Learn Tai Chi Weapons (Bing Qi)
Taiji Quan traditionally did not have many weapons in its curriculum. Nonetheless, particular attention was placed on the Jian (Sword), Dao (Saber), Qiang (Spear), and Gun (Staff). These four weapons are divided into two groups: short weapons and long weapons. The short Tai Chi weapons are the sword and the saber; the long Tai Chi weapons are the spear and the staff.
During the development of Tai Chi, proficiency with weapons was a necessity of the times. Because fights with weapons were commonplace, lack of expertise in weapons fighting presented a huge disadvantage against an armed opponent. In those days, a challenger reserved the right to choose whether a fight would be with or without weapons.
The Jian (Sword) is the weapon most closely associated with Tai Chi. In the hands of an expert, the sword appears to move like a dragon swimming through the clouds, now rising, twisting, and rolling. The sword movements are directed by the Yi (Intent). Energy rises from the feet, passes through the legs, waist, and arms and is manifested in the sword, which is an extension of the body.
Benefits of learning Tai Chi Weapons
Training with weapons enhances balance, eye and hand coordination, and the extension of Jin (Power) to the weapon. Mental clarity and focus are increased, and the interplay of energy and movement are refined. Further, practice with weapons keeps the heritage of the art alive.