D4. Wudang Kungfu – Taiyi Xuanmen Sword (4 months)
Performing in both fast and slow paces, this swordsmanship contains both strength and softness. It devotes particular care to bring the sword with the body as well as the six mixtures which coordinates the postures and the spirit in the forms of posture & consciousness, consciousness & qi, and qi & spirit. Besides, the movements of arms, eyes, body, method and stance have to be in line with the six mixtures.
The swordsmanship features striking, hanging, knocking, stabbing, pointing, and poking. The learner has to be comprehensible of sword theory so that the sword’s temperament can be played thoroughly to co-operate the body and the sword as one unit.
When moving, it looks like dragon emerges from the water. When steadying, it looks like a cat catching the mouse. During the movement, the arms divide the Yin-Yang, the body contains the Eight Trigrams, and the stances follow the Nine Palaces. The whole movement has to match the Qi in within and match the form externally.
When fighting, it outflanks the enemy by attacking slantingly to avoid upright confrontation. This swordsmanship moves in a moderate speed and fits people of different characters or weak physique. Long-term practice would enhance the health and responsiveness.
