TAI CHI 24
What is Tai Ji Juan?
(sword forms)
In China, the straight sword (jian) is held in high regard as a symbol of wisdom and personal integrity.
Tai Ji Juan was not used as a fighting tool and the Chen style was based largely on unarmed combat techniques.
As well as learning the sword forms, students will also be taught basic Tai Chi Chuan as Tai Ji Juan requires the same qualities and principles found in Tai Chi Chuan; softness, relaxation, straightness, pliancy and concentration. The sword forms add the additional qualities of hand movements, different kinds of nimbleness, different movements of the waste and a certain clarity of spirit. With the practice of the external elements of the sword forms an internalisation of increased ching chi and shen chi (see below) and a sense of being rooted and of being ‘under’ the sword.
The Three Treasures
The three treasures of Chi (or Qi), Jing and Shen are the essence of vitality and life. We should strive to cultivate and save these treasures in the body, so we can use them as we advance in years.
1. Chi (or Qi)
Chi (or Qi), is the energy in all internal martial arts and is the first treasure of the body. Training builds up reservoirs of chi, to draw on when needed. In traditional Chinese culture, chi is a life force permeating the universe and providing humanity with sustenance. It was also seen as associated with air, breath, and vapor. Basically, it is life itself.
2. Jing
Jing, the second treasure, is the manifestation or controlling of chi, which is guided by the mind with intention; it is the mind causing the creation of chemicals and electro-magnetic energies in the body. We want to build and store jing in our bones to make them strong and healthy, so that these energies can also be drawn on when required.
3. Shen
Shen, the third treasure and is the emotional mind and heart (or spirit). By taking care of ourselves physically and emotionally, we can retain a spirit of vitality into our advanced years. Keeping this spirit allows us to maintain the ability to accumulate chi and to make jing. Hence the idea that shen is also a treasure of the body.
In Conclusion
Tai Ji Juan is often said to have much in common with Chinese calligraphy. Just as the brush is held by the hand with great delicacy, allowing the chi within the body, heart, mind and spirit to manifest through the hand to the brush tip and onto the paper, thus expressing the creativity of the artist, the practitioner of Tai Ji Juan unites with the sword and thus allows the chi (or Qi) to extend to the tip of the sword. This idea of using the weapon as a vehicle to extend chi has much to do with developing subtle sword skills, which are the result from subtle mind-body control abilities.
Although sword combat is no longer part of military training in China, it develops a warrior of the spirit and builds strength and refines our connection to the three treasures and the divine.