The Complete Taiji Dao: The Art of the Chinese Saber [Paperback]

The dao, a single-edged sword with a curved blade, is one of the most popular weapons in traditional Chinese martial arts. The art of Taiji Dao is a set of skills for using the dao, derived from the popular martial art Taijiquan. One of the most important aspects of Taijiquan practice is weapons training, eagerly pursued by students who have become adept in the basic skills of the art.

The Complete Taiji Dao introduces the principles and practice of Taiji Dao and provides illustrated discussions of the history of Chinese swords. The book covers the history and features of the dao; the Taiji principles from which Taiji Dao practice derives; the basic skills and techniques of the art; detailed descriptions and photographs of the traditional Taiji Dao form; and Taiji Dao fighting principles and training methods. Broad in scope and detailed in its presentation of the principles and practice of Taiji Dao, The Complete Taiji Dao represents a significant contribution to the field of traditional Chinese weapons practice."Handled well, the Taiji saber reflects the practitioner’s skill level and depth of knowledge in applications and results. A sword master is sensitive to conditions and fully integrates body and mind in precise execution. The same can be said of Zhang Yun’s skill in crafting this new book. Sensitive to readers’ needs, Zhang integrates the history, design, construction, and practice of the Chinese saber with great detail and clarity. The resulting work is an inspiring leap in the field of Chinese martial arts publications by presenting a major weapon in such a thorough way. It will be a standard reference work for decades to come."
—Michael A. DeMarco, publisher, Journal of Asian Martial Arts

"Martial arts books often include photos and extensive descriptions of the techniques, but that whlsC