Li Family weapons

Bruce with flighted broadsword.

T’ai Chi Sword

Metal – mind/focus

T’ai Chi Sword represents the ‘order of the universe’. A great deal of concentration is required to retain complete control of the body and limbs whilst maintaining perfect balance and poise. On the outside there is physical activity but inside there is peace and tranquillity. The Tai Chi Sword became a duelling weapon.

Feng Shou Broad Sword

Tao – Metal – mind/focus

If the T’ai Chi Sword represents the ‘order of the universe’ then the Broad Sword represents how the order of the universe is carried out.

Stick

Wood – posture/bone stacking – hips & shoulders

Working with the stick (staff) shows what is happening on the inside so will help you to harmonise the internal with the external. The stick is the hardest weapon to truly master.

Silk

Water – arms & hands – muscle change

T’ai Chi Silk form is a mixture of slow and fast movements representing the gentleness and hardness, of water.

Spear

Metal & wood

The flexibility and posture of the wood combined with the concentration and focus of the sword are used here.

Ch’i energy is also utilized at a far higher level, for not only has it to be practiced inwardly, but it has also to be seen, demonstrated, and made to flow from the weapon that is held. All this comes under the heading of Ta Lu (the highway), which is the supreme road to the Supreme Ultimate.

Frankie demonstrating the fan form.