Tai chi Sword for tuishou Part 1

[@djdollase]

As always, Ian explains with such deep knowledge, and yet makes it sound so simple.

[@cascadianrangers728]

That's how you can tell a real expert in something, if they can explain the nuances of a topic in a simple and easy to understand way

[@johndough8115]

One of the best Drills that I developed to understand and learning how to use Wing Chun Kung Fu, "Properly"... was with my using ONE ARM, against the OPs TWO ARMS. Basically, using the forearm, like a Fencing Sword. I learned more in one session of that drill... that I did from years in other drills and free-fight sparring sessions. Now... you are likely never going to be able to land a hit on them... unless they are really poor in abilities... but the real challenge, is to be able to survive a +3 min session, without eating a single hit. And yes, I did just that, against a seasoned MMA fighters hardcore attempts, with full speed, and heavy contact levels. The next test I gave that same MMA fighter, was Legs vs Legs. No handstrikes.. Only kicks, sweeps, and Leg defenses. Being that MMA only has a very static leg "Block", and most of its kicks are Long and Slow round kicks.. he stood no chance against WCs direct + short range internal powered Chain-Kicks + Advanced "soft-interception" based Leg-Fencing methods. If you are able to do decently with a single limb (against two) ...When you add the 2nd limb back into the mix... your levels of capabilities develop to a whole other level. With Single Arm drills vs 2... There is a certain level of "Adaptation" that you have to exercise.. Due to poor positions, poor angles, and when under certain other disadvantages. You need to use footwork more effectively, and potentially a little more creatively. You will also end up using your arm in ways that you were not exactly taught.. and or.. didnt fully understand... until you were put under these various ranges, angles, and positions. You also start to learn and focus more about the Energy in play... rather than mere "Shapes". The best warm up / precursor to a 2 vs 1 drill... is Single Arm vs Single Arm drill. Somewhat similar to a single arm sticky-arm drill (only disconnecting forearms when there is a clear shot to the target). Do a 2 to 3 minute session.. where each person uses the same-side arms. Then, follow up with a 3 min session, where you are both using the Opposite Side arms. Each will have a difference in how you will have to deal with things... that needs to be fully explored and mastered. When you think of Your arms like a Sword... and you have trained with it like that... your level of understanding and functionality, will be greatly increased. A recent Interview from Jesse Enkamp, with Steven Seagal.. and Seagal revealed a very similar thing.. Saying that his hand methods, were based on the same Sword movements. He demonstrated some examples to show this.

[@yiannieleusiniotis7762]

Holy shit coolest video yet. Infinite pressure per square inch if there is no square inch is kinda mind blowing, thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@beansnrice321]

Whenever I try to explain to people that Tai Chi is a legitimate martial art, it always makes more sense to them when I tell them to imagine Tai chi forms when used with a sword. Simply put, the smooth flowing forms of Tai chi, maximize blade contact and edge alignment, turning something that is apparently gentle into something that's legitimately frightening to fight against.

[@karimsonsafehold9233]

I use katanas, two handed swords, and the horse cutting sword of China that is 4 ft + long, like a short spear. The stances make the weapons much more effective. But people can always come in side the range of a melee weapon, so one had to be adept at grappling too. ANd punching was just extending the range of the body like a spear thrust.

[@cascadianrangers728]

Militarized tai chi is literally the definition of a martial art

[@taichilabs]

Very timely! The week before this video we were showing our push hands students what the sensitivity and awareness of the interaction in tai chi sword fencing could bring to tuishou. Then you brought in the physics of the fencing interactions! Great!

[@intuitivesean443]

I sure wish you’d write a book on the physics of Tai-chi so I could get my non believer buddys to take a look at it

[@IanSinclairTaiChi]

Thanks. I wish I had the time.

[@intuitivesean443]

@@IanSinclairTaiChi I totally understand

[@taichipandabat6153]

this is like forcing someone to understand the concept of GOD, let things be...…if they don't believe in tai chi that is ok, the fact you believe in it matters. This is your journey not theirs.

[@THX-vb8yz]

He's a great teacher....

[@cascadianrangers728]

These swords must have a remarkable temper, they whip like a spring, hit it in the wrong way and it's like trying to press down a 3' leaf spring. I imagine this elasticity also helps absorb and redistribute any impacts to the blade

[@ziggydog5091]

But the time of the hand is faster than the time of the step or the time of the body. If I do an outer winding through stepping, I will be slower than the repost done by the hand in real time. Please clarify.

[@michaelspyrou1784]

Perfect. looking forward to part 2

[@AndrewChapman-j6p]

One day I’ll have to fly up there

[@tts626]

So, in fencing, when you asked him to parry, he actually beat the blade to initiate an attack. Basic fencing move. A parry however is typically done in response to an attack. The threat of the incoming blade is taken off the line of attack, not just tapped like that. Beating the blade, if done with sufficient force, can also take the blade off the line of attack, but in Olympic style fencing, the training is to just knock the blade a little, which gives the attacker what is called "right of way" to complete his attack and requires that the opponent defend accordingly, and not initiate his own attack. Standing there holding the blade like that would cost you the bout, even if it would seem in real life that you'd run the other person through as well. But the rules are set up so that each person recognizes the real threat of being cut. So, in real life, if a person attacked you with a sword, you'd react quickly to preserve your life, and hopefully, not be willing to sacrifice your life just to kill the other guy, which is considered rather bad form, LOL! Anyway, looks like a lot of fun you guys are having =)

[@IanSinclairTaiChi]

I agree. Thanks for pointing that out. He is a much better fencer than I am. I’m just using the sword to teach tuishou. Nick is much better than I am at actually using the sword.

[@karimsonsafehold9233]

this is why people had basket hilts, guards on the hilt, forearm armor, and so forth. They would start creating a "personal style" where they would be good at some angles due to the armor they wore, and certain attacks they preferred as a result of whatever defenses the rival had. Hence when people from foreign styles fought, the first person that makes a mistake or is slow in reacting, tends to get wounded first and disabled.

[@karimsonsafehold9233]

@@IanSinclairTaiChi Nick has a thrusting stance, I see, like an Epee Rapier style. The tai chi blade is more of a general blade heh. Although it is balanced well for thrusting and cutting at more ranges than the katana.

[@vonbastardly7314]

Fascinating as ever! Its a shame you are 6000km away. But if i happen to be passing....

[@saxman678]

Love it !

[@Padraic54]

Very interesting video.

[@jasonsecretsword7606]

Infinitely small is how one can Ji with only 1 hand or finger.

[@kwisatz_haderach1445]

This is very much like the Spanish school of fencing.

[@stefanschleps8758]

Ian. Thank you. Many words lead to confusion. Hold fast to the silence. Talking in circles is useless. Thanks again, and good luck. Laoshr #60 Ching Yi Kung Fu Association

[@Baker68]

Why have your hand in your pocket? it looks so lazy

[@IanSinclairTaiChi]

It is one way to keep the hand out of the way. :) However, in my mind, I could be projecting the “secret sword” to the left and above my head. In a European duel, I might be holding a lantern behind me. But seriously, it is not part of this lesson. I could admit to being lazy. Alternatively, I could claim to be at one with the DAO. But then someone would surely say, “It’s not a dao, it’s a jian.”

[@brianmclaughlin528]

Max woo factor. Mumbo jumbo.

[@IanSinclairTaiChi]

I always turn off KZbin’s auto play feature. When it is turned on, the video changes while I’m composing my comment and that can cause my comment to be applied to the wrong video.