This is a teaching and demonstration
tape of the famous Yang Style T'ai Chi
Straight Sword (T'ai Chi Chien). Unlike many such tapes
there is a good deal of discussion on the manipulation of
the sword itself with more than mere replication of postures.
This tape gives some feel for the teaching style of Ted Mancuso,
ShihFu.
From the Tape: "When
all is said and done the TÕai Chi sword is great fun. It preserves
the martial heritage that is so essential to a real understanding
of TÕai Chi but combines it with the grace and fluidity that
we all have come to associate with the art itself. TÕai Chi
Sword must fulfill the promise of TÕai Chi by retaining its
special flavor and yet functioning as a true display of martial
prowess. The sword itself is the perfect symbol of this idea.
It has a graceful and flexible body yet is perfectly straight,
as straight as the spine of the practitioner. In many ways
it is the best symbol of Wu De, martial virtue. Associated
with scholars as well as warriors it signifies the ideal of
Wen Wu, literature and martial skill combined."
This video contains the following,
some items rarely seen:
A thorough introductory
discussion of the sword itself
Fundamental Exercises
with the sword for timing, stepping and flexibility
The T'ai Chi Sword form demonstrated
Complete breakdown
on the steps of learning the form
Applications
of T'ai Chi fencing, usage and partner exercises
Previews
of other tapes including Two-Handed sword and Adam Hsu's BaJi
Ted Mancuso is a veteran teacher with
nearly 35 years experience. He has taught thousands of students
and written for just about every major martial journal in
the English language, along with translations into Chinese
and Spanish. The Director of the Academy of Martial Arts,
Santa Cruz, California; he has dedicated much time and effort
to the spread of authentic Kung Fu philosophy and practice
and, following that belief, is a member of the Traditiona
Wushu Association (TWA). He also owns Plum Publications.
