Our system includes traditional Tai Chi weapons training as part of a complete and authentic Tai Chi Ch’uan curriculum. While we focus on classical Tai Chi weapons such as sword, saber, stick, and spear, we do not teach contemporary additions like the fan.
Weapons are typically introduced after students have built a solid foundation through empty hand forms, as they deepen understanding of body mechanics, energy flow, and martial application.
Yang Style Tai Chi Broadsword
This weapon is known in Chinese as the dao, translated into English as “broadsword,” “saber,” or “knife.” The single-edged dao is not to be confused with the jian, or the double-edged straight sword.
- Yang Style Tai Chi Dao Partner Form
The Yang Tai Chi dao partner form is first learned solo, on parts A and B, before being performed with a partner. - Yang Style Tai Chi Dao Solo Form
The Yang Tai Chi dao solo form is secondary to the partner form in our system. Learning the partner form first makes it easier to understand the movements of the solo form.
Yang Style Tai Chi Jian Straight Sword
The jian, or straight, double-edged sword, is the premier weapon of Tai Chi Ch’uan. With its refined sweeps and cuts, the jian is the weapon of an officer or scholar whereas the dao, or saber/broadsword, is the chopping and hacking instrument of the foot soldier.
This form is also known as the 13 Posture Sword Form, the 13 Energies Sword Form, or the 13 Dynamics Sword Form, based on the 13 basic dynamics of Tai Chi Straight Sword.
Tchoung Walking Stick Form
The Tai Chi walking stick form, developed by Grandmaster Tchoung Ta-Tchen, is a practical adaptation of the traditional Three Powers Sword form. Designed for modern life, this Tai Chi walking stick form offers the benefits of weapon training using an everyday object like a can or umbrella—ideal in a world where swords are no longer carried.
Yang Style Tai Chi Spear
The Tai Chi spear form is the final and most advanced weapon taught in our system. Unlike other weapons, the spear requires a high level of internal skill—it demands the ability to direct fa jin (explosive energy) all the way to the tip of the weapon with precision and control. For this reason, the spear is introduced only after a student has developed strong fundamentals through empty hand forms and other weapons.
While this form was not originally taught by Grandmaster Tchoung Ta-Tchen, it was passed down to us through one of his senior students, Sifu Eric Eastman, preserving the spirit and depth of traditional Tai Chi weapons training.