Broad Sword Routine - 23 individual movements
Weapons training in TaiChi are not only useful martial art forms in their own right but also serve as intensive training in particular aspects of the "open hand" skills. The broad sword is especially good at developing agile footwork and "Fajing" (explosive energy). Here Kelvin demos for the Hong Kong ChinWoo Association visitors to Auckland in 2003. Click the picture to download (2.00Mb, 57secs).

Chen Fan Routine
The Fan appears to be a relatively late arrival to the Chen family weapons routines and probably came via Yang family Tai Chi (because of its association with Chinese Courts & the associated royal and noble families).

Spectators are sometimes surprised to learn that this exotic routine is more than just an aesthetic display and is indeed weapons training. In Chinese Palaces weapons were not allowed to be worn in the Emporer's presence. However it appears that the Emporer, and later courtiers and courtesans, tended to replace the spine of their fans with metal - sometimes sharpened - for minimal protection. Fans were of course widely used in the palaces during the hot summer months.

The video clip of Malisa Ng and her students was taken in 2004. The students have been practising for about 6 months.
Click the picture to download (1.3Mb, 120secs).

The Two-Edged Sword (excerpts) - 49 individual movements
The two-edged sword is the oldest of the Chen style weapons routines. It is practiced after some experience of the "open-hand" techniques because correct attitude relies on open hand skills. The sword is considered simply as an extension of the body.

This routine is especially useful for relaxing shoulders and hips, strengthening the body and calming the mind. The soft/hard, quick/slow techniques of Chen style are readily apparent - along with sudden leaps, deceptive side-steps, opponent "shadowing" and swift counter-strikes.

This demo was given at the Auckland Art gallery during Chinese New Year 2003. Click the picture to download (1.8Mb, 145 secs).