Tai Chi is a form of martial art which is also effectively applicable for sword techniques. But before you start your training for tai chi sword form, you should consider your competence in unarmed training. It will be very dangerous if you attempt a sword form of tai chi without mastering the movements of body, feet and hands. It may take a quite before you learn the movements, however, the benefits that you can gain are worthy enough. Tai chi training is the perfect for those who seek an improvement for the mind, spirit and body.
For over the last 2500 years the Chinese swords have greatly evolved from short bronze to longer carbon steel swords. It requires skillful forging techniques to enable the effectiveness of a sword, yet it should be malleable enough to avoid damages from solid objects. Throughout Chinese history the users of the swords are considered as great warriors especially, after every major battle. Besides, there are several ceremonials which demonstrate a skillful level of using a sword. Today, swords are inevitable part of the martial arts lessons. This is for the purpose of competitive training and health discipline. One of these arts is the Tai Chi. Usually there are two types of sword which is commonly used in Tai Chi Training. These are the broadsword and the straight sword.
Jian
Jian is usually called as straight sword. This sword is the king of all weapons when it comes to close combat. Usually, the legnth of this weapon is 3 feet or more including the grip and has 1.5 to 2 inches wide straight double edge blade. A guard or crossbar is placed between the grip and the blade to protect the user. In addition, there is a pommel on the end grip where sash can be fastened.
Dao
Broadsword or sabre is the usual name for Dao. This weapon has similar size with the straight sword. In some circles, dao is referred as the general. Dao is slightly curved which has single edged blade. The guard of this weapon is usually disc shaped and the grip curved is somewhat opposite to its blade. The appearance of this weapon can be very exotic.
Tai Chi consists of five major styles. These styles are Yang, Wu/Hao, Sun, Cheng and Wu. These styles include sword forms wherein the movements closely appear as unarmed tai chi form. The sword is not used as a weapon but an extension for the arm in which the chi is concentrated. For safety issues, dulled sword blades are commonly used in training. However, for beginners wooden swords are the best to use.