The Complete Taiji Dao: The Art of the Chinese Saber

Description

The dao, a single-edged sword with a curved blade, is one of the most popular weapons in traditional Chinese martial arts. The art of Taiji Dao is a set of skills for using the dao, derived from the popular martial art Taijiquan. One of the most important aspects of Taijiquan practice is weapons training, eagerly pursued by students who have become adept in the basic skills of the art. The Complete Taiji Dao introduces the principles and practice of Taiji Dao and provides illustrated discussions of the history of Chinese swords. The book covers the history and features of the dao; the Taiji principles from which Taiji Dao practice derives; the basic skills and techniques of the art; detailed descriptions and photographs of the traditional Taiji Dao form; and Taiji Dao fighting principles and training methods. Broad in scope and detailed in its presentation of the principles and practice of Taiji Dao, The Complete Taiji Dao represents a significant contribution to the field of traditional Chinese weapons practice.

Since the 1990s, Zhang Yun has taught martial arts classes throughout the United States and has conducted more than 50 seminars worldwide. He is the author of The Art of Chinese Swordsmanship- A Manual of Taiji Jian and the translator of Lu Shengli's Combat Techniques of Taiji, Xingyi, and Bagua. He lives in Pittsburgh, PA.

"Handled well, the Taiji saber reflects the practitioner's skill level and depth of knowledge in applications and results. A sword master is sensitive to conditions and fully integrates body and mind in precise execution. The same can be said of Zhang Yun's skill in crafting this new book. Sensitive to readers' needs, Zhang integrates the history, design, construction, and practice of the Chinese saber with great detail and clarity. The resulting work is an inspiring leap in the field of Chinese martial arts publications by presenting a major weapon in such a thorough way. It will be a standard reference work for decades to come." -Michael A. DeMarco, publisher, Journal of Asian Martial Arts "Martial arts books often include photos and extensive descriptions of the techniques, but that which is essential is not included. This book is different-each movement and technique is accompanied by an exposition on what you should feel, and how to use your mind and body to engender that feeling. By 'feeling,' I do not mean 'emotional state.' I mean the physical organization you must develop to do the technique properly, using mental imagery, sensation, and the direction of attention to link up parts of the body so that one functions in an integrated fashion. I have never read a book that so clearly delineates what one should actually try to do while practicing an internal martial art. And that this is a book on weapons technique makes this all the more remarkable." -Ellis Amdur, author of Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions "The Complete Taiji Dao: The Art of the Chinese Saber by Zhang Yun is the most complete book on swordsmanship that I have seen yet. Zhang Yun provides very clear photos of all form work in the book, something that is usually difficult to read and put into practice. The book explains in great detail how Taiji principles are extended to weapon use as well as how the Taiji Dao is unique and different than conventional broadsword use. This book will stay with my collection forever." -Dojo Rat