Classic Yang Style Saber (32 forms and applications)

  
The Taiji Dao is classic weapon forged over many centuries to be the weapon of choice for many warriors. It's design is a blend of practicality and beauty that allows it to neutralize the effectiveness of many opposing weapons especially those considered to be long range weapons such as the staff and spear.

The Classic Yang (32) saber is a strong, energetic and flowing set that fully incorporates the techniques specific to the saber. The student will learn to utilize each part of the saber through careful study of each form from a martial application perspective.

Great care will be taken to continue to incorporate foundational Taiji principles when teaching the saber.

1    Commencing Posture   

2    Step forward form the seven stars

3    Turn left form the seven stars
4    White Crane spreads its wings

Basic Dao Techniques (25)   
1    Cloud - defense circular block above the upper front of the head, then attack by finishing the circle
2    Divide - vertical or horizontal separation of arms ending in an attack or block
3    Stab or thrust - using tip of the sword in a straight thrust, the power reaches the tip of the saber
4    Strike - slap with the side of the blade usually to the head
5    Swing - similar to chop but using a full range of motion
6    Bear - strong upward or diagonal block with the thick blunt part of the blade
7    Sweep - attack below the knee with a chop or swing
8    Embrace - holding the saber in a neutral position with the handle between the fingers, used in greeting
9    Chop, split, cut - downward or diagonal or horizontal controlled attack
10    Point - quick attack motion normally at opponents wrist, neck or temple
11    Draw back or pull - blade edge is draw back to neutralize an attack or slice into opponent
12    Smear - horizontal attack using just the blade tip        
13    Pluck - using vertical edge, arm and sword lined up straight, blade moves from bottom up
14    Cover or press down - using one or two hands on the saber press opponents weapon down to open sky window for attack
15    Hook (wash) - downward diagonal neutralization of an attack performed while stepping backward
16    Wrap - circular defensive motion, wrapping your blade around the opponents blade to gain an advantage
17    Block - use blunt part of blade on an angle to block an attack and have it slide off downward
18    Hold - hold handle with two hands, blade is horizontal ready to thrust
19    Sink - quick downward wrist collapse to avoid being attacked at the hand,wrist, forearm
20    Push - free hand against the back of blade to push the sharp blade into opponent, can be used to seal as well
21    Wrap around the head - blade goes around the head, keep it vertical as you go around the back
22    Intercept - use the tip section to intercept the attack at opponents hands or forearms from any angle
23    Coil - half circle wrist motion that allows the top third of blade to slice the opponents hand or wrist
24    Slide block & cut - upward diagonal motion used to block and immediately attack using same motion
25    Saber flowers