Questions tagged [jian]
For questions about Chinese straight-sword, "jian" 剑
7
questions
2
votes
2answers
72 views
Is it important to train with poorly weighted swords?
Over the years, I've had many swords I've trained on, light and heavy, good quality and poor, well balanced and poorly balanced, steel of different tempers, and wood. I never felt a decently weighted ...
5
votes
3answers
127 views
Why does the offhand extend forward in Chinese straight sword combinations?
Practice forms, which ideally take the fencer through a large set of core techniques, are typically broken up into sections. You see this forward extension of the offhand toward the opponent most ...
1
vote
1answer
63 views
What is the primary technique of Wudang sword?
Wudang sword is famed in China and has been preserved as an extant practice since swordfighting days. But when I watch web videos on the art, I sometimes get unreliable information about what it ...
6
votes
3answers
158 views
Does blade flex have any function beyond durability?
It's well understood that you need some carbon to get well tempered steel, and put flex into the blade for durability. (Brittle swords break easily.)
But is there any use of the flexibility inherent ...
3
votes
1answer
109 views
Unarmed defender disarming an opponent with a straight sword?
Akido has a well known technique of "sword-taking" (太刀取り, tachitori), where an unarmed defender disarms an attacker with a katana. This technique surely has utility against an incompetent ...
2
votes
2answers
180 views
Proper grip for Chinese straight sword (Jian 剑)
This is a basic, but critical question. I've noticed some variation among practitioners.
What is the proper grip for Chinese straight sword?
7
votes
2answers
219 views
Function of tassel in Chinese straight sword?
Back when I started learning Chinese straight sword, tassels were almost universally utilized, but my sense is that in recent years, there has been movement away from using it, partly in service of ...