Cheng Man Ching Tai Chi Sword Form

Master Cheng Man Ching demonstrating the Tai Chi straight sword form

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Tai
• chi
• jian
• sword
• Zheng
• Manqing

[OctoBox]

Is the tassle ornate or combative -- maybe instructive?

[steveg219]

@OctoBox The tassle can be used for Decoration, Dynamic Sword counter balance or to Distract the opponent. If you move too abruptly or break continuity the tassle wraps around and "slaps" you on the wrist. Anyone can use the tassel for any number of reason there are no particular rules around it. Some schools modify their sword practise for use with a tassle adding extra movements that emphasize the tassel for attack, distraction, momentum, etc

[jadewillow]

This form is very close to Chen Wei Ming's (if not the same yet, there are some variances ) Chen Man Ching performs it more flowing and softer... Are form has different speeds and is done more with a sharpness to it.. (if this makes sense...)

[steveg219]

@jadewillow I think this is right. They were both students of Yang Cheng Fu and the basic structure of the form is the same. Professor Cheng demonstrates a very even, flowing quality. Most of the Yang family schools do this form with varying speeds and stops following Chen Wei Ming's movements. Do you have a link to a good example of what you consider to be Chen Wei Ming's specific style?

[DeviSamit]

I first learned this form from Professor Cheng's students Lou Kleinsmith and Maggie Newman in the late 1970s, and have practiced it ever since. The sword is my favorite modality of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. I also teach this form, along with Professor's fencing method, to my advanced students, who love it. It's a real treat to see this clip of Professor Cheng. Thanks for posting!

[steveg219]

@DeviSamit I agree, this is wonderful form and approach to practise. I love this film because unlike some of the other footage of the professor where he is teaching and demonstrating, this one looks like he is totally focused on the practise and his flow and application of principle is simply amazing!

[chimab]

A jewel is only valuable when shared for all to see. Thanks for this clip.

[smalltins]

This is a joy to watch absolute joy.Thank you for posting this

[SargonvonThule]

This Form looks for me much more like Swordfight with an sharp Sword then most other Forms,

i practice Swordfighting myself and this form represents for me a very good display of fighting an illusionary Enemy

[mrshiftingparadigm]

@steveg219 i have also heard that having a tassel on a sword is like a 'spirit protector" and that as long as it is on when the sword is drawn that the sword does not have to taste blood before being sheathed. could be a story- but then again- if you ever hold a sword that has actually been used to kill, hold it upside down and watch how the tassel wraps around the blade- as if to enclose the 'killing spirit'... (shrug)

[Waterman117]

@OctoBox it is actually used in combat yes, the use of it has alot to do with sword finger techniques(watch his other empty hand) and also helps on to develop a better flow with the movements, I personally took mine off because overall it's annoying to me, but one should definitely have trained with it I think.

[Greenninjadjh]

Thanks uploader! awesome!

[laylayluvnaruto]

Thank you for posting this!