Tai Chi Sword Classical Yang Style: The Complete Form, Qigong, and Applications

by Jwing-Ming Yang Ph.D.

Overview

Beyond the Barehand Form, beyond the Qigong, lies the elegant and effective Sword of Taijiquan! Learn to extend your Qi, enhance your art and refine your self. This comprehensive guide contains not only the complete Taiji Sword Form and Taiji Sword Qigong Set, but also seldom taught sword fighting applications and matching exercises.

More than just a "how-to", this book also contains theory, history and a complete guide to fundamentals—all essential to building a deep, understanding of this art, long considered to be the highest achievement in Taijiquan, as well as the most popular of the Taiji weapons.

• Strengthen and relax your body.
• Calm and focus your mind.
• Improve your balance.
• Develop proper Taiji breathing.
• Learn the complete Sword Form and Taiji Sword Qigong.
• Over 400 photos with detailed instruction.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594392863
Publisher:	YMAA Publication Center
Publication date:	09/01/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	276
File size:	233 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming started his Gongfu training at the age of 15 under the Shaolin White Crane Master Cheng, Gin Gsao. Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane style of Chinese martial arts. With the same master he also studied Qin Na, Tui Na and Dian Xue massages, and herbal treatment.

At the age of 16, Dr. Yang began the study of Taijiquan under Master Kao, Tao. Dr. Yang's tai chi can be traced back to the Yang family through Master Kao's teacher Yue, Huanzhi, an indoor disciple of Yang, Chengfu.

After learning from Master Kao, Dr. Yang continued his study and research of Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands, the two-man fighting sequence, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong.

Dr. Yang has been involved in Chinese Gongfu since 1961. During this time, he has spent 13 years learning Shaolin White Crane, Shaolin Long Fist, and Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has more than thirty years of instructional experience.

Table of Contents

Editorial Notes

Foreword

Preface

Chapter 1: General Introduction

About the Sword

1-2. Historical Survey

1-3. Sword Structure

1-4. The Sword Way

1-5. About Taiji Sword 20 References

Chapter 2: Fundamental Training

2-1. Introduction

2-2. Hand Grips and the Secret Sword

2-3. Fundamental Stances

2-4. Power Training

2-5. Key Words and Techniques

2-6. Fundamental Training

References

Chapter 3: Taiji Sword and Its Applications

3-1. Introduction

3-2. Yang Style Taiji Sword Sequence and Applications

Reference

Chapter 4: Taiji Sword Matching Practice

4-1. Introduction

4-2. Matching Practice

Chapter 5: Conclusion

Acknowledgments

Appendix A: Names of Taiji Sword Techniques

Appendix B: Translation and Glossary of Chinese Terms

About the Author

Index

Editorial Reviews

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming shares his considerable knowledge of sword history and practice in Tai Chi Sword Classical Yang Style: The Complete Form, Qigong, and Applications. The sword sequence presented in this book offers an exciting learning experience for students of Yang-style tai chi chuan. This detailed written and visual instruction is augmented by occasional aphorisms that serve as memory triggers. For instance, in the section devoted to correct sword grips, Yang explains how to discern the right balance of strength and relaxation to achieve when holding a sword. “The sword should be held like an egg, neither broken nor dropped,” he writes. “The grip should be alive.” Integration of breath with physical movement is a vital component of qigong and all aspects of tai chi practice. With that in mind, Yang includes instructions about when to inhale and exhale for each posture in the sword sequence. For the first, stationary posture, he explains, “Keep your mind calm, and inhale and exhale deeply several times. This is a wuji [infinite smoothness] state.” The well-organized structure and clear writing style of this book seamlessly combine, resulting in an accessible and informative study of tai chi swordplay. Dr. Yang also achieves a good balance of history and practical instruction that maintains reader interest. Additional books by Yang are referenced within the text for those who seek more knowledge, and a list of his publications and videos are also provided. The names of each posture in the tai chi sword sequence and a glossary of Chinese terms conclude the book. Tai Chi Sword Classical Yang Style: The Complete Form, Qigong, and Applications offers excellent instruction for students and others who wish to know more about this internal martial art.

Foreword Reviews - Margaret Cullison

• "One of the most sought-after instructors of Qigong.” —The Omega Institute
• "Kung Fu artist of the year" —Black Belt magazine
• "Man of the year” —Inside Kung Fu magazine
• "Author of the year”—11th World Congress on Qigong and the American Qigong Association

From the Publisher