Why do we point the finger???
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- I recently had a conversation with another practitioner of Chinese sword, and we got on the topic of the extended finger seen in Tai Chi swords forms and training. It is not often discussed as to why, and I am sure there are other answers depending on who you ask, so don't take my word as the only truth, but this is my best way of breaking it down.
What are your thoughts on the extended finger? Do you train with the extended finger???
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Long Quan Jian: lkchensword.co...
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Disc Guard Cutting Jian: lkchensword.co...
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This is a topic I like to sink my teeth into as well. Despite my lack of formal training (as of yet), I still have found out and observed a decent bit on this topic throughout the years of handling jian.
The qualities of jian use, especially in arts like Tai Chi, are simply not possible without a "lively" grip (as legendary swordsman Li Jinglin calls it). It goes beyond just the play it gives to the sword but also is imperative to the entirety of the accompanying body mechanics.
Arts like Tai Chi, as you well know, emphasize a certain elastic quality. An... absorbing and springing back sort of concept.
When this is done with a jian, it works beautifully. But it needs that play in the wrist and grip, otherwise the power will stop at the arm. Like a literal whip, it only works if the whole body is relaxed. If there is a hard section in a whip, most of the energy will die there.
Li indeed describes his lively grip to dominantly be the middle and ring fingers. Rodell Laoshi teaches it more like his, too. The thumb actually clasps over those fingers. I have found that grip hard to get used to lol!
Personally, I like a grip more akin to what you show, with the finger under the guard. And indeed, the pinkie snap really whips the sword nicely.
Very interesting take to teach it with the finger on the guard as a means of teaching the same mechanics.
So sorry for the long novel haha! I just love to talk about stuff like this.
Always a pleasure to read your insight! My Sigung mentioned that the grip is the Wudang method which was Li Jinglin's art so his quote makes perfect sense!
Yeah, Li is a Wudang guy, and I really enjoy his way of describing the sword's use. More of my practice at this point is informed by these kinds of loose concepts rather than a whole lot of specifics. Those I will leave to a good teacher. No use to try to dial on specifics by oneself lol. Just build bad habits that way.
For me at this time, I just try to extract the overarching themes of descriptions by Li and others both current and past, such as to let your swordplay be as a water serpent, use softness to overcome hardness, do not swing your sword, sway it with the body, borrow their power, keep the feet light, etc.
These metaphors and analogies are highly informative, and put in mind alot of good principles to feel out and strive for, rather than simply trying to emulate movements without substance.
So my insight is purely that of an outsider looking in. I have formal training in other arts, but kung fu is my base, first love and what I find myself doing at the end of the day. And the jian is one of the highest forms of its expression, imo. 😁
Interesting never thought about that
❤merci Sifu superbe 🙏🏼
I was holding onto one of those safety knives where I was holding it, pointing as though as though it were a sword.
I looked at my forearm when my forefinger is relaxed and gripped. I noticed my muscles were more flexed when I was gripping the knife.
My guess, so it doesn't wear out your arm and less chance of pulling something. Or increase energy/power available if it's He-Man vs Darth Vader.
My money is on He-Man.
The Gale Wind interests me. After our exchange on IG about it a few days ago, I'm getting serious about adding another LK Chen sword to my armory. My question is on the type of steel. I do want to cut with it, so folded pattern steel or the spring steel?
I don't believe there going to be a significant difference when it comes to cutting most types of targets. I will look into it and get back to you!