The Art of Chinese Swordsmanship: A Manual of Taiji Jian

About this book

Most Westerners are familiar with Taiji Quan (often spelled Tai Chi Chuan) the graceful dancelike exercise movements practiced by the Chinese to promote health and longevity. However many do not realize that Taiji is also a martial art and that it includes practice with weapons including the ancient sword called jian. As with Taiji Quan the practice ofTaiji Jian is based on Chinese yin-yang five-elements and Daoist philosophical concepts and combines meditation martial and healing arts. The Art of Chinese Swordsmanship is the first complete English-language introduction to Taiji Jian. It describes the history of jian swordsmanship its fundamental principles and its essential form of thirty-two postures including a thorough discussion of both internal and external components. Written by a master who has practiced the sword form for twenty-five years it will allow interested Westerners to study and practice this rewarding path to physical and mental well-being.