Sabre Class

Description

The dao (sabre) is a single-edged, curved blade, historically a military weapon in China. In Tai Chi, it’s often unsharpened for practice, weighing 1.5–2.5 lbs, with a blade length of 28–34 inches.

The sabre form builds strength, coordination, and martial intent, contrasting with the sword (jian’s) elegance by emphasizing power and decisiveness. It still retains Tai Chi’s principles of balance, relaxation, and qi flow.

Movements are broader and more vigorous than sword forms, with sweeping cuts, blocks, and turns that mimic battlefield techniques softened by Tai Chi’s grace.