Ken Van Sickle's Tai Chi Sword Videos
Instructor of Cheng Man-Ching's Yang Sword Form
Channel:
Essential Sports and Fitness Videos (Tai Chi)
Master Van Sickle specialized in the Yang Sword Form.
He was a student at Professor Cheng Man-Ching's school until his death
in 1975. Ken opened his own Tai Chi school in 1980.
He was an experienced martial artist, who studied saber fencing, was a marksman with pistol and rifle, and had
awards in archery and Goju karate.
Yang Sword Form with Tassle
How the tassle adds to Tai Chi Sword Form training. (00:02:16)
As he goes through the sword form, Master Ken Van Sickle explains the point of using the tassle with the sword.
When the sword form is done correctly, the tassle won't slap your wrist, get tangled, or hang limp, and doing
the form (and fencing) with a tassle is an advanced technique for further improving Tai Chi skill.
From: Ken Van Sickle and Joseph Zeisky (Feather Sword DVD)
To watch clips of Ken Van Sickle's Tai Chi sword, click on picture
How to Hold the Sword
Understanding the different grips needed for the Tai Chi Sword Form. (00:02:58)
Master Ken Van Sickle shows the basic grip, the role of thumb and middle
finger, and how correct wielding of the Tai Chi sword is like moving through water.
He explains about the proper positions for cutting, thrusting, and hitting with the butt of the sword, and
how the hand must turn to roll the sword's position.
From: Ken Van Sickle and Joseph Zeisky (Feather Sword DVD)
To watch clips of Master Van Sickle's Tai Chi sword instruction, click on picture
Yang Sword Form - Move 1 to 13
Detailed instructions from multiple angles. (00:22:23)
Master Ken Van Sickle carefully explains how to do the first thirteen moves:
1. Starting position
2. Step forward moving sword and hand together
3. Immortal points the way (west)
4. Three rings around the moon
5. Major literary star
6. Swallow beats the water with its wings
7. Block and sweep: right, left
8. Minor literary star
9. Wasp enters the cave
10. Alert cat catches the mouse
11. Dragonfly strikes the water
12. Swallow returns to the nest
13. Phoenix spreads its wings
From: Ken Van Sickle and Joseph Zeisky (Feather Sword DVD)
To watch clips of Ken Van Sickle's Tai Chi sword instruction, click on picture
Yang Sword Form - Move 14 to 26
Detailed instructions from multiple angles. (00:13:42)
Master Ken Van Sickle explains the details of the following Sword Form moves:
14. The clockwise whirling wind; minor literary star
15. The attitude of awaiting the fish
16. Searching the grass for the snake
17. Embracing the moon
18. The birds return to the forest
19. The black dragon wags its tail
20. The wind rolls the lotus leaf
21. The lion shakes its head
22. The tiger holds its breath
23. The wild horse leaps over the stream
24. Turn and rein in the horse
25. The compass
26. Tassels in the wind
From: Ken Van Sickle and Joseph Zeisky (Feather Sword DVD)
To watch clips of Ken Van Sickle's Tai Chi sword instruction, click on picture
Yang Sword Form - Move 27 to 39
Detailed instructions from multiple angles. (00:10:55)
Master Ken Van Sickle explains the details of the following Sword Form moves:
27. Pushing the boat with the current
28. The shooting star chases the moon
29. Pegasus; The spraying waterfall
30. Roll up the screen
31. Wheels, left and right
32. Swallow holds mud in its mouth
33. The roc spreads its wings
34. Pick up the moon from the sea bottom
35. Embracing the moon
36. Dragon spirit searches the sea
37. Rhinocerous gazes at the moon
38. Shooting the wild goose
39. Green dragon stretches its claws
From: Ken Van Sickle and Joseph Zeisky (Feather Sword DVD)
To watch clips of Ken Van Sickle's Tai Chi sword instruction, click on picture
Yang Sword Form - Move 40 to 52
Detailed instructions from multiple angles. (00:15:51)
Master Ken Van Sickle explains the details of the following Sword Form moves:
40. The Phoenix spreads its wings
41. Step towards two sides and block
42. Shooting the wild goose
43. The falling flower, left and right
44. The white ape offers fruit
45. The fair lady weaves at the shuttle
46. The white tiger wags its tail
47. The fish leaps over the gate of the dragon
48. The black dragon coils around the pillar
49. The immortal points the way (east)
50. The wind sweeps the fallen flower
51. Holding the tablet before your bosom
52. Embracing the sword; Return to starting position
From: Ken Van Sickle and Joseph Zeisky (Feather Sword DVD)
To watch clips of Ken Van Sickle's Tai Chi sword instruction, click on picture