Tai Ji Falchion, famous for the name of "a ring on its head with long blade", is one of the Chinese traditional Kung-fu apparatus. This type of falchions had appeared and used in Xihan Dynasty and accordingly replaced the Long Sword being one of the main weapons in battlefield at that time. The Falchion is distinguishable from other weapons by a ring on its head. Its blade bending a little bit upward is sharp, narrow and long, the back of its blade is thick, the short part of its top is sharpened to razor sharpness with two edges like a real sword. In other words, Tai Ji Falchion might be the combination of some normal sword and broadsword. With the above-mentioned characteristics of Tai Ji Falchion, the holder could start his attack by chopping, hacking, ripping and thrusting powerfully. Moreover, there is a bow bending forward on the upper part of the handle, with which the holder could catch and hook the rival's weapon after leading the falchion out of the scabbard. The bow bending backward on the lower part of the handle can protect the holder's fingers as well.
Tai Ji Falchion's style is quite different from the normal Kung-fu apparatus. Thus, we can hardly find even one in common Kung-fu apparatus stores. In cases for sports, players would like using the wooden or leaf-shaped falchions instead. However, the style of falchions should be in line with the corresponding performances and particular methods. The means of playing or using Tai Ji Falchion are actually designed in accordance with its special style. We couldn't find any huge chop, sharp block or sharp split in Tai Ji Falchionplay, because its fundamental theory derives from those of Taiji Quan Dot (Zhan), Stick (Zhan), Link (Lian), Follow (Sui), Smooth (Zou), Dissolve (Hua). With the aim to attack first while start second in the fight, the players should move back and forth, up and down occasionally and dodge rightward and leftward nimbly. The movement must be quick and flexible. Both the stances of waist and legs and the steps must comply with the swordplay. Players should lead the performance by their will and operate the sword with internal force. And methods of Press (An), Mop (Mo), Shift (Tui), Hold (Tuo) should be performed by sustaining the falchion with palm and elbow. When the players turn the waist running the falchion, the movement should be free and flowing.
Chinese Kung-Fu is outstanding in the consciousness of attack and defence, force, speed, difficulty, sense of rhythm and other comprehensive ideas. Under the traditional martial arts, Tai Ji Quan is a noticeable member of the Chinese Kung-Fu. Its performance is led by will, and its internal force is required to be slight and steady. Its foundation is martial arts, while its outcome is to make the internal spirit and the external body healthy.
