. By Victor Wu. Part of the Chinese Kung Fu Series. Hai Feng Pub. Co., 1984. 135 pages.
ISBN: 9622380263.
Energies and Techniques for the Broadsword (Dao)
European
Swordsmanship: Saber: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Quotes, Notes 180Kb.
Four Families Tai Chi Broadsword.
Demonstration videotape by Jiang Jian-ye.
He demonstrates the Chen, Yang, Wu and Wu/Hao broadsword forms. Includes
a workshop on broadsword techniques. Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos. 90 minutes.
General
Kwan's Legendary Weapon
Goose Quill Saber, Yan Mao Dao: This saber has a blade that is nearly straight
for its entire length except for the tip, which curves slightly upward, with the top
top 6 inches of the back edge sharpened, 26"-30" in length.
Green
Dragon Shading the Moon Broadsword
Hsing-I
Six Harmonies Dao Broadsword. Instructional VHS videotape.
Demonstration by
by Gerald Sharp.
Gerald Sharp
Hunyuan Taiji Dao.
Demonstration by Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang. 38 postures form. VCD
format.
Info on Tai Chi Dao.
By Dave Chesser.
International Center for the
Healing Arts. Port Townsend, WA. Michael
Gilman.
Yang style Taijiquan hand and weapons forms. Instructional
videotapes and DVDs, books,
and numerous excellent on-line classes are offered. Detailed Yang
Dao/Saber/Broadsword form instructions in
38 lessons, and detailed instructions for a two person Yang saber applications form in
22 lessons are both available online.
International
Taiji Sword Festival 2002 DVD format. Directed by Mark
Zimmer. 2002. Great
River Taoist Center. 100 Minutes. ASIN: B0001YINXG. Useful for
those studying the Yang Family Michuan Taiji Jian system and Scott M. Rodell's book. Mr.
Rodell demonstrates
the form. Also includes the "miaodao" form for two-handed
saber.
Introduction to Antique Chinese Swords of the Qing Dynasty Period. By David F. Dolbear. 32Kb. Numerous photographs. Informative
article.
"An Introduction to Chinese Single-Edged Hilt Weapons (Dao) and Their Use
in the Ming and Qing Dynasties". By Philip Tom and
Scott M. Rodell (February 2005). Kung Fu Tai Chi, p. 85
Jian
(Sword) Taijiquan: Bibliography, Links, Instructions, Lists, Resources, Quotes, Notes
Jiang, Jian-ye, Sifu -
Tai Chi Videos. He has prepared numerous useful
instructional videotapes. These videotapes provide step by step instructions, multiple views, repetitions, summaries, and complete demonstrations.
Liang, Qiang-Ya.
Fu Style Internal Martial Arts in Oakland, CA. Saber, sword, bagua, taiji.
Yang Zheng-Duo
The Martial Arts Guide to Ancient Chinese Weapons: An Easy Reference Guide. By Yang, Jwing-Ming. Edited by James C. O'Leary. YMAA Publication Center, 1999. 160 pages. ISBN: 1886969671.
Medieval Chinese Warfare, 300-900. By David A. Graff. London:
Routledge, 2002. ISBN: 0415239559.
Notes on the Development of the
Machete. By Carter Rila. 13Kb.
Old Frame Chen Saber: List of Postures
Old Frame
Chen Saber: List of Postures
Producers and Manufacturers of Sabers
Saber Practice at Lotus
Dragon
Saber, Broadsword (Dao): Techniques and
Energies
Seven Broadsword Forms
Demonstration and Workshop. Presented by Jiang
Jian-ye. Instructional VHS videotape, 91 minutes. Tai Chi, bagua, and xingyi saber
forms. Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos.
Song of
the Taiji Saber Yang Style Taijiquan.
Song of the Taiji
Saber. Yang Style Taijiquan.
Southern Shaolin Broadsword. Comments by Wong Kiew Kit. 23Kb.
Suggestions and Comments are Welcome
Sun Lu Tang's
Internal Martial Arts: Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Taijiquan, and Qigong:
Bibliography, Links, Quotes, Resources, Instructions.
Sun Style of T'ai Chi
Ch'uan: Standard Competition 73 Movements Form. Research by
Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.. Webpage: 450Kb, June 2008. This webpage
includes an introduction, information on the history of the Sun Taijiquan forms, a
detailed bibliography, extensive links, references to video resources, a large
collections of quotations about Sun Taijiquan, recommendations on the best media
resources on the topic, and suggestions for learning the
73 competition Sun Taijiquan form. A detailed comparative list of the names of each
of the 73 movements is
provided, with
source references, and the movement names are given in English, Chinese,
Chinese characters, French, German, and Spanish. This webpage includes detailed
descriptions of each of the 73 movements with black and
white illustrations for each movement sequence along with
commentary and comparisons. Many additional nomenclature lists and section
study charts in the PDF format, photographs and graphics are also provided -
over 1.3 MB of information. This webpage is the most detailed
and complete document on the subject of the Sun Taijiquan Competition 73 Form
available on the Internet. This document was published by Green Way
Research, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California, 2008. URL:
http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/sun73.htm.
Sword Forum International Extensive website with information on the
history and use of
swords around the world in both military and civilian situations.
Sword (Jian) Taijiquan: Bibliography, Links, Lists, Instructions, Resources, Quotes, Notes.
Swordsmanship: Bibliography, Links,
Lists, Resources, Quotes, Notes
Tai Chi Broadsword.
By Paul Zabwodski and Phil Young. Three Part Article:
Part I,
Part II,
Part III. Video.
Tai Chi Broadsword: Early
Heritage of the Tai Chi Saber, Part 1. By Paul Zabwodski
and Phil Young. 13Kb. Part
2: Structure of Short Weapons in Chinese Wushu, 8Kb.
Part 3: Techniques,
Stances, Saber Types; 13Kb.
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 performance, watch
Madame Master Ma Chunxi. The setting is in a park on an early spring
day; and the music is perfect.
Ma Chunxi
Tai Chi Broadsword.
Instructional videotape by Jiang Jian-ye. 55 minutes.
Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos.
He teaches a combination of Yang and Wu style broadsword form in 41 movements.
Tai Cii Broadsword. Instructional VHS videotape by Wong, Doc-Fai of San
Francisco.
39 minutes. A demonstration of the Yang style broadsword.
T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Sword, Saber, Staff and Dispersing-Hands Combined. By
Chen Yen-lin.
Originally published in China in 1932. Based on writings compiled by Wu
Ho-ching who
was a scholar and student of Yang Lu-chan (1799 - 1872). These written
works were obtained by Chen Yen-lin (1906 - ?) from the famous Yang Cheng-fu (1883 -
1936). This book was very popular in China, helped spread the Yang style Tai Chi Chuan
widely, and opened the doors to publishing about internal arts forms. This book
has been compiled and translated by Stuart Alve Olson and published by Dragon Door Publications as the Chen Kung Series, Volumes 1 -5.
Tai Chi
13 Broadsword Techniques. Dark Stream School. This
interesting webpage includes lists, photographs, drills, applications,
techniques, etc. 237 Kb.
"Taiji Dao." By Cai Long-Yun. Demonstration by Fu
Zhong-Wen. Shanghai Yongnian
Taijiquan Association.
Taiji Saber Classical Yang Style. Instructional
DVD, NTSC, color, 60 minutes. Instruction
and demonstration by Yang, Jwing-Ming, Ph.D.. Includes saber qigong,
basic stances, saber drills, Saber Form, and martial applications. YMAA, 2008. ISBN:
9781594391026. VSCL.
Techniques and Energies for the Broadsword (Dao)
Thirteen Taijijian Techniques (13 Tai Chi Sword Techniques). Research by Miichael P.
Garofalo. Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Green Way Research, Red Bluff,
California, 2008. 1. Ji 击 Strike,
hit, break attack, beat, stroke. 2. Ci 刺
Trust, pierce, sting, prick, stab. Ge 割
Cut off, Divide, Block Off, Sever, Quarter, Obstruct, Scroll, Blocking.
4.
Xi
洗 Brush Off, Sweep Away, Wash Off, Clean Off.
5.
Chou
抽 Pull Out, Cut Out, Extract.
6. Dai
带 Deflect, Leading,
Deflecting, Slicing, Lead, Carrying.
7. Ti 提
Upwards Stroke, Lifting Up, Lift, To Carry Up. 8. Dian
点 Point, Dot, Spot, Poke. 9. Peng
迸
Burst Forth,
Split Open, Tipping, Gush Out, Burst, Wardoff. 10.
Pi
劈
Split, Hack, Chop, Split Open, Chopping, Cut Apart, Split,
Splitting. 11. Jie
截
Intercepting, Cut Off, Stop, Obstruct, Cutting, Intercept. 12. Jiao
搅 Stir,
Stirring, Mix, Disturb, Agitate. 13. Ya
搅
Press, Pressing, Press Down, Push Down, Crush, Pressure.
Thirty Two Standard Sword
Form - Yang Style: Bibliography, Links, Instructions, Comparisons
Instructional DVD, NTSC, color, 65 minutes. By Master Jesse Tsao.
San Diego, Tai Chi Healthways. "Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi
Broadsword is a classic routine practiced all over the world. Master Jesse Tsao
shares this routine with you in his signature teaching style: detailed, solid
fundamentals, and insightful understanding in each posture, real live talk
through. Front view demo and instruction followed by back view reviews in each
lesson. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's
teaching preparation. Suggest 30 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner through
Advanced Levels). DVD-R, Disc 2 of 2 (65 minutes), $34.95." VSCL.
Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Broadsword.
Instructional DVD, NTSC, color, 65 minutes. By Master Jesse Tsao.
San Diego, Tai Chi Healthways. "Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi
Broadsword is a classic routine practiced all over the world. Master Jesse Tsao
shares this routine with you in his signature teaching style: detailed, solid
fundamentals, and insightful understanding in each posture, real live talk
through. Front view demo and instruction followed by back view reviews in each
lesson. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's
teaching preparation. Suggest 30 class hours. (Difficulty: Beginner through
Advanced Levels). DVD-R, Disc 2 of 2 (65 minutes), $34.95." VSCL.
Videotapes
and DVDs on Taijiquan
Sword. Wayfarer Catalog. Distributes videotapes
by Jiang Jian-ye and Doc-Fai Wong.
Willow Leaf Saber, Liu Ye Dao:
Wu/HaoTai Chi Broadsword.
Instructional videotape by Jiang Jian-ye. 120 minutes.
Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos.
Sifu Jiang teaches a 54 posture form.
Wu Saber.
VDC, 60 minutes, in Chinese. The 13 Saber Actions are taught by Li Shihfu.
Wu Tai Chi Broadsword.
Instructional videotape by Jiang Jian-ye. 105 minutes.
Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos.
He teaches the traditional 13 posture form.
Videos Online - Taiji Broadsword (Dao,
Saber)
Jet Li with Broadsword.
UTube Video, 2006, 1:26 minutes.
Kathy Yang Tai Chi Broadsword. UTube, 2007, 2:08 minutes.
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!
Wushu Broadsword. UTube Video, 2006, 1:25 minutes. Demonstration by Yuan Wen Qing.
Yang Style Taiji Broadsword Videos Online
Wudang Tai Chi: Swimming Dragon Combat Saber. VCD. People's Gym Press, China.
Xing-Yi Broadsword.
Instructional videotape by Jiang Jian-ye. 100 minutes.
Detailed instructions, repetitions, and demonstrations. Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos.
He teaches a form created by Ji Long Feng.
Xing-Yi Chuan: Weapons, Fan and San Shou.
Demonstrations by Jiang Jian-ye. 90 minutes. Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos. Includes saber form.
Yang
Broadsword - Google Search
Yang Style
Broadsword: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Lists, Quotes, Notes
Yang Style Saber. Instructional videotape by Michael Gilman. The
Gilman Studio
of Tai Chi Chuan, Port Townsend, Washington. From the Mastering Tai Chi
Series.
VHS, 60 minutes. This videotape is intended to be combined with Mr.
Gilman's
very detailed on-line description of the Yang style saber form.
Yang's Style
Tai Chi Broadsword Classic Suite. VCD product with demonstration by
Chang Tsun-Fung.
Yang Style Tai Chi Taiji
Broadsword. Demonstration videotape by Ted Knecht. 30 minutes.
13 Posture Yang Broadsword.
Ted Knecht
Yang Style Tai Chi Dao (Saber, Broadsword). A online course presented by Tai Chi Chuan Gilman Studio. 38 online lessons. Presented by Sifu Michael Gilman.
Yang Style Tai Chi Saber.
By Howard Choy. 15Kb.
Yang Style Tai
Chi Sword and Broadsword. The performance of the Tai Chi falchion
(saber)
and the Tai Chi Swordplay in this DVD is explained and demonstrated by Yang
Zhenduo, the 4th-generation exponent of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan and the routine is
demonstrated by Mr. Yang Jun, the 6th-generation exponent. It is the best model to follow
in learning the play of typical Yang style Tai Chi Falchion and the Tai Chi Swordplay.
Instructional DVD,
63 minutes. English and Chinese soundtrack with subtitles. Available
from Tai Chi Depot.
"Yang Style Taiji Saber - Traditional Form." Instructional
videotape, VHS, 60 Minutes.
Featuring Yang Zhen Dou. Instruction in Chinese by Master Yang Zhen Duo,
assisted
by Yang Jun. Produced by
People's Sports Publication House in China and distributed
exclusively by the United
States Wushu Academy,
Falls Church, VA. Translated by
Christopher Pei.
Yang Style Tai Chi Saber.
Instructional videotape by Sifu Jiang Jian-ye. 120 minutes.
Jiang teaches the 13 posture Yang style saber form.
Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos. This videotape
provides step by step instructions, multiple views, repetitions, summaries, and
a complete demonstration of the form.
Yang
Style Taji Falchion. Presented by Yang Zheng-Duo as well as two
demonstrations of the complete form by Yang Jun. Instructional DVD. Explained
by Yang Zhengduo,
the 4th-generation exponent of Yang style Taijiquan. Includes some
demonstrations by
his grandson, Yang Jun. Explanation in Mandarin by Yang Zhengduo.
Enlish language
voice translation by Christopher Pei. Made in China. 98 minutes, in
color. Distributed by:
Source
1, Source 2, Source
3, Source
4, Source 5.
Yang Zhengduo is the son of
Yang Cheng-Fu; and Yang Jun is the grandson of Yang Zheng-duo.
Yang
Style 39 movement Saber Form. A 60 minute, produced for television VHS tape.
Includes basic indroduction to the saber, applications, solo drills, and a break down of
the form from front and back. Meant as a reference for students and teachers, and to
compliment the Saber CD as a complete course. Video and DVD versions. Also an applications,
two person drill form in DVD and video.
"Yin Style Bagua Large Saber." By Dr. Xie Peiqi.
Demonstration and instructions by
He Jinbao. Instructional DVD, 54 minutes. Plum
Flower Press MGC. This saber
weights seven pounds and is very long. Plum Flower Press offers a
large saber,
balanced by He Jinbao, for sale ($240).
He Jinbao
Yin Yu Zhang's BaGua Zhang By Yin Yu Zhang. Translated by Joseph Crandall. 69 pages. "This is a translation of Yin Yuzhang's two books, Ba Gua Zhang Jian Lun (A Simple Book on Ba Gua Zhang) and Kan Dao Shu Lian Xi Fa (Practice Method ofÊ the Chopping Saber Art). Both of these books were published by the Qingdao Martial Arts School in the 1930's. Yin Yu Zhang is the son of the famous Bagua master Yin Fu."
Return to the Main Index on this Webpage
太極刀
Quotes
Dao, Saber, Don-Dau,
Broadsword,
Falchion
"The single edged, curved bladed dao, or saber, dates from around the 13th
-14th centuries.
The curved blade was introduced to China as a result of the Mongol invasions,
and its popularity is shown by the fact that it had eclipsed the straight bladed jian as the dominant
military side arm from the 15th century onward. The "willow leaf" (liu ye)
dao is an old blade pattern which displays considerable variety in shape and dimensions. Generally averaging about 26 -30
inches in length, its blade curves gently throughout its entire length. The blade may remain
almost the same width for its whole length, or it may gradually taper towards the point. It
often had a sharpened back edge, indicating a higher degree of sophistication in its technical usage.
A military issue weapon, its blade shape, size, types of fittings and ornamentation were regulated by
documented imperial specifications. Each blade size was intended for a
specific military application. For example, a relatively short dao might be used by vanguard troops scaling walls on climbing
ladders, where a long, difficult to draw sword would be awkward to put into use. The willow
leaf saber was almost completely eclipsed by the "oxtail" blade pattern made for civilian
use by the mid 19th century."
- David F. Dolbear, Introduction
to Antique Chinese Swords of the Qing Dynasty Period
"Use the Seven Stars to Ride the Tiger.
Mind raises energy, the Spirit follows.
Soaring up, drawing apart, and expanding with high spirits.
The White Crane spreads it's wings to secretly hide the kicking leg.
The Lotus Flower is hidden among the leaves as the Wind blows.
Push open the Window, turn and lenthen, and look at the Moon.
Look to the left, look to and beware the right, these two
things are separate.
The Fair Lady Weaves with the Shuttle, responding to the eight directions.
Three Stars open and close at their own will.
The Lion wraps around the Ball and rolls it forward.
The Python, who can open the Mountain, turns it's body and moves
forward.
Left, right, high and low, the Butterfly seeks the
flowers.
Turn the body, roll back and slide up like the Wind Mill.
Raise two legs up and jump to Strike the Tiger.
Spread and slant the saber as a Mandarin Duck walking.
Whip the saber like a barge pole, push the Boat, and follow the stream.
The Whip is used like a barge Pole.
Turn the body and divide the hands to jump over the Dragon's Gate.
Use the force to chop the Hua Mountain.
Use the Six Harmonies to carry the Stone.
The Phoenix returns to it's nest."
- Song of the Taiji Saber
"Tai Chi Saber is performed with a special
classical poem. The 13 parts of the form are described in the 13 lines of a
sonnet. The poem conveys a spirit rather than matching up individual postures.
There are many postures named for rare birds, animals, fish, flowers, mountains,
water, fairy tales, and legends. With these beautiful names and imagination, the
practitioner will enter the realm of self-fulfillment and pleasure. It will be a
great benefit for both body and mind.
In the Chinese poem, each line has seven words. These words
are brief, but the meaning is very deep. It contains:
1. Yin and Yang Philosophy
2. Principle of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan
3. Characteristics of Tai Chi Saber
4. Techniques of Tai Chi Saber."
-
Master Yang Zhen Duo
"The single broadsword is usually held in one hand. The other hand
is used simultaneously to make movements of flexion and extension, opening and closing, and covering and
binding in coordination with the broadsword. The main movements of the broadsword
include cutting or
cleaving, chopping, upper cutting, upward parry, stabbing, hacking, thrusting
straight-arm lifting
and overhead blocking. The dominant features of the single broadsword are
fearlessness, agility,
power, indomitable spirit, and good coordination between the broadsword hand and
the free hand,
and between the weapon and the body. Broadsword play can help
practitioners to temper their
careless, stubborn and overconfident spirit. The routines can be easy or
difficult, but the movements
must be continuous and fluently connected. The practitioner must be quick
of eye and deft of hand.
The force must be exerted to the whole blade and reach the point."
- Ms. Dong Wenyu, Basics
of Broadsword Play, p. 5.
"The use of the broadsword or
sabre in Yang style Tai Chi Chuan was primarily introduced by Yan Chien Hou (1839-1917), the second son of Yang Lu Chan. The traditional
progression of Tai Chi Chuan study was to begin with the empty hand forms, then to move onto
two person work (tui shou, da lu, san shou) and finally to the weaponry; sabre
(broadsword), narrow blade sword and spear/staff. ... The modern broadsword has developed from
the traditional weapon into a blade with a single slightly curved cutting edge, the back part of the
blade being the thickest giving it strength for hewing the limbs. Historically the handle of the sabre
was made of wood, sheeps horn, iron and brass. The modern practice sabre is lightweight being from
one to two pounds with a blade length from twenty four to twenty eight inches. The movement
of the broadsword is likened to the antics of a fierce tiger being fast, powerful and
ferocious in character."
- Tai
Chi Broadsword: Early Heritage of the Tai Chi Saber.
Yang Zheng-Duo
Yang Style Tai Chi Saber - Thirteen Movements
1. Seven Stars and Riding a Tiger
2. Soaring, Turning, Dodging and Spreading
3. Glancing to Left and Right
4. White Crane Spreading its Wings
5. The Wind Rolls the Lotus Flowers
6. Jade Lady Working Her Shuttles
7. Opening and Closing of the Body
8. To Kick and Strike the Tiger
9. To Kick like a Mandarin Duck
10. Pushing a Boat Along with the Current
11. Horizontal Coordinated Movements
12. Jumping Up the Dragon Gate
13. Phoenix Returning to Roost
- Howard Choy, Yang
Style Tai Chi Sabre
Chen Style Tai Chi Saber - Twenty Three Movements
1. Preparation and Opening of
the Broadsword Form
2. Broadsword Protects the Heart
3. Green Dragon Emerges from the Water
4. Wind Blows the Flowers
5. White Clouds Move Overhead
6. Black Tiger Searches the Mountains
7. Su Qin Carries the Sword on His Back
8. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg
9. Rolling Away from the Wind
10. Slice the White Snake in Two
11. Three Rings Around the Sun
12. Scatter the Clouds and See the Sun
13. Beat the Grass to Search for the Snake on the Left
14. Beat the Grass to Search for the Snake on the Right
15. Green Dragon Emerges from the Water
16. Wind Blows the Flowers
17. Wild Goose Opens Its Wings
18. Yecha Searches the Sea
19. Turn Left to Chop
20. Turn Right to Chop
21. White Snake Spits Out Its Tongue
22. Embrace the Moon
23. Ending the Broadsword Form
- Chen Style Taijiquan Single
Broadsword (Dao) Routine, Detailed List of 23 Movement Form
"The popular modern version of the sabre or broadsword is
known as the Dau or Don-Dau. Dau means knife, with the sabre actually being a long knife developed from a
agricultural tool.
The Don-Dau's blade is curved and wide, with the sharpest area near the tip. The
back of the blade is thick and blunt and is used for blocking. The average blade length is
from 25 to 30 inches. ,,, The energy behind the sabre comes from the tiger,
hence the famous Chinese saying, 'brandish the sabre like a Tiger pouncing'. The Don-Dao is used to
slice, chop or thrust at middle to close range. The sweeping figure-eight slashes require extreme
shoulder flexibility.
And are commonly known as 'flowers'. They not only act as attacking techniques,
but also, create a barrier around the wielder."
- The Chinese
Broadsword
"In China, Mongol influence lasted long after the collapse of the Yuan dynasty at the hands of the Ming, continuing through both the Ming and the Qing dynasties (the latter itself founded by a steppe people, the Manchu), furthering the popularity of the dao and spawning a variety of new blades. Blades with greater curvature became popular, and these new styles are collectively referred to as pei dao. During the mid-Ming these new sabers would completely replace the jian as a military-issue weapon. The four main types of pei dao are:
yanmao dao, or "goose-quill sabre." This weapon, similar to the earlier zhibei dao, is largely straight, with a curve appearing at the center of percussion near the blade's tip. This allows for thrusting attacks and overall handling similar to that of the jian, while still preserving much of the dao's strengths in cutting and slashing.
liuye dao, the "willow leaf saber." The most common form of Chinese sabre, this weapon features a moderate curve along the length of the blade. This weapon became the standard sidearm for both cavalry and infantry, and is the sort of sabre originally used by many schools of Chinese martial arts.
pian dao, "slashing sabre." A deeply curved dao meant for slashing and draw-cutting, this weapon bears a strong resemblance to the shamshir and scimitar. A fairly uncommon weapon, it was generally used by skirmishers in conjunction with a shield.
niuweidao, the "oxtail sabre." A heavy bladed weapon with a characteristic flaring tip, this is the archetypal "Chinese broadsword" of kung fu movies today. It is first recorded in the early 1800s (the late Qing dynasty) and only as a civilian weapon; there is no record of it being issued to troops, and it does not appear in any listing of official weaponry. Its appearance in movies and modern literature is thus often anachronistic, and it is also sometimes labelled as a willow-leaf sabre.
Besides these four types of dao, the duan dao or "short dao" was also used, this being a compact weapon generally in the shape of a liuye dao. The dadao saw continued use, and during the Ming dynasty the large two-handed changdao and zhanmadao were used both against the cavalry of the northern steppes and the pirates of the southeast coast; these latter weapons would continue to see limited use during the Qing period. Also during the Qing there appear weapons such as the nandao, regional variants in name or shape of some of the above dao, and more obscure variants such as the "nine ringed broadsword," which were likely invented for street demonstrations and theatrical performances rather than for use as weapons.
The Chinese spear and dao (liuyedao and yanmaodao) were commonly issued to infantry due to the expense of and relatively greater amount of training required for the effective use of Chinese straight sword, or jian. Dao can often be seen depicted in period artwork worn by officers and infantry.
During the Yuan dynasty and after, some aesthetic features of
Persian,
Indian, and
Turkish swords would appear on dao. These could include intricate carvings
on the blade and "rolling pearls": small metal balls that would roll along
fuller-like grooves in the blade."
- Dao (Sword) -
Wikipedia
Elementary Single Broadsword Wushu Competition Routine
"Starting Posture
1. Embracing to Attention
2. Point Stance with Embracing and Exposed Palm
Part I
1. Cross Stance and Spin with Forward Slap Kick
2. Turn with Flying Step, Empty Stance with Concealing
3. Bow Stance with Stab
4. Sweep Thrust, Stamp and Push
5. Turn with Vertical Slash, Bow Stance with Slanting Slice
6. Covering Step with Slice, Knee Raise Parry
7. Side Press, Horse Stance with Slice
8. Cross Stance with Binding the Head, Rest Stance with Downward Cut
9. Sweep Thrust, Knee Raise Parry
10. Rest Stance with Downward Stab
11. Turn with Entwining the Head, Mid-air Heel Kick
12. Turn with Bow Stance and Side Parry
Part II
13. Left Side Press, Right Side Press
14. Leap to Cross Stance with Press
15. Turn to Jump, Crouching Stance with Concealing
16. Bow Stance with Stab
17. Entwining the Head with Turn and Inward Kick
18. Covering Step with Slice
19. Rest Stance with Concealing
20. Turn to Kneel Raise with Stab
21. Bow Stance with Concealing, Change Step with Stab
22. T-Stance with Concealing
23. Bow Stance with Chop
24. Knee Raise with Downward Hack"
- Chinese Single Broadsword: A Primer of Basic Skills and Performance Routines for Practitioners. Compiled by Xie Zhikui. p. 153.
Yang Zheng-Duo
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Broadsword
(Dao) Techniques
Taijiquan Broadsword (Dao) Techniques,
Offensive or Defensive Techniques
Chen
Taijiquan, Yang Taijiquan, Wushu Competition
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Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.,
Green Way Research, Valley Spirit
Center, Gushen Grove, Vancouver, Clark County, Washington
Green Way Research, © 2000-2018.
First published on the Internet in March of 2006.
Last modified, edited, or updated on December 28, 2017
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