Gilman Studio
On-Line Lessons
Yang Style
Tai Chi
Dao/Saber/Broadsword
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Lesson 2:
This Lesson Contains:
Movement # 1 Commencement of Tai Chi Saber &
Movement # 2 Step Up to Form Seven Stars
Here we go. It is always exciting to get
started on learning a new form. I will do my best to make it clear to you.
These first two movements appear as one. This is one of the mysteries of learning forms sometimes things are not what I would think they would be. Commencement, as I learned it, is kind of a transition into Seven Stars. Together with the following movement, Retreat to Ride a Tiger, they make up a rather long introduction or getting ready. I have made up applications for these movements, but will not include them here. We will just use this opening series as a getting ready and facing the opponent.
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#1 - Commencement of Tai Chi Saber Stand in
Wu Chi stance. Feet solidly on the ground with the feet shoulder width apart.
Grip the saber in your left hand. Make sure the sharp edge is facing outward.
Keep your head up, lifting it with Peng (expanding, balloon like
energy) from the Dantien (main physical energy center located in the
lower abdomen). Stay relaxed, and expand your field of awareness all around
the body. Breathe naturally in and out through the nose. Note: We will call this starting direction north, even
if it isnt. All directions will relate to this starting direction. The first picture will be taken from north or
straight ahead. The second will be taken from the west or left hand side of
the starting position. |
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#2 Step Up to Form Seven Stars Shift
the weight on to the right foot, and sink the weight into the right Kua
(hip area). This causes a spring like quality to form in the right leg. The
left leg empties and you roll up onto the left toe. The
torso turns slightly to the right. Bring the arms to the right with the turn.
This is actually the start of a swinging motion that will result in the saber
being lifted up to the center of the chest as the body turns to the left. |
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Starting
to open to the left. Bringing the saber up to center for defense or a
possible strike with the pommel (end of the handle). Lift up
the left foot and replace it in front of and slightly to the left of the
right foot. The toe faces half way between west and south. The weight is
still on the right foot. The
torso is turning to the left in order to make this replace step possible. The
right hand is lifted to the waist level and turns palm upward. It is starting
to form a fist. The left
hand holding the saber swings up in a counterclockwise circle to end in front
of the center of the chest. The left palm faces upward. The left elbow is
bent. This movement has a Peng or spiral quality (expanding up and out). |
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Coming
into Seven Stars position. Shift the
weight onto the left foot and replace the right foot onto Ding Bow on toe.
The right empty stance allows for mobility, and the ability to use the right
foot for kicking or blocking. The body now faces west. It is
the torso turning and opening to the left that allows the right leg to be
brought into position. The left
arm remains in the center of the chest. Notice that the saber is parallel to
the ground. The
right hand has formed a fist and is placed under the left wrist with the palm
surface facing down. Notice that the two wrists are almost touching. Keep the
shoulders and elbows relaxed. Focus on
the two fists. Note: The first part of this movement can be used to
strike a close in target with the pommel and the second part can be a block
of a foot kick or a strike to the center. |
