Gilman Studio On-Line Lessons
Yang Style
Tai Chi Dao/Saber/Broadsword
This Lesson Contains:
Movement # 3 – Retreat To Ride A Tiger
This is the last part of the opening sequence. We end up facing an opponent, ready for whatever comes next. There are several possible applications contained, but I have chosen not to show them with a partner at this time. Notice that this movement is the same as the Long Form movement of the same name.
Following Seven stars, place the right foot back. Do not shift the weight onto the foot yet. Set the foot down at a 45-degree angle to the forward direction (the toe faces halfway between north and west). Be sure to sink the weight deeper into the left Kua/leg.
As you step, the right hand opens, turns palm upward, and starts to move down to the right side. The left hand stays in the same place.
Focus on the energy into the center.
Shift the weight onto the right foot and turn the torso to the right. The body faces the direction the right toe is facing.
The right hand moves down to the right side of the hip, palm facing slightly inward and forward.
The left saber hand makes a small, clockwise arc to end up in front of the left hip. Keep a bit of Peng energy in this hand.
Focus on the left hand holding the saber.
Note: There is a possible application at this point of striking downward with the pommel of the saber as a block or attack to a close in opponent.
The movement is complete.
Replace the left foot onto empty stance with toe (Ding Bow on Toe). Refer to Long Form Lesson #2 if you don’t remember exactly what is proper for this stance. Your body faces west. Keep the weight sitting down on the right leg.
The left saber hand ends at the side of the left hip, hanging almost straight down. There is a bit more Peng Jing expanding the saber outward.
The right arm makes a counterclockwise arc and ends up in front of the right side of your head. The palm faces forward.
Focus on the right arm/hand.
Note: This is a possible block with the right hand to an overhead strike.
I now face the opponent at a distance just longer then a saber length. The attacker must make a step if he/she wants to cut me.
Note: There is a short application form that trains the use of the saber with a partner. I was going to start the saber class by teaching this form first, but decided to move into the long, solo form first as many of you might not have a partner to learn the form with or practice. I will most probably teach that form when we have finished this class. This is the starting movement in the partner saber form.
My partner in this and the next several movements is Stephanie Morrell, a good friend and Tai Chi teacher in our area.