Cheng Man-Ching's Tai Chi Sword Videos

Yang Sword Form in New York City park (1973). (00:02:26)

Professor Cheng Man-Ching was a master of the double-edged Chinese sword, which he learned from Yang Chengfu, who was known for his skill.

Cheng Man-Ching and Tai Chi itself were introduced to the West by martial arts expert, Robert Smith, and he pulled together the 8mm videos collected on this DVD. This enthusiastic video is the last known recording of Professor Cheng doing the Tai Chi Sword Form.

From: Cheng Man Ching (Robert Smith DVD)

To watch any of Professor Cheng's videos, click on picture

Like push hands, Tai Chi fencing is an exercise that emphasizes sensitive sticking and finding the openings created by the opponent's intentions.

Maintaining light contact, getting out of the way, and slicing are encouraged, as opposed to blocking or chopping.

From: Cheng Man Ching (Robert Smith DVD)

To watch any of Professor Cheng's videos, click on picture

The Yang Tai Chi Sword Form. (00:03:47)

Professor Cheng leads his advanced students through the sword form, and this video offers a superb, clear version for study.

(The "Master Tapes" videos were shot at his New York City school of Tai Chi Chuan between 1969 and 1971.)

Ken Van Sickle talks about the role of the Sword Form and fencing in advanced Tai Chi.

From: Cheng Man-Ching and Don Ethan Miller (Master Tapes DVD)

To watch Professor Cheng in action, click on picture

The Professor fences with advanced Tai Chi Sword students. (00:08:17)

The double-edged Chinese sword is used to deflect, avoid, and redirect blows - before delivering a slash or stab of its own.

Maggie Newman, Ken Van Sickle, and Ed Young explain that Professor Cheng left them no way out.

From: Cheng Man-Ching and Don Ethan Miller (Master Tapes DVD)

To watch Professor Cheng in action, click on picture

More fencing with advanced Tai Chi Sword students. (00:10:50)

Professor Cheng continues free-style fencing, exhausting one senior student after another.

Ken Van Sickle explains that his amazing skill confounded all of them, while his natural footwork and forward and circling motion made it "look like a walk in the park". No one even comes close to scoring a touch.

From: Cheng Man-Ching and Don Ethan Miller (Master Tapes DVD)

To watch Professor Cheng in action, click on picture

Yang Tai Chi Sword Form after fencing workout. (00:02:45)

Professor Cheng leads his advanced students again through a smooth, relaxed version of the Sword Form after a vigorous fencing class.

From: Cheng Man-Ching and Don Ethan Miller (Master Tapes DVD)

To watch Professor Cheng in action, click on picture

Advanced martial arts exercise for extending energy outward. (00:02:50)

The Chinese sword has played an important role in training because it lends itself naturally to the principles of Tai Chi Chuan.

It requires sensitivity to the opponents weapon and is not designed to meet force with force.

From: Ken Van Sickle and Joseph Zeisky (Feather Sword DVD)

To watch Professor Cheng's Sword Form, click on picture

Tai Chi fencing by a renowned master. (00:02:21)

Professor Cheng fences with advanced students in this entertaining and revealing sword class from the late 1960's or early 1970's.

Everyone is having a good time, and his mastery of the sword is clear.

From: Cheng Man-Ching

To watch Professor Cheng's sword class, click on picture