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Weapon Forms
The Tai
Chi Long Form is but one of five Tai Chi forms corresponding to the
basic elements in Chinese tradition. (Tai Chi is earth, symbol of rooting
power. The other four are wood, fire*, metal, and water.) The Tai Chi weapon
forms are intrinsically elegant and of great practical use in combat situations,
even with substitute weapons such as a rolled-up newspaper or umbrella.
Practice linking the weapon to the body also enhances one's basic form,
through the extra balance required and the goal of focusing one's chi to
the tip of the weapon.
Stickfighting
Forms
Identified with Wood, symbol of absorbing power. Traditional
short-stick form and two-person sparring form specially adapted by Master
Chu. Best weapons class to begin with. Pre-requisites: Tai
Chi Short Form. Twenty-week course.
Broad Sword (Big
Knife)
This form's element is Metal, symbol of striking power. Although
class practice is with the sword, the same techniques can be used with
a smaller knife. Pre-requisites: Tai Chi
Short Form. Sixteen-week course.
Double-Edged Sword
Identified with Water, symbol of yielding power. It is considered
the most beautiful form. The same movements can also be used with an umbrella,
ruler, small dagger, or even a pencil. Pre-requisites: Tai
Chi Short Form. Twenty-week course.
* The Spear Form,
associated with fire, is not taught at the Center because the weapon is
18 feet long and intended for use on horseback.
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