The Chinese Straight Sword & Chen Taijiquan

by Stephan Berwick

The power of a Chinese straight sword attack feels like a sudden snake bite. Stinging, deceptive, flexible and often deadly, straight sword technique is the stuff of legend. Sharpened at the bottom fourth of the blade, the effectiveness of the Chinese straight sword has been well-established in combat. Throughout China's ancient military history, this clever blade stood out as the weapon of choice for many warriors. With such a history, the straight sword became a classic foundation weapon that continues to refine the overall skill of today's practitioners. Best of all, straight sword training offers a glimpse of the refined warrior spirit that typifies Chinese martial arts.

Most established Chinese boxing schools contain straight sword training. Although the early origins of the weapon probably emerged in North China, this imminently classical weapon is popular throughout China. Thus most of its major techniques are shared by diverse styles. Whether performing Drunken forms, Taiji, Jow Ga, or Monkey boxing, expertise with this weapon is still built around the basic straight sword techniques of poking, flicking, stabbing, dragging, short-cutting, guiding, and adhering with extremely focused power.

While not fully understood, the straight sword's combat use is comprehensive and subtle. Often considered a Yin weapon because of its flexibility and use of focused power, straight sword practice tempers the Yang forces that usually dominate the energy exhibited by martial artists.

The flexible nature of the weapon makes it well suited for quick strikes and "stickiness." Facility with straight sword striking techniques depend on speed and uncommonly strong wrists and hands. As such, true straight sword usage requires precise footwork and wrist control, not raw strength. The weapon is used to adhere to the limbs or weapon of an opponent to neutralize attacks. Developing the subtle skill of "stickiness" is taught with partner training similar to the open-hand sensitivity exercises utilized by many Chinese boxing schools. Some styles have extensive two-person drills to enhance straight sword fighting technique, in particular the footwork and wrist-control required to master the weapon.

Chen style Taijiquan, highly regarded for its unique partner training which utilizes fixed and moving-step drills, includes straight-sword partner drills to build practical usage. The Chen Taiji straight sword form, usually studied as the first weapon form learned by Chen stylists, was developed early in the style's four hundred-plus year history. From the very beginning of Chen style boxing, the strict balance of Yin and Yang forces in the body was established as a requirement for practitioners. Straight sword training enhances this balance. When performed correctly, it exudes Chen Taiji's emphasis on focused precision and balanced force.

Comprised of 43 techniques, the Chen Taiji straight sword form instills harmonization of softness and hardness, quickness and slowness, adhering and following, and chan szu chin -- the powerful "silk reeling energy." Chen Taiji master Ren Guang Yi's execution of the straight sword exemplifies these qualities. According to Master Ren, "I usually teach straight sword soon after the student shows some proficiency with the novice 38 Form and has begun fundamental 'push hands' (tui shou) training."

Ren maintains that learning the straight sword somewhat early in one's training prepares the student for the rigors and refinements required later. Since he has been teaching, Ren observed, "Chen boxing students who learn the straight sword after the 38 form and before learning the longer open-hand forms usually have a better foundation as they progress. Physically their overall skills are strengthened and they seem to express more spirit later in their training." A refined expression of warrior spirit, the Chinese straight sword represents the best in classical Chinese weaponry.

About Stephan Berwick :
Stefan Berwick is a Washington DC based martial artist and currently a disciple of Master Ren Guang Yi.