Gilman Studio On-Line Lessons
Yang Style Saber Application Form
Tai Chi Chuan
This Lesson Contains:
Pull Level Knife
This is a simple, straight forward movement that illustrates one of the principles of Tai Chi – that of not confronting the opponent head on, and when possible, moving to the side or behind. In this case, as A lowered his saber to get out of the way of B’s wrist cut, B immediately moves to a higher level and slices to the neck. This is done by walking by A. We call this a walking cut, as B would just keep moving past A as she follows through with her cut. In the partner form, she just takes a step forward and is blocked by A.
B steps forward with her right foot and places the foot down at a right angle to the left foot. This is called a side or cross step. The left leg crosses the right leg. Her torso turns to face north as she steps.
The left hand continues to rest on the right wrist/forearm to give added support and strength to this cut/slice.
The angle of the saber changes to become level, with the cutting edge facing forward at neck level, as it rises. Notice that the cutting edge is on Stephie’s left side, as she is moving past and through A.
Focus on the cutting edge of the saber.