Gilman Studio On-Line Lessons

Yang Style

Tai Chi Dao/Saber/Broadsword

Lesson 10:

This Lesson Contains:

Movement # 10 – Circle To The Left And Push Forward

This movement is quite similar to Movement #7. The opponent pokes towards my face. I neutralize it to the left, step inside while sticking, and push the saber into her upper body.

1) Following the previous movement, Stephie threatens from the front.

2) She pokes towards my face. I join, stick and lead her saber to the left.

1) I start to move inside while sticking.

2) I push the saber into her upper body.

Following the previous movement, I draw back, leading her saber in.

Shift the weight back onto the left foot, and draw the right foot back into empty stance. The torso turns to the left as the body redraws. The torso ends facing halfway between north and west.

The saber starts to make a large circle on the left side of the body by lifting the right hand up as the body turns. The upper arm actually stays in the same basic position, but the forearm bends in order to bring the saber up. If you draw the pommel (rear) of the saber up towards the left shoulder and keep the saber at about the same angle, the movement should be correct.

The left hand joins with the right wrist to give support.

Focus on the middle outside part of the saber for joining and sticking.

Starting to step inside.

Replace the right foot so the toe faces north. The weight is still on the left foot. The torso is starting to turn to the right.

The saber continues its circle. At this point it is about perpendicular to the ground. The left hand stays on the right wrist. Once again, the feeling is that the pommel is leading the movement and the blade is following.

Focus on the middle of the saber blade for sticking.

Continuing to step inside while sticking.

Step forward with the left foot, just touching down the heel. The toe faces slightly to the right of west. Keep the energy in the right Kua for later release. Keep some torque in the torso in order to make this movement more powerful.

The saber continues its circle and now is about parallel to the ground. The left hand moves down to the lower third of the back of the saber blade. Use the heel of the hand to help the final push forward.

Focus on the saber blade and especially the cutting edge.

Note: Once again I remind you that this is a large, swinging type movement – smooth and consistent movement. When the video is done you’ll be able to view this feature.

The attack is complete.

Shift the weight onto the left foot Since this is quite a close in movement, the weight is just slightly more on the forward foot. The torso turns to the right until it faces almost north. The torso is almost at a right angle to the direction the toe is headed.

The circle is complete. The saber ends quite high, since this is a cut to the upper body. Notice that the right hand is held near the right temple. The left hand is pushing upward on the left side of the shoulder. Be sure to keep the fingers well out of the way.

Focus on the cutting edge of the saber.

Note: This is a very strong movement as the whole torso gets behind the saber and pushes it forward. The arms and torso work together – the right arm pulls, the left arm pushes, and the torso unwinds.

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