The Three Categories of Tai Chi Sword Fencing

By Yan Gaofei

Tai Chi Sword Fencing is a training method used to further understand and develop Tai Chi principles. There are three major categories of techniques within the sword fencing curriculum. These are:

Triangle Principle

Block and Strike

Sticky Technique

Triangle Principle

The Triangle Principle is used when the opponent attacks with a large, powerful movement or a wild swing. The most important thing to remember in this situation is to completely stay away from the range of motion of the opponent's sword. Footwork is extremely important here, and should be practiced first.

Begin in empty stance (knees bent with weight on rear leg.) with either foot forward. When the opponent attacks, step backward at an angle. and at the same time, use the "pointing" technique to attack o

Block and Strike

When using Block and Strike, upon being attacked, use your sword to bounce the opponent's weapon out of the way, and then strike back immediately. It is very important to strike before the opponent makes another attack.

The Tai Chi sword's double edge allows for many possibilities to counter attack including "thrusting" and "cutting". By contrast, the Tri-angle Principle moves you away and out of the range of the opponent's sword. In Block and Strike, you move their weapon away. This can be very dangerous, because the opponent can fake and make another attack or they may be very strong. Therefore, in Tai Chi sword fighting, it is not common to use this technique. However, when the attacker is fully committed, Block and Strike works well. Use your judgement of the attack to make this determination.

Sticky Technique 

The Sticky Technique is unique to Chen Tai Chi. When the attack comes, first touch the opponent's sword with your sword to protect yourself. Keep their weapon away from you. At the same time, move to get behind their sword. This is done by executing Peng, Lu, Ji, and An right at the point of contact. This places you in the best position to counterattack. In the Sticky Technique, footwork is also very important. The concept here is that the opponent's weapon will be kept out of attacking range while your weapon is in range. 

Sticky Technique shown moving left (above) and right (below).