D08. Wudang Xuangong Board Sword
elementary: 3 months; advanced: 2 months
This Wudang Xuanggong Board Sword method is famous for its vigorous and generous features. When the board sword is wielding, it looks like a wild tiger. It is ranked as the first among the Eighteen Weapons. According to the ancient scholars and warriors, it was a must to wear the valuable board sword when calling on the emperors in the palace. The praise of Zheng Yuanshi, the poet of Qing Dynasty, manifested the charm of the board sword. It said, “The autumn waters speed across the wrists, and ice flowers spread over one’s body.
The board sword is so soft that it twists around the body and so delicate that it won’t disturb the dust. Wudang Xuangong Board Sword is the Wudang’s Xuanmen martial arts. It puts stress on the force of the arms which is different from the softness and speed of the wrist demanded by the sword. The board sword movements include striking, sweeping, winding, stirring and hooking. It requires the free flow of the force and achieves the target at one go, like a dragon dancing and a tiger leaping. It aims to control the enemy at every strike and chases them step by step. Long-term practice of the board sword allows the learners to have nimble movements and health body. It is good for body-building and acquiring attack-defense ability.
