Dumb question maybe. Is any kind of sword usable? Or does it have to be this Katana-like shape? Obviously not a double-handed broad sword, but something like a sabre? There is even a Belly Dancing Sword. Who knew?
Hi Gus and thanks for your comments. You would imagine a sabre would be a better option than say - a walking stick - but the issue with the sabre is that it is single edged. This means you have to to introduce the idea of turning the sword in your palm in order for it to have its cutting edge always on the right side. The straight sword cuts both ways - so all the moves are built around that choice. There is a separate form in some styles for Sabre - check out Chen Style tai Chi for one of the most regular.
@@teapotmonk Good morning, and thanks for the prompt reply. I noted several types available, and I read somewhere else that there were other forms as you said, and I just happened to have a non-combat sabre here. (unsharpened blade but otherwise pretty realistic for non-clashing training purposes anyhow) I'm getting way ahead of myself, but it gives me something to look forward to :) Thanks again. Just noted the retractable sword recommendation on your web page. or the $50 Physcool version. Is there a book available? I like the video aspect, but sometimes it helps to look at the diagrammes in print and study them.
@@gwgere I know what you mean about having something tangible to look at. I'm writing up all my video notes as step-by step instructions that I email out monthly to students. Some of them print them off, but most don't. I'm going to have to publish them as a book at some point. meanwhile, there is one book that I would recommend by a guy called James Drewe - Tai Ji Jian 32 Step Sword. It has all the footsteps, camera angles, background and more detail than you could ever need. You could take a look at that.
Cool, calm, funny. I like you, and those are just 3 reasons why. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with people like me :)
Cool, and amusing. Thank you :) Reminded me of old rifle training, make sure the pointy end is facing away from you...
Dumb question maybe. Is any kind of sword usable? Or does it have to be this Katana-like shape? Obviously not a double-handed broad sword, but something like a sabre?
There is even a Belly Dancing Sword. Who knew?
Hi Gus and thanks for your comments. You would imagine a sabre would be a better option than say - a walking stick - but the issue with the sabre is that it is single edged. This means you have to to introduce the idea of turning the sword in your palm in order for it to have its cutting edge always on the right side. The straight sword cuts both ways - so all the moves are built around that choice. There is a separate form in some styles for Sabre - check out Chen Style tai Chi for one of the most regular.
@@teapotmonk Good morning, and thanks for the prompt reply. I noted several types available, and I read somewhere else that there were other forms as you said, and I just happened to have a non-combat sabre here. (unsharpened blade but otherwise pretty realistic for non-clashing training purposes anyhow) I'm getting way ahead of myself, but it gives me something to look forward to :) Thanks again.
Just noted the retractable sword recommendation on your web page. or the $50 Physcool version. Is there a book available? I like the video aspect, but sometimes it helps to look at the diagrammes in print and study them.
@@gwgere I know what you mean about having something tangible to look at. I'm writing up all my video notes as step-by step instructions that I email out monthly to students. Some of them print them off, but most don't. I'm going to have to publish them as a book at some point. meanwhile, there is one book that I would recommend by a guy called James Drewe - Tai Ji Jian 32 Step Sword. It has all the footsteps, camera angles, background and more detail than you could ever need. You could take a look at that.
@@teapotmonk Thanks once again for the recommendation, I'll have to see if I can find a copy.