Updated Theory on Sword Application Origin

After giving more thought to the possible origin of this sword move, I have revised my theory putting into consideration the move starts from the ground. I give a fuller explanation on TikTok (@aipingtaichi) you can watch the entire video over there.
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[@WhiteApeMA]

It is definitely a mystery when it comes to some of these sword postures lol. My only thought would be that this kind of swordplay is more dueling-oriented than battle-oriented. So the possibility of a jian weilding scholar being faced with mounted opponents seems... slim. Yet it is quite high for a thrust at a person so, it's hard to say. But it's fun to think about and try to make sense of! 😁

[@ChaplainChristineMercy]

When I began sword training, I was visualizing a person.. after your explanation: it makes sense to visualize a horse… to be honest I struggled with this at first because I love horses- then I realized how ridiculous that was because this is an invisible focus point. Given that switch in my mind, I’ve found it much easier to follow through. Thank you!

[@AipingTaiChi]

I'm so glad, thanks so much for sharing ❤️🙏

[@scottk9273]

This same stance/strike is used in Persian and Turkic historical martial arts along with an accompanying shield. The application/purpose is a bit different. The stance is more front facing.

[@AipingTaiChi]

That's so cool. I don't know anything about Persian/Turkish historical martial arts. Going to look that up!

[@scottk9273]

@@AipingTaiChi I'm sure some techniques carried over between both cultures through to trade and conquest. This technique from my knowlege, ie: circumventing shields, fighting on lower elevation etc. Not so much for horses. You would want to be near a horse typically as a horse fall on you would usually mean death shortly after. Unfortunately, Mao's regime destroyed many of China's historical records from the Ming era, slowing the revivalist movement for historical martial arts in China and Taiwan. If you have the time, I recommend reaching out to any of the Chinese Armored Combat groups. They're usually very helpful, and a good resource for all things HMA related.

[@nathanfrick1962]

I think its a neat idea. But a horse would probably send you flying if it rammed you. Even if it dies your still being smacked by a 1ton armoured animal running at 40mph

[@mr.harris3682]

I never considered attacking the horse but the rider...brilliant!

[@LukeNasti]

Next horse who postures up on me won't see it coming

[@flamezombie1]

In German longsword, we have a guard similar to this called kron (crown), and it’s not a thrust at your opponents head, but rather to intercept cuts coming towards your head. If you meet their cut early, they’re basically forced into the same position and from there, you usually have to either grapple or back away to do anything useful.

[@Some-MA-Nerd]

Yes! I see the simularties to cron in the arm and shoulder structures! However the footwork really differentiates the two. Imagine if instead of thrusting in front of the forehead to intercept a strike to the head youre delivering a thrust or a push cut to a high target!

[@qiang2007]

That's an interesting theory, but imo not that likely. Jian were largely replaced by dao on the battlefield by the Han dynasty, so being armed with a jian for cavalry seems improbable. Cavalry would also be approaching off to the side rather than straight on since you can't attack straight on without thwacking your own horse in the head. Then there's the issue of a galloping horse have a lot of momentum. A blade supported by a single hand grip is unlikely to stop a horse from trampling you, even assuming you even deliver a fatal blow. Since the jian had become mostly a dueling weapon for most martial contexts, the usage of that movement is not likely battle-field oriented. The movement may even be performative as forms have a tendency to mask the explicit usage of a movement or exaggerate a posture for training purposes.

[@Theironbodysensei]

Excellent theory teaching.

[@Tax_Collector01]

Hmmm…I was thinking the swordsman could attack the rider instead of the horse, as the larger threat posed is the rider that is still mounted and armed; with that wide and low stance, you could perform a thrust on the mounted enemy without necessarily getting knocked back from a charge and benefit sustaining a good thrust from that low stance, in addition to the back leg, spine, and arm all aligned with the sword…that is all the ingredients for a very stable position for a thrusting counter-attack.

[@noklarok]

my guess is you are pointing at the 7 stars for style

[@theheroandlegendchannel]

Actually you would have less than one try to cut off a horses leg unless you had a horse cutter ( cha ma dao) The move she is demonstrating is a variation of a move that actually works when aiming at the jugular area.

[@codybarnes9383]

Poor horse!!!

[@kali8085]

It looks like all movement is focused on the rider instead of the horse simply out of battle necessity. You would want to take out the immediate threat, which would be the rider.

[@BlitzerkidSix]

The over- and under- estimation of horses in these comments is intense. Charges did not take place at the top speed of a friggin' race, and horses did not wear "plate mail" such would substantially increase their weight.

[@J3llyBean423]

SRB thanx

[@San_Dude]

Mam horse kicks too and run over

[@killerkraut9179]

I think if you attack the Horse in this way you will most likely get killed by the rider ! Or if you to close you get overun by the horse !

[@joshuaemrysjones8990]

🙏

[@hizumiiiii4087]

I like practical explanations of movements in swordfighting, I practice kendo and for each kata we have an explanation for every move

[@daramiespaddio6724]

Hello

[@briantopor4092]

Sigh...deflection