The magical world of Tai Chi weapon forms
Once you've started Tai Chi, you might look at where this journey will take you? Some say they want to relearn and do it better. Others want to train with Tai Chi weapons. I'd say you should do both.
Tai Chi weapons can be exciting, but they are not easy. A lot of people get the impression that it is and that it is easier than weapon forms from other styles of Chinese martial arts. It isn't so, not at all. Just because hand forms are slow, this doesn't means Tai Chi weapons are easy. If you think hand forms are easy, you may ask if you've done Tai Chi before.
In our lineage and in common with others, you start with hand forms first, before you progress to something else. People have asked if they can learn Tai Chi sword without knowing any Tai Chi or having to learn it from scratch. No, it's not really possible or advisable. Tai Chi hand forms aren't easy, not if you wish to do it well. Add a sword and why would it not be harder? Like any art, you can't learn in a diluted manner. Take those apps or magazine part works that teach you to play a musical instrument. Sure, it can work, but don't expect to be on the same level as those who have learned music properly. However, it is a start and if it leads somewhere, then it can be a good thing.
Over the years, I've seen many performances. Some are excellent, others including my own at that time, have been lacking in quality and refinement. Tai Chi weapon forms can be dynamic and exciting. But what I see doesn't quite live up to these expectations. There's no finese or weapon awareness. Why do people wave their swords like a magic wand? It ain't Harry Potter! You need to be as one with your sword any other weapon. I've seen a spear form performed, where the spear itself was just carried, but not used. You need to control your weapon and not walk around with it. Is this martial? Would this be effective?
Tai Chi weapon forms can help you understand your hand forms. However, to do it well, you need patience, persistence and honesty. Without a firm foundation, You won't get there. How's your stances and your foundation skills? Learning forms may only takes a few years, but competence and mastery takes a lifetime. At the end of the day, your training doesn't lie.
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