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Accumulating and sharing the knowledge on this wonderful art and culture
Single Straight Sword 49 movements (Dan Jian – 单剑四十九勢)
The jian (straight, or double edged sword), is a more delicate weapon compared to the dao (broadsword) or spear. It is associated with the Phoenix. The jian is the weapon of the scholar or gentleman. The practice of the sword develops precise movements, focused awareness and the ability to project one’s jing or intention to the blade of the sword. This form is characterized by light, spiraling movements that demonstrate the internal aspects of Chen Style Taijiquan. Include in the sword form are techniques for piercing, chopping or hacking, pointing or tipping, slicing and parrying. While the tassel looks fancy, it is purely decorative and for show. The movements of the sword form is performed like a dragon flying through the sky – fluid, smooth and continuous.
There are two single sword forms; 49 movements and 54 moments. This is the 49 movements form, the “normal” form that is taught. The 54 movements form was re-created by Chen Zi Qiang after his research uncovered a magazine of Chen Fa Ke’s daughter performing the 54 movement sword form.
The video at the end of the page is from Grandmaster Chen Zhen Lei and is the form taught by Master Chen Hui Xian when she was in Madison 2012. I learned my sword from Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang, Grandmaster Chen Xiao Xing and Master Ren Guang Yi and there are differences between their forms and this video.
First Section 【第一段】
0. Preparatory stance (yu bei shi) or starting form (qi shi)
