Introduction Carl, 66, has practiced the 32 form with his tai chi sword every morning for three years. Last month he heard something new during a fast thrust: a tiny metallic click, like a coin dropped inside the handle. He kept practicing anyway, because the sword still looked perfect. Two weeks later the click became … Read more
Introduction Gloria stored her retractable tai chi sword the way most people do: collapsed, zipped into its fabric sleeve, tucked behind the couch in her Florida living room. When she pulled it out for our June workshop, the blade would not extend. When it finally did, with a sound like a zipper full of gravel, … Read more
Introduction Ray brought his retractable tai chi sword to class with great confidence and left with great confusion. He had bought it online for travel, and for three weeks it behaved. Then, in the middle of a turning movement last Thursday, the blade quietly ate itself. One moment he held a full-length sword, the next … Read more
Key Takeaway: Quick Answer: A quality Tai Chi sword balances 2.4–3.5 inches (6–9 cm) from the guard (matched to size), weighs 1.30–1.39 lbs (590–630 g) without scabbard, has a blade that flexes 2–3 inches under gentle pressure, and has rock-solid fittings with zero wobble. Run these 5 tests before you buy — they’ll take 3 … Read more