YANG STYLE TAIJI SABER ACCORDING TO FU ZHONGWEN

太極刀
TAIJI SABER
傅鍾文示範 蔡龍雲編寫
as demonstrated by Fu Zhongwen and written by Cai Longyun
[published by 人民體育出版社 The People’s Physical Education Press, June, 1959]

[translation by Paul Brennan, Jan, 2014]

目錄
CONTENTS

序言
Preface
太極刀的練習方法
Taiji Saber Training Principles
太極刀訣
Taiji Saber Poem
太極刀動作說明
Taiji Saber Movement Descriptions
刀法應用譜
List of Taiji Saber Applications
太極刀法實用假設練習
Pretend Combat Drills for Taiji Saber
編後記
Postscript

序言
PREFACE

中國的武術運動,包括很多種拳系,太極拳系僅是其中的一種。在太極拳系裡有拳、劍、刀、槍、推手及大捋等運動項目。這些運動項目,雖然在形式上各有不同,但它們卻具有一個共同的運動特點,就是“柔中寓剛,棉裡藏針;纏綿不斷,滔滔不絕”。
近百年來,人民群眾根據它的運動特點結合了保健上的需要,逐步地使它擺脫了過去的單純為技擊服務的道路而趨向於醫療體育的道路。從科學方面已證實了太極拳系的運動項目在醫療體育上有很大的療效。從而也說明了太極拳系應向這個方向發展。
幾年來,由於黨和人民政府對武術運動的關懷與提倡,太極拳系的各個運動項目的發展更為空前,參加太極拳運動的群眾日益增多。為了造應廣大群眾的需要和提供太極拳整理、研究工作的參考,我們編寫了這本書。
我自幼從我的舅父楊澄甫先生那裡較有系統地掌握了太極拳系的各種運動,苦於缺乏編寫能力,未能貢獻絲毫。今逢蔡龍雲先生與我同任上海市武術隊教練,蒙他在編寫上予以幫助,寫成這本書。希望讀者對書中不正確的地方,提出糾正,以便改進和提高。
傅鍾文1958年9月於上海
Chinese martial arts exercises consist of a great variety of boxing systems, of which Taiji Boxing is but one. Within Taiji Boxing, there are the exercises of the boxing set, sword, saber, spear, pushing hands, and large rollback. Although these things are distinct in terms of posture, they nevertheless share common characteristics, such as “hardness within softness” or “like a needle wrapped in cotton” and “continuity without interruption” or “flowing on and on ceaselessly”.
     In this century, the masses have endorsed such characteristics by combining health care requirements with a transcendence of mere martial ways to move in the direction of therapeutic fitness. It has since been scientifically verified that Taiji Boxing exercises are very effective therapeutic fitness, which explains why Taiji Boxing has developed in this direction.
     Due to the Party’s embracing and promoting of martial arts in the last few years, there has been unprecedented development of Taiji Boxing exercises, and the masses are now participating in it more and more every day. In response to public demand for Taiji Boxing reference materials, we have written this book.
     I learned from uncle Yang Chengfu since I was child, and therefore received a more systematic training in the various exercises of Taiji Boxing, but on the other hand I have consequently suffered from a lack of writing ability, and so I had hitherto not been able to contribute anything. I have recently met Cai Longyun, who is an instructor like me for the Shanghai Martial Arts Team, and who has given me help with the writing in order to complete this book. I hope that readers who notice inaccuracies within the book will offer corrections in order to further improve it.
     – written by Fu Zhongwen in Shanghai, Sep, 1958

太極刀的練習方法
TAIJI SABER TRAINING PRINCIPLES

一、練習太極刀的時候,“頭部”不可偏歪或俯仰,必須將下頦收進,頭向上直頂,好像有東西頂在頭上似的所謂“頂頭懸”;但切忌由於頭向上頂、下頦收進而產生了硬頭強項之弊。因此頭向上頂還要注意頸項肌肉的放鬆,所謂“虛領頂勁”。“目光”必須是向前直視、不要在運動中產生斜視的現象。“口”則自然合閉,“舌”向上捲舐住上齶。“口”呼“鼻”吸任其自然。
When practicing Taiji Saber:
1. Your head must not lean forward, back or sideways. You must tuck in your chin and straighten your headtop, as though there is something on your head, your “headtop bracing upward”. But by all means avoid the error of stiffening your neck when pressing up your headtop and pulling in your chin. Therefore when your head presses up, you should pay that much more attention to loosening the muscles of your neck, as in “forcelessly press up your headtop”. Your eyes should look straight ahead and should not appear to wander during the movements. Your mouth should be naturally closed. Your tongue should curl upward to touch the upper palate. Exhale with your mouth and inhale with your nose, as is natural.

二、練習太極刀的時候,“身軀”必須中正不倚,“脊梁”與“尾閭”必須直而不偏;但是這並不等於身軀僵直得絲毫沒有靈活之意,在運動過程中遇到動作變化的時候,它也必須有含胸拔背、沉肩轉腰的變化。楊澄甫先生曾在“太極拳之練習談”中說:“但遇開合變化時,有含胸拔背、沉肩轉腰之活用,初學時節須注意,否則日久難改,必流於板滯,工夫雖深,難以得益致用矣。”
2. “Your body must be upright rather than leaning, and your spine and tailbone must be straight and not askew…” However, this does not at all mean your body is to be rigid or is even slightly without agility. As you transition through the movements, there must be the adjustments of containing your chest and plucking up your back, and of sinking your shoulders and turning your waist, as Yang Chengfu continues in “On Practicing Taiji Boxing”: “… When alternating between opening and closing, there should be the lively use of containing your chest and plucking up your back, and of sinking your shoulders and turning your waist. Right from the beginning of the training, these concepts need to be given attention. Otherwise even after a long time it would be difficult to change your habits and you would be stuck in a state of stiffness. No matter how deep your skill, it would then hardly be beneficial or even applicable.”

三、練習太極刀的時候,“兩臂”骨節、肌肉均須放鬆,“肩”要向下鬆沉,“肘”要保持下墜並始終屈成弧形,“掌”腰微張,“手指”要伸而微曲。
3. The joints and muscles of you arms must loosen. Your shoulders should be loose and sunk, and your elbows should hang down and be constantly bent. The palm should be slightly spread, and the fingers should be extended but slightly bent.

四、練習太極刀的時候,“兩腿”必須分清虛實。身體重量移於左腿時,則左實,而右腳則虛沾地面;反之則右實左虛。所謂虛,並非空虛之意,而是其勢仍然末斷,存有伸縮變化的餘意在裡而;所謂實,也並非是用力過猛,用勁過分之意,而是充實而已。所以屈膝下蹲的時候,只要略蹲就可,如果屈膝成半蹲就有些用勁過分了。同時半蹲容易使上身前傾,失卻了中正之勢,違反了不倚不偏的要求。
4. You must distinguish between emptiness and fullness in your legs. When your body weight is shifted onto your left leg, your left leg is “full” and your right foot thus touches the ground “emptily”. The reverse would of course be right full and left empty. Emptiness does not mean an intention of nothingness, for the posture does not go all the way to that point but maintains room to alternate between expanding and contracting. Fullness does not mean a fierce effort or an excessive exertion, simply substantiality. When you bend a knee into a squat, a slight squat is all that is required. If you bend a knee all the way into a half squat, there will be some excessive exertion, and you may also easily end up leaning forward and losing your balance, violating the requirement of “neither lean nor incline”.

五、練習太極刀的時候,“兩腳”的前進後退,必須是起落猶如貓行,起步要領,落步要輕;遇到踢腳的時候,要使腳面繃平,腳尖朝前,但也不要過分地繃緊,要使腿腳的肌腱均都放鬆、慢慢地踢出。
5. The advance and retreat of your feet should lift and lower like the steps of a cat, lifting nimbly and coming down lightly. When kicking, the top of the foot should flatten, toes pointing forward, but the foot should be loose rather than stiff, and the kick should come out slowly.

六、練習太極刀的時候,必須保持“安靜”,使意識集中,將精神貫注到每個細小的動作中去,不要一而在練習,一面在考慮別的事情。否則,運動便成了隨便的活動,減低了鍛煉價值。
6. You should be in a state of tranquility, causing your mind to gather within. Your spirit should be present throughout the intricacies of every movement and should not fixate over any particular aspect. The exercise will thereby be lively and the training will be valuable.

七、練習太極刀的時候,必須使“呼吸”保持自然,不要受動作的影響而阻礙了自然的正常呼吸。呼吸的方式,雖然太極刀和太極拳同樣講究“氣沉丹田”的深呼吸,但在初學的時候不必拘束於這一點上,只要運用一般的“膈式呼吸”(腹呼吸)就可,不要專意地做膈膜的升降運動。否則,會弄得呼吸也不自然,動作也不自然,呼吸和動作更難協調。
7. You must maintain naturalness of breathing and should not allow the movements to influence or impede normal breathing. Although the breathing is the same for the saber set as it is for the boxing set – the deep breathing of “energy sinks to your elixir field” – you should not be at all restrictive in the beginning, for it will only work if you do ordinary belly breathing, and you should not fixate on the rise and fall of your diaphragm. Otherwise your breathing will be unnatural, your movement will be unnatural, and it will be harder to coordinate breath and movement.

八、練習太極刀的時候,必須運用圓活之“勁力”,不要運用僵勁和拙力。所謂圓活之勁,即是在身軀四肢自然活動或站立的情況下,使某些可能放鬆的肌腱和關節做到最大限度的鬆弛。但是這種最大限度的鬆弛,卻並不等於鬆懈和疲憊,而是以最低限度的力量來推動動作,也即是以肌肉的最低限度的緊張來支配骨骼。
8. You must move with a rounded and lively power rather than a stiff and awkward strength. A rounded and lively power is the natural condition of your body and limbs, allowing your tendons and joints to be fully relaxed. This complete relaxation is not the same as the slackening that comes from exhaustion, rather it is the lowest amount of strength produced by the movements and lowest amount of tension supported by the skeletal structure.

九、練習太極刀的時候,必須使動作“完整一氣、綿綿不斷”。身軀和四肢的活動要上下相隨、協調一致,特別是刀法和手法、步法的配合更應取得和諧、統一,所謂“一動無有不動”,切忌動手不動腳,動刀不動手的弊病。同時還要使每個動作都前後貫串起來,使整套太極刀從起勢到結束形成為一個單一的動作,中間沒有停頓,沒有間斷;雖然有些地方需要微頓,但是這僅僅是說把動作微微放慢的意思,並不是稍作停止的意思。
9. The movements must be a continuous process, flowing without pause. Your body and limbs should be coordinated above and below, operating as one and then the more integrated your saber techniques, hand actions, and footwork will be, as in: “When one part moves, every part moves.” By all means avoid the errors of moving the hands without there being any action in your legs or moving the saber without there being any action in your arms. Additionally, you have to link every movement as they precede and follow each other so that the entire saber set from beginning to end becomes as though a single movement without pause or discontinuity. Even though there are some places that demand a “slight pause”, it is merely a way of describing an intention of deceleration, not at all an intention of actually coming to a brief halt.

十、練習太極刀的時候,要“宜慢”不宜快。但慢並不等於遲頓和過溫,因此在速度問題上,必須避免過溫和遲頓的現象。同時還要保持從開始到結束的中間速度快慢均勻,不要忽快忽慢,快慢不勻。
10. It should be slow rather than fast. However, slow does not mean pausing or stiffening. Because of this issue of the speed, you must avoid an appearance of stiffness or coming to a halt. Maintain a constant speed throughout, neither suddenly speeding up nor suddenly slowing down.

太極刀訣
TAIJI SABER POEM

七星跨虎交刀勢,騰挪閃展意氣揚,左顧右盼兩分張,白鶴展翅五行掌,風捲荷花葉內藏,玉女穿梭八方勢,三星開合自主張,二起腳來打虎勢,披身斜掛鴛鴦腳,順水推舟鞭作篙,下勢三合自由招,左右分水龍門跳,卞和攜石鳳還巢。
BIG DIPPER and SITTING TIGER are followed by EXCHANGING THE SABER.
ALWAYS AT THE READY, SUDDENLY EXPAND, rousing mind and energy.
LOOK LEFT & RIGHT, then SPREAD APART TO BOTH SIDES.
WHITE CRANE SPREADS ITS WINGS with a five-element palm.
WIND ROLLS UP THE LOTUS LEAVES, then store inward.
MAIDEN WORKS THE SHUTTLE deals with all directions.
THREE STARS POSTURE, then open and close, and TAKE CHARGE OF THE SITUATION.
DOUBLE KICK, then perform FIGHTING TIGER POSTURE.
DRAPE THE BODY, hanging at an angle, then perform MANDARIN DUCK KICK.
GOING WITH THE CURRENT TO PUSH THE BOAT, use your iron staff like a punting-pole.
LOWERING, ENGAGE THREE TIMES, moving with fluency.
SWIM TO THE LEFT & RIGHT, then LEAP THE DRAGON GATE.
BIAN HE CARRIES THE STONE, then the PHOENIX RETURNS TO ITS NEST.

太極刀動作說明
TAIJI SABER MOVEMENT DESCRIPTIONS

一、七星跨虎交刀勢
ONE: BIG DIPPER and SITTING TIGER are followed by EXCHANGING THE SABER.

動作:
Movements:
①面向南方,兩腳開步站立,中間距離與兩肩相等;左手虎口朝下,拇指在外,其餘四指在裡,握住刀把,使刀背貼靠小臂,刀刃朝前,刀尖朝上,垂於上身左側;右手五指自然鬆開,拇指外側朝前,垂於上身右側;眼向前平視,抱刀姿勢站好(圖1)。
1. Facing south, your feet stand shoulder width apart. Your left hand holds the saber handle, the tiger’s mouth facing downward, thumb to the outside, fingers to the inside. With the back of the saber touching your forearm, the edge facing forward, the tip pointing upward, it is held at the left side of your body. With the fingers naturally relaxed and the thumb angled forward, your right hand hangs at the right side of your body. With your gaze straight ahead, you are standing properly in the posture of holding the saber. See photo 1:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 1

②左手抱刀從下向左、向上,向胸前屈肘圓形繞環,至胸前時手心朝裡;上身隨之稍向左轉,眼向正東方直視;右腿同時屈膝略蹲,左腳向正東移出半步,屈膝以腳前掌虛沾地面;身體重量落於右腿,成為左虛右實之虛步式。右手則在左腳出步之同時變拳,屈肘收抱於右腰側,拳心貼身,拳眼朝上(圖2)。
2. Your left hand circles the saber to the left, upward, and in front of your chest, elbow bent, and once in front of your chest, the center of the hand is inward. Your torso goes along with the movement by slightly turning to the left, your gaze now to the east. At the same time, your right knee bends into a slight squat and your left foot shifts a half step to the east, knee bent, ball of the foot lightly touching down. The weight is on your right leg, making an empty stance of left foot empty, right foot full. As your left foot steps out, your right hand becomes a fist, elbow bending, and draws back to the right side of your waist, the center of the fist toward your body, the fist eye facing upward. See photo 2:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 2

③上動不停,上身轉向正東;左腳踏實,左腿屈膝略蹲;右腳向前上步,屈膝以腳前掌虛沾地面,身體重量落於左腿,成為右虛左實之虛步式。左手抱刀不變,右拳在右腳向前上步之同時從右腰側由左手下面向前伸出,拳眼朝上,肘部稍屈;刀把與右拳上下交迭;眼仍向正東直視(圖3)。
3. Without pausing in the previous movement, your torso turns fully to be squared to the east. Your left foot fills, the knee bending into a slight squat, and your right foot steps forward, knee bent, ball of the foot lightly touching down. The weight is on your left leg, making an empty stance of right foot empty, left foot full. As your right foot steps forward, your right fist extends forward under your left hand, the fist eye facing upward, elbow slightly bent, with your left hand continuing to hold the saber handle as before [and appearing to move somewhat forward with your right hand due to the leftward turn of your body]. The saber handle and your right fist are crossed with each other above and below [with the handle on top]. Your gaze is still to the east. [You are now in the “Big Dipper” posture.] See photo 3:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 3

④上動微頓(似停非停喚作頓,下同),右腳向後退步,右腿屈膝略蹲;右拳同時變掌,從身前下沉(圖4)。
4. The previous movement comes to a slight pause. (This is a pause-without-pausing kind of pause, and this will be the case in all cases of “pause” below.) Your right foot steps back, the knee bends into a slight squat, your right fist at the same time becoming a palm and sinking down in front of your body [as your torso slightly turns to the right]. See photo 4:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 4

⑤上動不停,上身後移使身體重量落於右腿,左腳在上身後移之同時微離地面提起,即以腳前掌虛沾地面,成為左虛右實之虛步式;右掌繼續從身前下方向右、向上弧形繞環,至上方時屈肘屈腕成半月狀舉於頭前,掌心朝上;左手握刀在右掌繞環之同時以肘關節為軸心使小臂相應地從身前向上、向前弧形繞環,至前方時手心朝右,虎口朝前,肘微屈,刀尖朝後,刀刃朝上;眼仍前視(圖5)。
5. Without pausing in the previous movement, your torso shifts back so the weight is on your right leg, your left foot at the same time lifting up and touching down lightly with the ball of the foot, making an empty stance of right foot full, left foot empty. Your right palm continues downward and circles to the right and upward, elbow and wrist bending into a semicircle, until raised in front of your head, palm upward. At the same time, your left forearm, pivoting at the elbow, arcs upward and forward so the center of the saber-holding hand is facing to the right, tiger’s mouth facing forward, elbow slightly bent, the saber tip pointing to the rear, edge facing upward. Your gaze is still straight ahead. [You are now in the “sitting tiger” posture.] See photo 5:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 5

⑥上動微頓,上身右轉,左手握刀從前方隨身轉動向右屈肘平擺至右脅處,手心朝上,虎口朝外,刀尖朝向身左,刀刃朝向身前;右掌隨之從頭前上方落下,在右脅處接握左手之刀,左手此時將刀交於右手;眼看兩手(圖6)。
6. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your torso turns to the right, your left hand going along with it by bending at the elbow and swinging across until beside your right ribs, the center of the hand facing upward, tiger’s mouth facing outward, the saber tip pointing to your left, edge facing forward. Your right hand at the same time lowers until beside your right ribs and grabs the saber in your left hand, your left hand sending it to your right hand. Your gaze is to your hands. [You are now in the “exchanging the saber” moment.] See photo 6:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 6

要點:
Important points:
①抱刀站立的時候,全身自然放鬆,不要挺胸收腹;神情力求安靜,思想集中,做好運動的準備;左手所握之刀,防止刀刃朝裡或朝外,應使它朝向身前。②運動中的左右虛步式,必須虛實分清;上步和退步的時候,力求邁步輕穩,防止上身搖晃。③做繞環動作的時候,肘關節要稍微屈曲,不要伸直,也不要過分的屈曲。④在第三動刀把與右拳上下交迭的時候,拳和刀把的高度不要過高或過低,與胸骨的劍突處達成水平為宜。
1. When you are standing straight holding the saber, your whole body should be naturally relaxed, and you should not be sticking your chest out or sucking your belly in. Your spirit should seek quietude, your thoughts should be focused, and you should be prepared for movement. Keep the saber edge here from facing inward or outward, just forward.
2. When moving into the left and right empty stances, you must clearly distinguish between empty and full. When stepping forward and back, strive to step both nimbly and stably, and keep your body from swaying.
3. During the circling movements, the elbow should be slightly bent rather than straight, but not overly bent.
4. When the saber handle and your right fist cross each other in the third movement, their height should be neither too high nor too low, for the blade should be at chest level.

二、騰挪閃展意氣揚
TWO: ALWAYS AT THE READY, SUDDENLY EXPAND, rousing mind and energy.

動作:
Movements:
①上動不停,上身左轉面向正東;右手持刀,虎口靠近刀盤,左手將刀交於右手後手心仍朝上附於刀把處,刀背仍然貼靠左臂肘如抱刀狀,隨身轉動從右脅處向左平擺至正東方,兩肘微屈,刀刃朝上,刀尖橫向身後;左腳在上身左轉之同時向前進半步,左腿隨之屈膝略蹲,右腿同時在身後挺膝伸直,上身重量落於兩腿之間,或為左弓箭步;眼向前直視(圖7)。
1. Without pausing in the previous movement, your torso turns to the left to be squared to the east, while with your right hand holding the saber, tiger’s mouth near the hilt, and your left hand still facing upward and touching the saber handle, the back of the saber still touching your left forearm as before, your hands swing across to the left until your left forearm is pointing to the east, both elbows slightly bent, the saber edge facing upward, tip pointing to the rear. At the same time, your left foot advances a half step, the knee bending into a slight squat, your right knee straightening behind, the weight now between your legs, making a left bow & arrow stance. Your gaze is straight ahead. See photo 7:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 7

②上動不停,右手持刀手心朝下從身前向右平擺橫掃,至右側方時刀尖朝前,刀刃朝右,刀把與右腰側平齊;左手變掌,在右手持刀橫掃之同時掌心朝下從身前向左平擺,至左側方時掌指朝前,與左腰側平齊;兩肘均微屈;右腳此時離地,向身前屈膝提起,腳尖自然下垂;左腳不動,左腿仍歸稍屈;眼仍向前直視(圖8)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right hand sweeps the saber across, the center of the hand facing downward, and once to the right side, the tip is pointing forward, edge facing to the right, handle level with the right side of your waist. At the same time, your left hand, now a palm, the palm facing downward, swings across to the left, and once at your left side, the fingers are pointing forward and are level with the left side of your waist, both elbows slightly bent. Your right foot has now left the ground and lifted in front of your body, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally. Your left foot stays where it is, but the leg remains slightly bent. Your gaze is still straight ahead. [This would appear to be a moment of “readiness”.] See photo 8:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 8

③上動不停,右腳向東南斜前方落步,右腿隨之屈膝略蹲,左腿同時挺膝伸直,成為斜式右弓箭步;右手持刀在右腳落步之同時從右側向上平舉,至與肩平時用刀尖從上向東北斜前方擺臂下刺,刀刃斜朝上,右臂平舉身前;左掌同時伸附於右腕處,掌心靠腕,掌指朝上;臉向左轉,眼看刀尖(圖9)。
3. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot comes down forward to the southeast corner and the knee bends into a slight squat, your left knee straightening behind, making a diagonal right bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your right hand raises the saber upward, parallel with the ground, then once at shoulder level, stabs forward and downward to the northeast corner, the edge diagonally facing upward, right forearm level in front of your body. Your left hand at the same time reaches out to touch your right wrist, fingers upward. Your face is turned to the left, your gaze to the saber tip. [This would appear to be a moment of “expand”.] See photo 9:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 9

④上動微頓,右腳尖外展,右手持刀手心朝下向右平擺橫抹,至右側方時臂外旋使手心從下向裡、向上翻起,屈肘將刀向右腰側帶回,刀背朝外,刀尖朝前;左掌隨右手向右平擺,至右腰側時掌心朝下,掌指朝後;左腳在右手持刀向右橫抹之同時向前上步,屈膝以腳前掌虛沾地面;上身隨之右轉,身體重量落於右腿,成為左虛步式;眼向正東直視(圖10)。
4. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your right toes turn outward, your right hand wipes the saber across to the right, the center of the hand facing downward, then upon arriving at the right side, the forearm twists outward so the center of the hand is turned inward then upward while the elbow bends to draw back the saber to the right side of your waist, the back of the saber facing outward, the tip pointing forward. Your left palm goes along with your right hand as it swings across to the right, and once at the right side of your waist, the palm is facing downward, fingers pointing to the rear. At the same time, your left foot steps forward, knee bent, ball of the foot touching down, as your torso turns to the right, and the weight is now on your right leg, making a left empty stance. Your gaze is to the east. [This would be another “readiness” moment.] See photo 10:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 10

⑤上動不停,左腳向東北斜前方進半步,左腿隨之屈膝略蹲,右腿在後挺膝伸直,成為斜式左弓箭步;左掌同時臂內旋使拇指外側朝下,從右向前、向左平擺橫摟,至左側方時掌心朝左,掌指朝前,肘稍屈;右手持刀即向前平伸刺出,手心朝上,刀刃朝左;眼看刀尖(圖11)。
5. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot advances a half step to the northeast corner and the knee bends into a slight squat, your right knee straightening behind, making a diagonal left bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your left forearm twists inward so the thumb is angled downward, and the hand brushes across forward and to the left, until to your left side, palm facing to the left, fingers pointing forward, elbow slightly bent. Your right hand is sending the saber directly forward with a stab, the center of the palm facing upward, the saber edge facing to the left. Your gaze is to the saber tip. [This would be another “expand” moment.] See photo 11:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 11

⑥上動微頓,右手持刀臂外旋使刀刃朝上,從前向上、向身左後方屈肘弧形繞環,至上身左側時刀刃朝下,刀尖朝後;左掌此時掌心朝下,按附於刀背上面;左腳尖在刀繞環時外展,右腳隨之向東南斜前方上步,屈膝以腳前掌虛沾地面,成為右虛步式;上身同時稍向左轉,眼看刀身(圖12)。
6. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your right forearm twists outward so the saber edge is facing upward, and the hand circles the saber upward and to your left rear, edge facing downward, tip pointing to the rear. Your left palm is now facing downward and pushing down on the back of the saber. As the saber circles, your left toes turn outward and your right foot steps forward to the southeast corner, knee bent, the sole of the foot touching down, making a right empty stance, your torso turning slightly to the left. Your gaze is to the saber body. [Another “readiness” moment.] See photo 12:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 12

⑦上動不停,右腳稍向前移落地踏實,右腿隨之屈膝略蹲,左腿挺膝伸直,成為斜式右弓箭步;上身同時右轉,右手持刀隨之從左側向下、向前,向上反手弧形撩起,肘略屈,手心朝右,刀刃朝上,刀尖朝前;左掌隨刀轉動,附於刀身外側,掌心朝右,掌指朝上;眼看刀尖(圖13)。
7. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right shifts slightly forward, coming down full as the knee bends into a slight squat, your left knee straightening, making a diagonal right bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your torso turns to the right, your right hand sending the saber downward, forward, and upward in a raising action, the hand turning over, elbow slightly bent, the center of the hand facing to the right, the saber edge facing upward, the tip pointing forward. Your left hand goes along with the movement of the saber by touching the outer side of the saber body [which is now inward], palm facing to the right, fingers upward. Your gaze is to the saber tip. [Another “expand” moment.] See photo 13:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 13

⑧上動微頓,右腳向後退一步,腳尖外展,右腿屈膝稍蹲,上身隨之右轉朝向正南;右手持刀與左掌同時從左向下、向右、向上屈肘繞環,至右上方時右手屈舉於右耳側,左掌屈舉於左肩外側,刀身隨兩手繞環轉動,惟刀尖始終朝向身左正東方向;左腳在兩手繞環至右上方之同時屈膝在上身左側提起,腳尖自然下垂;眼向正東直視(圖14)。
8. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your right foot takes a step back, the toes turned outward, the knee bends into a slight squat, your torso turning to the right to be squared to the south. At the same time, both hands circle downward, to the right, and upward, elbows bent, your right hand raised beside your right ear, your left hand raised to the outside of your left shoulder. The body of the saber goes along with the circling of your hands, with the tip pointing to the east throughout. As your hands circle, your left leg lifts at your left side, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally. Your gaze is to the east. [Another “readiness” moment.] See photo 14:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 14

⑨上動不停,上身稍向左轉,左腳向正東前右落步,左腿隨之屈膝略蹲,右腿挺膝伸直,成為左弓箭步;兩手同時將刀向前送出,左掌掌指朝上,臂與肩平,右手屈肘舉向頭頂前上方,刀刃仍朝上,刀尖仍向東;眼看刀尖(圖15)。
9. Without pausing in the previous movement, your torso turns slightly to the left as your left foot comes down forward to the east and the knee bends into a slight squat, your right knee straightening, making a diagonal left bow & arrow stance. At the same time, both hands send the saber forward, your left fingers pointing upward, the forearm at shoulder level, your right forearm raised forward and upward above your headtop, elbow bent, the saber edge still facing upward, the tip still pointing to the east, Your gaze is to the saber tip. [Another “expand” moment.] See photo 15:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 15

要點:
Important points:
①上述第四動將刀帶回至右腰側時,防止刀刃貼身,要使刀刃離開身體。②第七動反手撩刀的時候和第九動向前送刀的時候,刀把與刀尖要成把高尖低的斜形,不要使刀尖與刀把相平。③提膝的時候,上身要保持正直,站立要穩固,防止上身後仰和歪斜。
1. During the four times above when you draw back the saber to your right side [movements 2, 4, 6, 8], keep the edge from touching you, for you should keep the edge away from your body [especially in movement 4 in the which the edge is even facing your body].
2. When turning your hand over to do the raising cut in movement 7 and sending the saber forward in movement 9, the saber should be angled so the handle is higher than the tip rather than tip and handle level with each other.
3. When you lift a knee [movements 2 and 8], your torso should stay straight. Stand stably and keep your torso from leaning back or to the sides.

三、左顧右盼兩分張
THREE: LOOK LEFT & RIGHT, then SPREAD APART TO BOTH SIDES.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,左腳尖裡扣,上身隨之稍向右轉,右腳同時離地提起(圖16)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your left toes hook inward, your torso going along with them by turning slightly to the right, and your right foot lifts off the ground. [You are now in the moment of “looking left”.] See photo 16:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 16

②上動不停,右腳即在上身右側落步,左腳隨之屈膝在身前提起,腳尖自然下垂,成為獨立式;右手持刀在左腳提膝之同時從上向右直臂平劈,刀刃朝下,刀尖朝右;左掌則平舉上身左側,掌指朝上;臉向右變,眼看刀尖(圖17)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot now comes down to the right side and your left knee bends and lifts in front of your body, toes hanging down naturally, making a one-legged stance. At the same time, your right hand sends the saber to the right with a level chop, the edge facing downward, tip pointing to the right, as your left palm raises up to be level to the left side, fingers upward. Your face has turned to the right, your gaze to the saber tip. [You are now “looking right” and in the action of “spreading apart”.] See photo 17:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 17

要點:
Important points:
右腿必須伸直,左腿屈膝要使大腿抬平,使小腿稍向內收;上身保持正直,兩肩鬆沉,兩臂舉平,刀尖與肩部達成水平;站立力求穩固,不要搖晃不定。
Your right leg must straighten and your left knee should bend until the thigh is raised to be parallel with the ground, the lower leg gathered slightly inward. Your torso maintaining its uprightness, your shoulders are loosened and sunk, arms raised level. The saber tip is on a horizontal line with your shoulder. Strive to be settled in your stance rather than swaying unstably.

四、白鶴展翅五行掌
FOUR: WHITE CRANE SPREADS ITS WINGS with a five-element palm.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,左腳向上身左側落步,左腿隨之屈膝略蹲,形成左弓箭步式;右手持刀從右向身前屈腕下沉,上身同時稍向左轉;左掌仍平舉上身左側,眼看正南方向(圖18)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your left foot comes down to your left side and the knee bends into a slight squat to make a left bow & arrow stance. Your right hand at the same time brings the saber in front of your body, wrist bent and sinking down, your torso turning slightly to the left, your left palm remaining raised level to your left. Your gaze is to the south. See photo 18:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 18

②上動不停,右腳向東南斜前方上步,右腿隨之屈膝略蹲,左腿在後挺膝伸直,成為斜式右弓箭步;右手持刀與右腳上步之同時向前直腕撩起平舉,刀刃朝上,刀尖朝前;左掌則屈肘舉於上身左側,掌心朝左,掌指朝上;眼看刀尖(圖19)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot steps forward to the southeast corner and the knee bends into a slight squat, your left knee straightening, making a right bow & arrow stance. As your right foot steps forward, your right hand raises the saber forward until level, the wrist straight, the saber edge facing upward, tip pointing forward, while your left elbow bends, the palm raised to the left, palm facing to the left, fingers upward. Your gaze is to the saber tip. See photo 19:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 19

③上動微頓,上身後移,左腿隨之屈膝略蹲;右腿伸直,右腳尖隨之外展;右手持刀在上身後移之同時從前向上由左肩外側向後、向下屈肘弧形繞環,左掌即附於右腕處;眼看正東方向(圖20)。
3. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your torso shifts to the rear, your left knee bending into a slight squat, your right leg straightening with its toes turning outward. As your torso shifts back, your right hand circles the saber upward, to the rear beside your left shoulder, then downward, elbow bent, your left palm now touching your right wrist area. Your gaze is to the east. See photo 20:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 20

④上動不停,左腳向正東前方上步,左腿屈膝略蹲,右腿在後伸直,成為斜式左弓箭步;右手持刀在左腳上步之同時向前、向上反手撩起,刀刃朝上,刀尖朝前;左掌隨右手轉動,仍附於右腕處;兩臂屈肘,兩手舉於額前,眼看刀尖(圖21)。
4. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot steps forward to the east, the knee bends into a slight squat, your right leg straightening behind, making a diagonal left bow & arrow stance. As your left leg steps forward, your right hand turns over and raises the saber up, edge facing upward, tip pointing forward, your left hand remaining at your right wrist area throughout. Both elbows are bent, both hands raised up in front of your forehead. Your gaze is to the saber tip. See photo 21:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 21

⑤上動不停,右手持刀向上、向後平托後帶,右手屈肘舉於頭頂上方;左掌同時向前方平伸推出,掌指朝上,肘部微屈;眼看左掌,弓箭步不變(圖22)。
5. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right sends the saber propping upward parallel with the ground, drawing it to the rear, the hand raised higher than your headtop, elbow bent. Your left palm at the same time pushes out straight ahead, fingers upward, elbow slightly bent. Your gaze is to your left palm. Your stance has not changed. [Your arms are here performing the action of “spreading wings”.] See photo 22:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 22

要點:
Important points:
①左右撩刀的時候,刀和步法必須配合恰當,協調一致;不要有快慢先後之分。②托刀推掌,刀身必須舉平,左掌掌指高與眉齊;兩肩鬆沉,防止聳起;上身保持正直,身體重量落於兩腿之間,不要偏左或偏右。
1. When raising the saber on both sides, the saber must be coordinated with the steps and should not move faster or slower, or arrive earlier or later.
2. For the propping saber and pushing palm [which as a “five element palm” is perhaps intended to resemble the chopping technique in Xingyi, associated with the element of metal and thus corresponding to the saber], the saber body must be level and the left fingertips should be at eyebrow height. Your shoulders should loosen and sink rather than rise up. Your torso should be upright and the weight should be between your legs, not inclining to one or the other.

五、風捲荷花葉內藏
FIVE: WIND ROLLS UP THE LOTUS LEAVES, then store inward.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,左腳尖裡扣,右腳跟裡轉,上身隨之開始從右向後轉;右手持刀在轉身時保持刀尖朝向正東不變,當上身轉至正西方向時,沉肘將刀落於右肩近側,刀刃仍朝上,刀尖朝向東北;左掌隨身轉動,臉向右變(圖23)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your left toes hook inward, your right heel turns inward, and your torso goes along with them by turning to the right rear. As your body turns, your right hand keeps the saber tip pointing to the east and does not change its direction. Once your torso is squared to the west, your elbow has lowered to bring the saber down beside your shoulder, edge still facing upward, tip now pointing to the northeast. Your left palm goes along with the turning of your body, your gaze turning to the right. [You are now in the midst of the action of “wind rolling”.] See photo 23:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 23

②上動不停,上身繼續向後轉動,右腳隨之向東北方斜退一步;左掌屈肘附於刀把後端,掌心靠刀把後端,掌指朝上;眼看刀尖(圖24)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your torso continues to turn to the rear, your right foot retreating a step to the northeast corner, while your left elbow bends, bringing your left palm into contact with the saber pommel, fingers upward. Your gaze is toward the saber tip. [You are now in a posture of “storing inward”.] See photo 24:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 24

③上動不停,右腿伸直;左腳隨之離地屈膝在上身左側提起,腳尖自然下垂;右手持刀臂內旋向東北斜方平伸直刺,刀刃朝下,刀尖朝向東北斜方;左掌此時附於右肩前,掌心朝右,掌指朝上;眼看刀尖(圖25)。
3. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right leg straightens, your left foot leaves the ground, the knee bending, and lifts to your left, toes hanging down naturally. Your right arm at the same time twists inward and sends the saber in a level stab to the northeast, edge facing downward, tip pointing to the northeast corner. Your left palm is now in front of your right shoulder, palm facing to the right, fingers upward. Your gaze is to the saber tip. See photo 25:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 25

要點:
Important points:
①向後轉身,必須使刀尖保持方向不變,身轉刀不轉。②提膝直刺,右腿必須伸直,左腿屈膝要使大腿抬平,上身正直,站立要穩;刀背與臂、肩必須達成水平;左臂肘貼靠胸腹,不要使肘部抬起。
1. When turning to the rear, the saber tip must maintain its direction without changing, your body turning without the saber turning.
2. When lifting the knee and stabbing, your right leg must straighten, your left knee should bend so that the thigh is raised to be level, your torso should be upright, and your stance should be stable. The back of the saber must be in a horizontal line with your right arm and shoulder. Your left elbow stays close to your chest and belly, and it should not be allowed to rise up.

六、玉女穿梭八方勢
SIX: MAIDEN WORKS THE SHUTTLE deals with all directions.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,左腳向西南斜方落步,上身隨之左轉,面向西南,左腿屈膝略蹲,右腿在後伸直,成為左弓箭步;右手持刀不變,左掌在轉身之同時從右肩前向西南斜前方平伸推出,肘微屈,掌指朝上;眼看左掌(圖26)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, your left foot comes down to the southwest corner, your torso turning to the left to be squared to the southwest [northwest], and your left knee bends into a slight squat, your right leg straightening behind, making a left bow & arrow stance. Your right hand stays in its position, but your left palm goes along with the turning of your body by extending a level push forward to the southwest corner, elbow slightly bent, fingers upward. Your gaze is to your left palm. See photo 26:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 26

②上動不停,右腳向身前上步,右腿稍作屈膝,左腿隨之伸直;左掌屈肘收於右肩前方;右手持刀臂內旋反手使刀尖下垂,用刀背順左臂外側從左向背後繞行,至背後時左掌屈肘成圓形外推(圖27)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot steps forward and the knee slightly bends, your left leg straightening. With your left elbow bending to withdraw the palm in front of your right shoulder, your right forearm twists inward to turn the hand over and hang the saber tip downward, then the back of the saber goes along the outside of your left arm and circles behind you, and once behind you, your left palm is pushing outward, elbow bent to make a semicircle. See photo 27:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 27

③上動不停,左腳向西南斜前方上步,左腿隨之屈膝略蹲,右腿在後挺膝伸直,成為左弓箭步;左掌同時上舉,在頭頂前方屈肘成橫掌,拇指外側朝下,掌指朝右;右手持刀與左掌上舉之同時從上向前(西南)劈下,刀尖稍向上翹;眼看刀尖(圖28)。
3. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot steps forward to the southwest corner and the knee bends into a slight squat, your right knee straightening behind, making a left bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your left palm raises upward in front of your headtop as a sideways palm, elbow bent, thumb angled downward, fingers pointing to the right, as your right hand sends the saber upward and chopping down forward to the southwest, the tip slightly raised upward. Your gaze is to the saber tip. See photo 28:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 28

④上動微頓,左掌屈肘從上向身前下垂,掌心朝向身裡;右手持刀與左掌下垂之同時臂內旋使手心朝下,屈腕將刀橫平,向身前收回,刀刃朝前,刀背貼靠左小臂,刀尖橫向左側方;左腳隨之屈膝在身前提起,腳尖自然下垂;右腿屈膝略蹲,上身後移,身體重量落於右腿(圖29)。
4. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your left palm lowers in front of your body, elbow bent, palm facing inward toward your body. At the same time, your right forearm twists inward so the center of the hand is facing downward, wrist bent, and the saber is withdrawn horizontal in front of your body, the edge facing forward, the back of the saber touching your left forearm, the tip pointing sideways to the left, as your left leg lifts in front, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally, and your right knee bends into a slight squat, torso shifting back, the weight on your right leg. See photo 29:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 29

⑤上動不停,左腳仍向身前落步成為左弓箭步;右手持刀與左臂同時將刀向前平推送出,刀刃仍朝前,刀尖仍朝左(圖30)。
5. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot again comes down in front, making a left bow & arrow stance, as your right hand and left forearm in unison push the saber forward, the edge still facing forward, the tip still pointing to the left. See photo 30:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 30

⑥上動不停,左腳尖裡扣,上身從右向後轉,右腳隨即屈膝提起,右手持刀隨身轉動,左掌則屈肘收於胸前,拇指外側朝裡,掌心朝下(圖31)。
6. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left toes hook inward, your torso turning to the right rear, the saber going along with the turn, as your right leg lifts, knee bent, and your left elbow bends, bringing the palm in front of your chest, thumb angled inward, palm facing downward. See photo 31:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 31

⑦上動不停,右腳向東南斜方落步,右腿隨之屈膝略蹲,左腿在後挺膝伸直,成為右弓箭步;右手持刀從身前下沉向右後下方拉回,刀刃朝下,刀尖朝前;左掌隨即從胸前向前方平伸推出,掌指朝上,肘微屈;眼向正東直視(圖32)。
7. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot comes down to the southeast corner and the knee bends into a slight squat, your left knee straightening behind, making a right bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your right hand sends the saber sinking down and pulling back to the right rear, the edge facing downward, tip pointing forward, as your left palm does a level push forward, fingers upward, elbow slightly bent. Your gaze is to the east. See photo 32:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 32

⑧上動微頓,右腳離地提起,右手持刀使刀背朝向身裡、刀尖橫向上身左側,左掌圜肘護於胸前;隨後,右腳尖外展仍向東南落步,右手持刀從身前向前、向右、向後屈腕平擺橫抹後帶,眼看東北斜前方(圖33)。
8. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your right foot lifts off the ground as your right hand makes the back of the saber face inward toward your body, the tip pointing sideways to the left, your left elbow wrapping in for the palm to protect in front of your chest. Then your right foot comes down again to the southeast, toes turned outward, as your right hand sends the saber forward, wiping across to the right, and drawing to the rear, wrist bent. Your gaze is forward to the northeast corner. See photo 33:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 33

⑨上動不停,左腳向東北斜前方上步,左腿隨之屈膝略蹲,右腿同時挺膝伸直,成為左弓箭步;左掌從身前向上舉起,至頭頂前方屈肘屈腕成橫掌,拇指外側朝下,掌指朝右;右手持刀在左腳上步之同時臂外旋使手心朝上將刀向前上方刺出,刀刃朝左,刀尖稍向上翹;眼看刀尖(圖34)。
9. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot steps forward to the northeast corner and the knee bends into a slight squat, your right knee straightening, making a left bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your left palm raises upward in front of your headtop as a sideways palm, elbow bent, wrist bent, thumb angled downward, fingers pointing to the right, as your right forearm twists outward so the center of the hand is upward and sends the saber stabbing forward, the edge facing to the left, the tip slightly raised upward. Your gaze is to the saber tip. See photo 34:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 34

⑩上動微頓,左掌屈肘從上向身前下垂,掌心朝向身裡;右手持刀在左掌下垂之同時臂內旋使手心朝下,屈腕將刀橫平,向身前收回,刀刃朝前,刀背貼靠左小臂,刀尖橫向左側方;左腳隨之屈膝在身前提起,腳尖自然下垂;右腿屈膝略蹲,上身後移,身體重量落於右腿(圖35)。
10. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your left palm lowers in front of your body, elbow bent, palm facing inward toward your body. At the same time, your right forearm twists inward so the center of the hand is facing downward, wrist bent, and the saber is withdrawn horizontal in front of your body, the edge facing forward, the back of the saber touching your left forearm, the tip pointing sideways to the left, as your left leg lifts in front, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally, and your right knee bends into a slight squat, torso shifting back, the weight on your right leg. See photo 35:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 35

⑪上動不停,左腳仍向身前落步成為左弓箭步;右手持刀與左臂同時將刀向前平推送出,刀刃仍朝前,刀尖仍朝左(圖36)。
11. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot again comes down in front, making a left bow & arrow stance, as your right hand and left forearm in unison push the saber forward, the edge still facing forward, the tip still pointing to the left. See photo 36:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 36

⑫上動不停,左腳尖裡扣,上身從右向後轉,右腳隨即屈膝提起,右手持刀隨身轉動,左掌則屈肘收於胸前,拇指外側朝裡,掌心朝下(圖37)。
12. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left toes hook inward, your torso turning to the right rear, the saber going along with the turn, as your right leg lifts, knee bent, and your left elbow bends, bringing the palm in front of your chest, thumb angled inward, palm facing downward. See photo 37:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 37

⑬上動不停,右腳向西北斜方落步,右腿隨之屈膝略蹲,左腿在後挺膝伸直,成為右弓箭步;右手持刀從身前下沉,向右後下方拉回,刀刃朝下,刀尖朝前;左掌隨即從胸前向前方平伸推出,肘微屈,掌指朝上;眼向正西直視(圖38)。
13. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot comes down to the northwest corner and the knee bends into a slight squat, your left knee straightening behind, making a right bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your right hand sends the saber sinking down and pulling back to the right rear, the edge facing downward, tip pointing forward, as your left palm does a level push forward, elbow slightly bent, fingers upward. Your gaze is to the west. See photo 38:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 38

⑭上動微頓,右腳離地提起,右手持刀使刀背朝向身裡、刀尖橫向上身左側,左掌圜肘護於胸前;隨後,右腳尖外展仍向西北落步,右手持刀從身前向前、向右、向後屈腕平擺橫抹後帶,眼看西南斜前方(圖39)。
14. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your right foot lifts off the ground as your right hand makes the back of the saber face inward toward your body, the tip pointing sideways to the left, your left elbow wrapping in for the palm to protect in front of your chest. Then your right foot comes down again to the northwest, toes turned outward, as your right hand sends the saber forward, wiping across to the right, and drawing to the rear, wrist bent. Your gaze is forward to the southwest corner. See photo 39:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 39

⑮上動不停,左腳向西南斜前方上步,左腿隨之屈膝略蹲,右腿同時挺膝伸直,成為左弓箭步;左掌從身前向上舉起,至頭頂前方屈肘屈腕成橫掌,拇指外側朝下,掌指朝右;右手持刀在左腳上步之同時臂外旋使手心朝上將刀向前上方刺出,刀刃朝左,刀尖稍向上翹;眼看刀尖(圖40)。
15. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot steps forward to the southwest corner and the knee bends into a slight squat, your right knee straightening, making a left bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your left palm raises upward in front of your headtop as a sideways palm, elbow bent, wrist bent, thumb angled downward, fingers pointing to the right. As your right forearm twists outward so the center of the hand is upward and sends the saber stabbing forward, the edge facing to the left, the tip slightly raising upward. Your gaze is to the saber tip. See photo 40:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 40

⑯上動微頓,左掌屈肘從上向身前下垂,掌心朝向身裡;右手持刀在左掌下垂之同時臂內旋使手心朝下,屈腕將刀橫平向身前收回,刀刃朝前,刀背貼靠左小臂,刀尖橫向左側方;左腳隨之屈膝在身前提起,腳尖自然下垂;右腿屈膝略蹲,上身後移,身體重量落於右腿(圖41)。
16. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your left palm lowers in front of your body, elbow bent, palm facing inward toward your body. At the same time, your right forearm twists inward so the center of the hand is facing downward, wrist bent, and the saber is withdrawn horizontal in front of your body, the edge facing forward, the back of the saber touching your left forearm, the tip pointing sideways to the left. As your left leg lifts in front, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally, and your right knee bends into a slight squat, torso shifting back, the weight on your right leg. See photo 41:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 41

⑰上動不停,左腳仍向身前落步成為左弓箭步;右手持刀與左臂同時將刀向前平推送出,刀刃仍朝前,刀尖仍朝左(圖42)。
17. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot again comes down in front, making a left bow & arrow stance, as your right hand and left forearm in unison push the saber forward, the edge still facing forward, the tip still pointing to the left. See photo 42:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 42

⑱上動不停,左腳尖裡扣,上身從右向後轉,右腳隨即屈膝提起,右手持刀隨身轉動,左掌則屈肘收於胸前,拇指外側朝裡,掌心朝下(圖43)。
18. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left toes hook inward, your torso turning to the right rear, the saber going along with the turn, as your right leg lifts, knee bent, and your left elbow bends, bringing the palm in front of your chest, thumb angled inward, palm facing downward. See photo 43:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 43

⑲上動不停,右腳向東南斜方落步,右腿隨之屈膝略蹲,左腿在後挺膝伸直成為右弓箭步;右手持刀從身前下沉,向右後下方拉回,刀刃朝下,刀尖朝前;左掌隨即從胸前向前方平伸推出,肘微屈,掌指朝上;眼向正東直視(圖44)。
19. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot comes down to the southeast corner and the knee bends into a slight squat, your left knee straightening behind, making a right bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your right hand sends the saber sinking down and pulling back to the right rear, the edge facing downward, tip pointing forward. As your left palm does a level push forward, elbow slightly bent, fingers upward. Your gaze is to the east. See photo 44:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 44

要點:
Important points:
①第二動刀從左臂外側向背後繞行的時候,必須使刀尖下垂用刀背順著肩背繞行,不要使刀僅在頭頂上方平雲繞行。②弓步將刀拉回的時候,必須使刀身靠近身側,刀尖稍向上翹,左掌與胸成水平。③弓步刺刀的時候,左掌在頭頂上方要屈肘成半圓形作護頭狀;右手持刀肘須微屈,刀尖翹起高達頭部如刺對方頭部。④玉女穿梭八方勢的變動較多,在運動的時候必須使步法、手法和刀法配合恰當,協調一致;身體各部放鬆,不要緊張;方位的變換要求準確,不要使東南或西北、東北或西南的弓箭步變成了正東、正西或正南、正北的弓箭步。
1. In movement 2, when the saber circles behind you, you must get the tip to hang down and bring the back of the saber along your shoulder and back rather than simply waving it in a level circle over your head.
2. When you pull back the saber as you go forward into a bow stance [movements 7, 13, and 19], you must get the saber body to be close beside your body, the tip slightly raised upward, and your left palm should be at chest level.
3. When stabbing in a bow stance [movements 9 and 15], your left elbow should be bent so the arm is making a semicircle and the palm is in a posture of guarding your head. Your right elbow must also be slightly bent and the saber tip should be at head height as if you are stabbing to an opponent’s head.
4. During the transitional movements of MAIDEN WORKS THE SHUTTLE [which resembles the version in the boxing set mostly by way of moving toward the four corners], the footwork, hand actions, and saber techniques must cooperate and coordinate with each other. Every part of your body should be loosened rather than tense. The directions you face as you transition must be precise, and you should not allow bow & arrow stances that are meant to be toward the southeast or northwest, northeast, or southwest to change to bow & arrow stances that go directly east or west, north, or south.

七、三星開合自主張
SEVEN: THREE STARS POSTURE, then open and close, and TAKE CHARGE OF THE SITUATION.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,左腳從後向正北橫移一步,左腿隨之稍作屈膝;上身同時左移,身體重量落於左腿;左掌與上身左移之同時從身前向左橫擺,屈肘舉於左側方,掌心朝左,掌指朝上;右手持刀隨即臂外旋使手心朝上,將刀向身前平撩,刀刃朝上,刀尖朝前;眼向正東直視(圖45)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your left foot shifts a step back sideways to the north and the knee slightly bends, your torso shifting to the left, the weight moving to your left leg. At the same time, your left palm waves across to the left to be raised to the left, elbow bent, palm facing to the left, fingers upward, while your right forearm twists outward so the center of the hand is facing upward and sends the saber raising up in front of your body, the edge facing upward, tip pointing forward. Your gaze is to the east. [This is presumably a “three stars” posture. After your left foot and left hand have spread you out sideways, you are now if viewed from the front exhibiting a vertically diagonal line of three points – right foot, saber tip, left hand – equivalent to the image of Orion’s belt.] See photo 45:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 45

②上動不停,左腿伸直立起,右腳隨之離地屈膝在身前提起,腳尖自然下垂,成為獨立式;右手持刀將刀向胸前帶回,左掌即推附於刀把後端;眼看刀尖(圖46)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left leg straightens and stands as your right leg lifts in front, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally, making a one-legged stance. At the same time, your right hand draws in the saber in front of your chest, your left palm pushing out to touch the pommel. Your gaze is to the saber tip. [This would be the action of “close”.] See photo 46:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 46

③上動不停,右手持刀向前方平伸刺出,刀刃仍朝上;左掌此時屈肘舉向上身左側,掌指朝上;眼看刀尖,獨立式不變(圖47)。
3. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right hand sends the saber stabbing directly forward, the edge still facing upward, as your left palm raises to your left, elbow bent, fingers upward. Your gaze is to the saber tip. Your stance has not changed. [This would be the action of “open”.] See photo 47:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 47

④上動微頓,右手持刀屈肘以腕關節為軸,使刀從前向下由上身右側向後弧形繞環(圖48)。
4. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then bending your right elbow and using the wrist as a pivot, circle the saber downward, to the right, and to the rear. See photo 48:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 48

⑤上動不停,右腳在刀身繞環至後方時即向左腳內側落步;左腳在右腳將要著地之時稍作彈跳微離地面,在右腳著地踏實之時落步於東北斜前方;右腿此時屈膝略蹲,上身重量落於右腿,左腿屈膝僅以腳前掌虛沾地面,形成虛步式;右手持刀與左腳落步之同時從後向上、向前(東北方)、向下弧形環繞下切,刀刃朝下,刀把貼靠右腰側;左掌此時從左側方屈肘上舉向身前下按,掌心朝下,按於刀身前段;眼向東北斜前方直視(圖49)。
5. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot comes down to the inside of your left foot. As your right foot is about to touch down, your left foot slightly springs off the ground, and as your right foot becomes full, your left foot comes down forward to the northeast corner. With your right knee bending into a slight squat, the weight on your right leg, the ball of your left foot touching down, knee bent, you are making an empty stance. At the same time, your right hand circles the saber upward, forward to the northeast, and slicing downward, the edge facing downward, handle at the right side of your waist, as your left palm raises upward and pushes down forward, elbow bent, palm facing downward, pushing down on the forward section of the saber body. Your gaze is forward to the northeast corner. [The twirling saber, hopping footwork, and decisive poise would seem to constitute “taking charge”.] See photo 49:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 49

要點:
Important points:
①刀向肩繞環的時候,腕關節必須放鬆使之靈活。②獨立式要站立穩固,虛步式要虛實分明。
1. When the saber is circled toward your shoulder, the wrist must be loose and lively.
2. In the one-legged stance, you should be standing stably. With the empty stance, there should be a clear distinguishing between empty and full.

八、二起腳來打虎勢
EIGHT: DOUBLE KICK, then perform FIGHTING TIGER POSTURE.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,左腳向正北移步踏實,左腿屈膝略蹲,右腿隨之伸直;左掌臂外旋使掌心朝上;右手持刀使刀尖從上身左側插向身後,將刀把交於左掌心,刀刃朝上,刀背貼靠左小臂,形成抱刀式;眼向正東直視(圖50)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your left foot shifts a step to the north and becomes full, the knee bending into a slight squat, your right knee straightening. At the same time, your left forearm twists outward so the palm is facing upward, as your right hand sends the saber tip to your left and poking behind, the handle switching to your left palm, the edge facing upward, the back of the saber touching your left forearm, your left hand now holding the saber as it is was in the initial posture. Your gaze is to the east. See photo 50:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 50

②上動不停,左腿伸直站立,右腳隨之離地右腿屈膝提於身前,上身此時稍向左轉(圖51)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left leg straightens and stands as your right leg lifts in front, knee bent, your torso slightly turning to the left. See photo 51:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 51

③上動不停,左手抱刀從胸前屈肘向上、向左繞環平落;右腳同時向前、向上踢起,腳面繃平;右手在右腳踢起時從胸前向上、向右繞環平落,掌心朝下擊拍右腳腳面;眼看右腳(圖52)。
3. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left hand arcs upward and lowers to be level to the left. At the same time, your right foot kicks forward and upward, the top of the foot stretched flat, as your right hand arcs upward and lowers to be level to the right, palm facing downward, slapping the top of your right foot. Your gaze is to your right foot. [This is the “kick” moment, although the name “double kick” usually indicates two kicks in quick succession, hopping from one kick into another, meaning the initial shifting of the left foot to the north was probably originally a kick.] See photo 52:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 52

④上動不停,右腳在左腳內側落步,兩腿均作稍屈,上身朝向東北斜前方,右手同時向右平擺,掌心仍朝下;左手抱刀隨之從左向右平擺至右肘近處,刀刃仍朝上;臉向右變,眼看正東(圖53)。
4. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot comes down to the inside of your left foot, both legs slightly bent, your torso squaring to the northeast. At the same time, your right hand waves across to the right, palm still facing downward, as your left hand swings the saber across to the right until by your right elbow area, the edge still facing upward. Your face has turned to the right, your gaze to the east [southeast]. See photo 53:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 53

⑤上動不停,左腳向西北斜方邁步,左腿屈膝略蹲,右腿挺膝伸直,成為左弓箭步;左手抱刀同時從右肘處向下、向左、向上弧形繞環舉至額前,虎口朝上,手心朝裡;右手隨之變拳伸向腹前,拳眼朝裡,拳心朝下,肘臂屈成圜形(圖54)。
5. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot steps to the northwest corner and the knee bends into a slight squat, your right knee straightening, making a left bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your left hand circles downward, to the left, and upward, raising until in front of your head, tiger’s mouth facing upward, palm inward, as your right hand becomes a fist and extends in front of your belly, the fist eye facing inward, the center of the fist facing downward, arm bent to make a semicircle. [You are now in a left “fighting tiger posture”.] See photo 54:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 54

⑥上動微頓,左腳尖裡扣,上身隨之從右向後轉,面向東南,右腳離地屈膝提起,腳尖自然下垂;右拳在右腳離地提起之同時臂外旋使拳眼朝上向右腿外側沉落,左手抱刀隨之從上向左腿外側沉落(圖55)。
6. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, your left toes hook inward as your torso turns to the right rear to be squared to the southeast and your right leg lifts, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally. As your foot leaves the ground, your right forearm turns outward so the fist eye is facing upward and sinks down to the outside of your right leg, your left hand sinking down to the outside of your left leg. See photo 55:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 55

⑦上動不停,右腳向身前落步屈膝成為右弓箭步;右拳同時從下向右、向上弧形繞環上舉,屈肘作護頭狀,拳眼朝下;左手抱刀與右拳繞環之同時從下向左、向前繞環,至身前圜肘作護身狀,手心朝裡,虎口朝上,刀置臂肘間;眼看東南斜前方(圖56)。
7. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot comes down forward, knee bent, making a right bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your right fist circles downward, to the right, and upward, raising up to protect your head, elbow bent, the fist eye facing downward, as your left hand circles downward, to the left, and forward, to guard your body, elbow rounded, the center of the hand facing inward, tiger’s mouth upward, the saber placed at your elbow area. Your gaze is forward to the southeast corner. [You are now in a right “fighting tiger posture”.] See photo 56:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 56

要點:
Important points:
①二起腳擊拍的時候,站立必須穩固,擊拍要準確;防止上身由於踢腳而後仰或由於拍腳而前傾,要保持正直。②左右打虎勢,兩肘保持半圓形,兩肩防止聳起。
1. When kicking out and slapping your foot, you must stand stably and the slap should be accurate. Keep your torso from leaning back due to the kick or leaning forward due to the slap, instead staying upright.
2. When performing the FIGHTING TIGER POSTURE to the left and right, your elbows should maintain semicircles and your shoulders should not be rising.

九、披身斜掛鴛鴦腳
NINE: DRAPE THE BODY, hanging at an angle, then perform MANDARIN DUCK KICK.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,上身後移,左腿屈膝,右腿伸直,右拳變掌從上向前、向下、向身左弧形繞環,至身左時屈肘抄掌於左小臂的下面,與左小臂上下交迭,掌心向上;此時,左腿伸直站立,右腿屈膝在身前提起,右腳尖自然下垂,上身轉向東北斜前方,成為獨立式;眼看正東(圖57)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your torso shifts back, your left knee bending, right leg straightening, and your right fist changes to a palm, and circles forward, downward, toward your body, and to the left, scooping under your left forearm, palm and forearm crossing, the palm facing upward. [This is the action of “draping”.] At the same time, your left leg straightens to be standing, your right leg lifts in front, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally, your torso turning to be squared to the northeast, making a one-legged stance. Your gaze is to the east. [Standing on one leg “hangs” up your body and squaring to the corner means you are hanging “at an angle”.] See photo 57:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 57

②上動不停,右腳即向正東方向踢出,腳面繃平;左手抱刀不變;右掌從左小臂下面由外側向上、向右、向下繞環平落,掌心朝下(圖58)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot kicks out to the east, the top of the foot stretched flat. With your left hand unchanging, your right palm goes from below and to the outside of your left forearm by arcing upward, to the right, and downward, lowering until level, palm facing downward. [You are now in the posture of the “kick”, but no slap is mentioned this time, making this kicking technique distinct from the “double kick”.] See photo 58:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 58

③上動不停,右腳屈膝收回,右掌同時屈肘向胸前收回,左手抱刀將刀把交於右手(圖59)。
3. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right knee bends to withdraw the foot while your right elbow bends to withdraw the palm in front of your chest, your left hand sending the saber handle to your right hand. See photo 59:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 59

④上動不停,右手接刀之後即上舉向正東前方平劈,刀刃朝下,刀尖朝前;左手變掌隨之屈肘平舉於上身左側,掌心朝左,掌指朝上;眼看刀尖(圖60)。
4. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right hand upon taking the saber raises it upward and sends it forward to the east in a level chop, the edge facing downward, tip pointing forward. At the same time, your left hand, now a palm, is raised level to your left, elbow bent, palm facing to the left, fingers upward. Your gaze is to the saber tip. See photo 60:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 60

要點:
Important points:
站立要穩,左腿必須伸直,右大腿必須屈平,上身保持正直,兩臂鬆沉,刀背與手臂達成水平。
Standing should be stable. Your left leg must be straight. Your right thigh must be level. Your torso should stay straight. Your arms should loosen and sink. The back of the saber and your right arm should be making a straight line.

十、順水推舟鞭作篙
TEN: GOING WITH THE CURRENT TO PUSH THE BOAT, use your iron staff like a punting-pole.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,右手持刀臂外旋使手心朝上,將刀尖下垂,屈肘用刀背從右肩外側順肩背向身後繞行;上身隨之右轉,面向東南;右腳同時向身前落步,腳尖外展,右腿屈膝,左掌舉於上身左側不變(圖61)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your right forearm twists outward so the center of the hand is facing upward and the saber tip is pointing downward. The elbow bends and the saber circles back beside your right shoulder and then behind your shoulder and back. Your torso goes along with the movement by turning to the right to be squared to the southeast. Your right foot at the same time comes down in front of your body, toes swung outward, knee bent. Your left hand is still raised to your left. See photo 61:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 61

②上動不停,左腳隨即從身後向身前跨步,腳尖裡扣,左腿屈膝;右手持刀繼續從身後向左繞行;左掌屈肘收至左脅處(圖62)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot steps forward from behind you into a sitting stance, the toes hooked inward, knee bent. Your right hand continues to circle the saber around your body, moving it over to the left, as your left elbow bends and the palm withdraws beside your left ribs. See photo 62:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 62

③上動不停,右腳離地屈膝提起,上身同時右轉面向西北,右手持刀隨之繞行至左肩外向上身右側下方沉落,左掌此時移於身前(圖63)。
3. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right leg lifts, knee bent, as your body turns to the right to be squared to the northwest, your right hand circling the saber to the outside of your left shoulder and then sinking it downward to the right side of your body. Your left hand has now shifted to be in front of your body. See photo 63:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 63

④上動不停,右腳向身前落步,右腿隨之屈膝略蹲,左腿同時在後挺膝伸直,成為右弓箭步;右手持刀向後拉回,刀刃朝下,刀尖朝前;左掌即從身前向前平伸推出,肘微屈,掌心朝前,掌指朝上;眼看左掌(圖64)。
4. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot comes down in front, the knee bends into a slight squat, your left knee straightening behind, making a right bow & arrow stance. Your right hand at the same time pulls the saber to the rear, edge facing downward, tip pointing forward, as your left palm goes along with the forward movement of your body by pushing out straight ahead, elbow slightly bent, palm facing forward, fingers upward. Your gaze is to your left palm. [If the saber was a pole and your left hand was holding the top end of it, the joint action of your hands in this movement would resemble that of “pushing a boat” through the water with a punting pole (in this case pushing the pole behind you and facing the front of the boat, whereas in the posture of the same name in Chen Weiming’s 1928 sword manual, he would be pushing the pole forward, thus facing the river behind the boat).] See photo 64:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 64

要點:
Important points:
刀從右向後,向左繞行時必須使刀尖下垂,以刀背順著肩背繞行,不要在頭頂上方雲刀平繞;至弓步拉刀時刀尖稍向上翹,兩肩必須鬆沉,上身保持正直。
While the saber circles from the right to the rear to the left, you must make the tip hang down and bring the back of the saber along your shoulders and back rather than waving it in a level circle over your head. When you move forward into a bow stance and pull back the saber, the tip should be slightly lifted, your shoulders must loosen and sink, and your torso should be upright.

十一、下勢三合自由招
ELEVEN: LOWERING, ENGAGE THREE TIMES, moving with fluency.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,上身後移並稍向左轉,面向正西,左腿屈膝,身體重量落於左腿;右腳隨之離地屈膝在身前提起,腳尖自然下垂;左掌屈肘後收;右手持刀屈肘將刀橫收於身前,刀刃朝前,刀尖朝左;眼向正東前方直視(圖65)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your torso shifts back and slightly turns to the left to be squared to the west, your left knee bending, the weight shifting onto your left leg. Your right leg then lifts in front of your body, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally, while your left elbow bends and draws back your left palm, and your right hand brings the saber across in front of your body, elbow bending, the saber edge facing forward, tip pointing to the left. Your gaze is forward to the east [west]. [You are now effectively in the midst of a “lowering”, grounding yourself to push forward. Judging by the name, this posture may have originally been a full squat with the right leg outstretched.] See photo 65:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 65

②上動不停,右腳向西北斜前方落步,右腿隨之屈膝略蹲,左腿同時挺膝伸直,成為斜式右弓箭步;右手持刀與左掌同時將刀向前平推送出,刀刃仍朝前,刀尖仍朝左;眼仍向正東直視(圖66)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot steps forward to the northwest corner, the knee bending into a slight squat, your left knee straightening, making a diagonal right bow & arrow stance. Your right hand and left palm push the saber out straight ahead, the edge still facing outward, tip still pointing to the left. Your gaze is still forward to the east [west]. [This appears to be the first “engaging”, dealing with an opponent in front.] See photo 66:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 66

③上動微頓,左腳向西南斜前方上步;右手持刀從身前向右、向後平擺橫抹,手心朝下;左掌同時屈肘收於右脅前,掌指朝上;上身隨之右轉,臉向右變,眼看刀身(圖67)。
3. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your left foot steps forward to the southwest corner while your right hand sends the saber wiping across to the right rear, the center of the hand facing downward. At the same time, your left elbow bends and draws in the palm until in front of your right ribs, fingers upward. Your torso goes along with the movement by turning to the right, your face shifting to the right, your gaze now to the saber body. [This would be the second “engaging”, dealing with an opponent behind.] See photo 67:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 67

④上動不停,右腳向正西前方上步,右腿屈膝,左腿伸直,成為右弓箭步;左掌隨之從右脅處向前、向左平擺橫掃,掌指仍朝上;右手持刀臂外旋使手心朝上,與右腳上步之同時從後向右、向前平擺橫斬,刀刃朝左,刀尖朝前;眼看正西前方(圖68)。
4. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot steps forward to the west and the knee bends, your left leg straightening, to make a right bow & arrow stance. Your left palm goes along with the movement by sweeping across forward and to the left, fingers still upward. As your right foot steps forward, your right arm twists outward so the center of the hand is upward and sends the saber slashing across forward to the right [left], the edge facing to the left, tip pointing forward. Your gaze is forward to west. [This would be the third “engaging”, dealing again with the opponent in front.] See photo 68:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 68

要點:
Important points:
推刀、橫抹、橫斬的動作,必須和落步、左腳上步、右腳上步的動作協調一致;推刀、橫抹和橫斬,刀的高度略有不同,推刀的刀身高度與胸成水平,而橫抹和橫斬的刀身高度則與腰成水平。
The saber actions of pushing, wiping, and slashing must be coordinated with your right foot coming down, your left foot stepping forward, then your right foot stepping forward. Pushing, wiping, and slashing are at slightly different heights. When pushing, the saber is level with your chest, and when wiping or slashing, the saber is level with your waist.

十二、左右分水龍門跳
TWELVE: SWIM TO THE LEFT & RIGHT, then LEAP THE DRAGON GATE.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,右手持刀屈肘臂外旋使刀刃朝上,從前向上、向左肩外側、向下繞環下削,至左側下方時刀刃朝下,刀尖朝後;左掌同時屈肘附於右腕近側,掌心朝下,掌指朝前;左腳不動,上身後移,左腿屈膝,右腿與刀下削之同時在身前屈膝提起(圖69)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, your right forearm twists outward so the saber edge faces upward, elbow bending, and circles the saber upward, to the outside of your left shoulder, and cutting downward to your left side, the edge facing downward, tip pointing to the rear. At the same time, your left palm comes near to your right wrist, elbow bent, palm facing downward, fingers forward, and with your left foot staying where it is, your torso shifts back, your left knee bending, right leg lifting up in front, knee bent, while the saber is cutting downward. [This is halfway through the “to the left”.] See photo 69:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 69

②上動不停,右腳隨即在身前落步,右手持刀繼續從左側下方向前、向上、向後繞環下劈,左腳同時向前上步,左腿屈膝,右腿伸直,左掌隨之向前平伸推出,上身右轉,眼看刀尖(圖70)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot comes down in front and your right hand continues to circle the saber downward, forward, upward, and chopping down behind, as your left foot steps forward and the knee bends, your right leg straightening. At the same time, your left palm extends with a level push forward, your torso turning to the right. Your gaze is to the saber tip. [This is halfway through the “to the right”.] See photo 70:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 70

③上動微頓,上身稍向左轉面向西北,右手持刀向下、向前上撩,屈肘平舉身前,刀刃朝上,刀尖朝前;右腿同時在身前屈膝提起,腳尖自然下垂;左腳不動;左掌隨之屈肘收於胸前,掌指朝上;眼看刀尖(圖71)。
3. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your torso slightly turns to the left to be squared to the northwest as your right hand sends the saber downward then raising forward until level in front of your body, elbow bent, the saber edge facing upward, the tip pointing forward. At the same time, your right leg lifts in front, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally, your left foot staying where it is, while your left elbow bends, withdrawing the palm in front of your chest, fingers upward. Your gaze is to the saber tip. See photo 71:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 71

④上動微頓,右手持刀屈肘從身前向下、由右側向後、向上繞環舉起,刀刃朝上,刀尖朝後;左腿稍作屈膝,右腳開始落步(圖72)。
4. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your right hands circles the saber downward, to your right rear, and raising upward, the edge facing upward, the tip pointing to the rear, as your left knee slightly bends and your right foot starts to come down. See photo 72:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 72

⑤上動不停,右腳在左腳內側處落步,右腿屈膝略蹲;左腳在右腳將要著地之時稍作彈跳微離地面,在右腳著地踏實之時落步於西北斜前方,僅以腳前掌虛沾地面,上身重量落於右腿,形成虛步式;右手持刀與左腳落步之同時從後向上、向前(西北方)、向下弧形繞環下切,刀刃朝下,刀尖朝前,刀把貼靠右腰側;左掌此時向前按出,掌心斜朝下,掌指斜朝上;眼向西北斜前方直視(圖73)。
5. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot comes down to the inside of your left foot and the knee bends into a slight squat, but just before the foot has landed, your left foot slightly springs off the ground, and then as your right foot comes down fully, your left foot comes down forward to the northwest corner, touching down with only the ball of the foot, the weight on your right leg, making an empty stance. At the same time, your right hand arcs the saber upward, forward to the northwest, and slicing downward, the edge facing downward, tip pointing forward, handle at the right side of your waist, as your left palm pushes down forward, palm facing diagonally downward, fingers diagonally upward. Your gaze is forward to the northwest corner. [At face value, it is this little hopping maneuver which constitutes the “leap”, though it could have been intended to refer more to the reverse twirl of the saber in this and the previous movement.] See photo 73:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 73

要點:
Important points:
刀與步法必須協調;左腳彈跳時不要跳得太高,只要稍一彈起就可;至虛步式時虛實必須分明,刀尖稍向上翹,左掌高度與胸前劍突達成水平。
The saber actions and footwork must be coordinated. Your left foot should not jump too high, just a slight springing up. Once in the empty stance, empty and full must be clearly distinguished, the saber tip should be slightly raised, and your left palm should be at chest level and in line with the saber.

十三、卞和攜石鳳還巢
THIRTEEN: BIAN HE CARRIES THE STONE, then the PHOENIX RETURNS TO ITS NEST.

動作:
Movements:
①上動微頓,右手持刀使刀尖下垂,以刀背從左肩外側順著肩背向身後繞行,左腳隨之離地屈膝在身前提起(圖74)。
1. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your right hand makes the saber tip hang down, brings the back of the saber to the outside of your left shoulder, and circles it behind you along your shoulders and back, while your left leg lifts in front of you, knee bent. See photo 74:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 74

②上動不停,左腳向身前落步,左腿屈膝略蹲,右腿在後伸直,成為左弓箭步;右手持刀從身後上舉,向身前劈下,刀刃朝下,刀尖上翹;左掌同時上舉,在頭頂前方屈肘屈腕成橫掌,掌心朝前,拇指外側向下;眼仍向西北斜前方直視(圖75)。
2. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left foot comes down in front and the knee bends into a slight squat, your right leg straightening behind, making a left bow & arrow stance. At the same time, your right hand sends the saber raising upward then chopping down forward, the edge facing downward, tip lifted, as your left palm raises upward to be in front of your headtop, elbow bent, wrist bent, palm sideways and facing forward, thumb angled downward. Your gaze is forward to the northwest corner. See photo 75:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 75

③上動微頓,右手持刀臂外旋使手心朝上,以腕關節為軸將刀尖向右、向上、向左畫一弧形,至左方時手心變成朝下;左掌此時在身前接換刀把將刀抱住,刀刃朝上,刀背貼靠左小臂;左腳尖同時裡扣,上身隨之從右向後轉,面向正東(圖76)。
3. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your right forearm twists outward so the center of the hand is facing upward, then using the wrist as a pivot, circle the saber tip to the right, upward, and to the left so that the center of the hand is now facing downward. Your left hand is now in front of you taking hold of the saber handle, the edge facing upward, the back of the saber touching your left forearm. At the same time, your left toes hook inward, your torso turning to the right rear. [This and the next movement would seem to represent the “carrying”.] See photo 76:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 76

④上動不停,右腳隨即向後退步,右腿屈膝略蹲,上身後移,身體重量落於右腿,左腳跟同時離地僅以腳前掌虛沾地面,形成左虛右實之虛步式;右手隨之變拳,屈肘收抱於右腰側;拳心靠身,拳眼朝上;左手抱刀屈肘平舉胸前,眼向正東前方直視(圖77)。
4. Without pausing in the previous movement, your right foot steps back and the knee bends into a slight squat, your torso shifting back, the weight moving onto your right leg, your left heel leaving the ground so that only the ball of the foot is touching down, making an empty stance of left foot empty, right foot full. At the same time, your right hand becomes a fist and withdraws to the right side of your waist, the center of the fist toward your body, the fist eye facing upward. As your left elbow bends so the saber is raised level in front of your chest. Your gaze is straight ahead to the east. See photo 77:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 77

⑤上動不停,左手抱刀向上身左側下沉,右拳同時向前平伸,肘稍屈,拳眼朝上(圖78)。
5. Without pausing in the previous movement, your left hand sends the saber sinking down to your left as your right fist extends directly forward, elbow slightly bent, the fist eye facing upward. [The “phoenix returning to its nest” is possibly this punch launching out with a repetition of the beginning, and it is similar in action to the “enters its nest” movement in Chen Weiming’s 1928 sword manual.] See photo 78:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 78

⑥上動微頓,左腳尖裡扣,上身右轉,面向正南,兩腿伸直,右拳變掌垂於上身右側,左手抱刀垂於上身左側,與起勢抱刀姿勢相同(圖79)。
6. The previous movement comes to a slight pause, then your left toes hook inward as your torso turns to the right to squared to the south. Both legs straighten as your right fist becomes a palm hanging down at your right side and your left hand holds the saber, hanging it up at your left side. It is the same as the initial posture of holding the saber. See photo 79:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 79

要點:
Important points:
①劈刀的時候,必須使刀刃斜朝下,刀尖上翹與頭部達成水平。②交刀的時候,右手使刀尖畫一弧形不要過大,只要一攪就可;左手接刀手心朝上,右手交刀手心朝下,左手接刀之後即將刀握牢,右手則附於刀把上面。③收勢抱刀時,必須稍作靜立,不要立刻就走開。
1. When performing the chop, you must make the edge face diagonally downward, the tip raised up to be level with your head.
2. When switching the saber into the other hand, your right hand should not make an overly large circle with the tip, just a simple stirring action. Your left hand receives the saber with its palm upward and your right hand gives the saber with its palm downward. Once your left hand receives the saber, it grasps it firmly, and your right hand touches on top of the handle.
3. Once in the closing posture, you must stand still for a while rather than moving on from the exercise right away.

刀法應用譜
LIST OF TAIJI SABER APPLICATIONS

一、劈肩
1. CHOP TO THE SHOULDER
二、裡剁腕
2. INWARD HACK TO THE WRIST
三、扎腹
3. STAB TO THE BELLY
四、外截腕
4. OUTWARD CHECK TO THE WRIST
五、刺腰
5. THRUST TO THE WAIST
六、外剁腕
6. OUTWARD HACK TO THE WRIST
七、割喉
7. CUT TO THE THROAT
八、上截腕
8. UPWARD CHECK TO THE WRIST
九、砍腿
9. CLEAVE TO THE LEG
十、下截腕
10. DOWNWARD CHECK TO THE WRIST

太極刀法實用假設練習
PRETEND COMBAT DRILLS FOR TAIJI SABER

預備勢:甲、乙,持刀對立
PREPARATION POSTURE: Persons A & B face each other holding their sabers.

甲乙二人,甲方面朝東,乙方面朝西,右手持刀,對面並步站立,中間距離約二、三步;刀刃朝下,刀尖朝前,眼看對方(圖80)。
Both of you, Person A and Person B, are facing each other, standing straight, feet together, saber in right hand. You are about two or three steps away from each other, A facing east, B facing west [continuing the same orientation of the photos for the solo set]. The saber edges are facing downward, tips pointing forward. Your gaze is toward each other. See photo 80:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 80

第一動:甲、進步劈肩,乙、閃身裡剁腕
FIRST SERIES OF MOVEMENTS [applications 1 & 2]: A advances with a chop toward B’s shoulder. B evades and hacks inward toward A’s wrist.

①甲方,右手持刀上舉,右腳進步,用刀的前段向乙方左肩劈下,右腿稍作屈膝,左手五指微伸成掌斜垂於上身左側,掌心朝下,眼看刀身(圖81)。
1. A [Fu Zhongwen in the photos], raise your saber up, advancing with your right foot, then chop down toward B’s left shoulder with the front section of your saber as your right knee slightly bends, left fingers slightly extending so the palm is hanging diagonally at your left side, palm facing downward. Your gaze is toward the body of your saber. See photo 81:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 81

②乙方,在甲方劈肩之同時右手持刀上舉,右腳向西北斜前方進步,上身同時左轉,右腿隨即稍作屈膝,用刀的後段向甲方右腕剁下,刀尖稍向上翹,左手五指微伸成掌斜垂於上身左側,眼看甲方右腕(圖82)。
2. B, as A’s saber chops toward your shoulder, raise your saber up, your right foot advancing to the northwest corner, torso turning to the left. Your right knee bending, your saber hacking down toward A’s wrist with the rear section of your saber, tip slightly raised upward, left fingers slightly extending so the palm is hanging diagonally at your left side. Your gaze is toward A’s right wrist. See photo 82:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 82

③甲方,當乙方剁腕之時右腳即向後退一步,左腳隨之後退一步,共退二步,眼看乙方(圖83)。
3. A, as B’s saber hacks toward your wrist, retreat two steps, right then left, your gaze toward B. See photo 83:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 83

第二動:乙、上步扎腰、甲、提刀外截腕
SECOND SERIES OF MOVEMENTS [applications 3 & 4]: B steps forward with a stab toward A’s belly. A lifts his saber and does an outward check toward B’s wrist.

①乙方,在甲方退步之同時左腳向前上一步,右腳隨之向前一步,右腿稍作屈膝,成為右弓箭步;右手持刀臂外旋,反腕使刀刃朝上,用刀尖向甲方腹部平伸直扎;左掌仍斜垂於上身左側,眼看甲方腹部(圖84)。
1. B, as A retreats, take a step forward with your left foot, then your right foot follows, the knee bending to make a right bow & arrow stance, your right arm twisting outward, wrist turned over so your saber edge is facing upward, and do a level stab toward A’s belly, left palm still hanging diagonally at your left side. Your gaze is toward A’s belly. See photo 84:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 84

②甲方,在乙方扎腹之同時向後縮腹避讓,右手持刀上提,臂內旋用刀的前段反截乙方右腕;右腳跟隨之離地掀起,左掌仍斜垂於上身左側,眼看乙方右腕(圖85)。
2. A, as B stabs forward, evasively shrink back your belly and lift your saber upward, your right arm twisting inward to do a reverse check toward B’s right wrist with the front section of your saber. At the same time, [retreat your left foot and then] your right foot pulls away, left palm still at your left side. Your gaze is toward B’s right wrist. See photo 85:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 85

③乙方,當甲方截腕之時右腳即從左腳前面向東邁步,上身左轉後移,避開甲方之刀(圖86)。
3. B, as A checks toward your wrist, your right foot steps to the east in front of your left foot, your torso turning to the left and shifting to the rear, evading A’s saber. See photo 86:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 86

第三動:甲、進步刺腰,乙、掄刀外剁腕
THIRD SERIES OF MOVEMENTS [applications 5 & 6]: A advances with a stab toward B’s waist. B rolls his saber and hacks outward toward A’s wrist.

①甲方,在乙方邁步之同時右腳向前進步,右腿稍作屈膝,成為右弓箭步;右手持刀用刀尖向乙方右腰處平伸直刺,刀刃朝下;眼看刀尖(圖87)。
1. A, as B steps away, your right foot advances, the knee slightly bending to make a bow & arrow stance, your right hand stabbing your saber tip straight ahead toward B’s waist, edge facing downward. Your gaze is toward your saber tip. See photo 87:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 87

②乙方,右手持刀立即從右側向下、向左、向上繞環掄起,左腳同時從身後向身前西南斜方上步,左腿稍作屈膝,形成左弓箭步;右手持刀在此時從上向甲方右腕剁下,眼看刀身(圖88)。
2. B, immediately circle your saber downward, to the left, and upward, while stepping your left foot from behind your body forward to the southwest corner, left knee slightly bending to make a left bow & arrow stance. Your right hand is now hacking down toward A’s right wrist. Your gaze is toward the body of your saber. See photo 88:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 88

③甲方,當乙方剁腕之時上身後坐,左腿隨之屈膝略蹲,右手持刀向下、向後沉降帶回(圖89)。
3. A, while B is hacking toward your wrist, sit your body back, left knee bending into a slight squat, your right hand leading your saber away downward and back. See photo 89:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 89

第四動:乙、進步割喉,甲、推刀上截腕
FOURTH SERIES OF MOVEMENTS [applications 7 & 8]: B advances with a cut toward A’s throat. A pushes with his saber and does an upward check toward B’s wrist.

①乙方,在甲方沉刀之同時右腳向甲方右腳外側處逼進一步,右腿稍作屈膝,成為右弓箭步;右手持刀臂外旋使手心朝上,用刀的後段向甲方喉部平推橫割;眼看甲方喉部(圖90)。
1. B, as A sinks his saber away, advance your right foot to the outside of A’s right foot, and slightly bend your right knee to make a right bow & arrow stance. Your right forearm at the same time twists outward so the center of the hand is upward and pushes out your saber horizontally with a severing cut toward A’s throat using the rear section of your saber. Your gaze is toward A’s throat. See photo 90:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 90

②甲方,在乙方割喉之同時將刀收至身前,用刀向乙方右腕上推平截,左掌附於刀背助右手前推,眼看乙方右腕(圖91)。
2. A, as B cuts toward your throat, gather your saber in front of your body, then push out with a horizontal check toward A’s right wrist, your left palm touching the back of your saber to assist the pushing of your right hand. Your gaze is toward B’s right wrist. See photo 91:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 91

第五動:乙、披身砍腿,甲、提步下截腕
FIFTH SERIES OF MOVEMENTS [applications 9 & 10]: B covers his body and cleaves toward A’s leg. A goes into a lifted stance and does a downward check toward B’s wrist.

①乙方,當甲方推刀截腕之同時左腳尖外展,左腿稍作屈膝,上身左傾,右腿伸直,右手持刀臂內旋,從上向下反腕,用刀的前段向甲方右腿外側方斜砍,眼看甲方,左掌橫舉於上身左側(圖92)。
1. B, as A is cutting toward your wrist, swing your left toes outward, the knee slightly bending, and lean away your torso to the left, your right leg straightening. Your right forearm at the same time twists inward, the wrist turning over, and your saber cleaves diagonally to the outside of A’s right leg with the front section of the blade, your left palm raising until level to your left. Your gaze is toward A. See photo 92:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 92

②甲方,立即使上身後移並向左轉,右腿屈膝向身前提起避讓,右手持刀向乙方右腕外側斜截,左掌斜垂於上身左側,眼看乙方右腕(圖93)。
2. A, immediately shift your torso back, turning to the left, and lift your right leg in front of your body, knee bent, to evade the attack. Your right hand at the same time sends your saber in a diagonal check toward the outside of B’s right wrist, your left palm hanging diagonally to your left. Your gaze is toward B’s right wrist. See photo 93:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 93

收勢:甲、乙,提膝抱刀
CLOSING POSTURE: A & B raise their knees and embrace their sabers.

①乙方,當甲方截腕時屈肘將刀向懷中收回,刀刃朝左,刀尖朝上,直垂身前;左掌同時屈肘附按於右腕上面,掌心朝下;左腿隨即伸直站立,右腿屈膝在身前提起,右腳尖自然下垂;眼看甲方。甲方同時將刀向懷中收回作提膝抱刀,眼看乙方(圖94)。
1. B, as A checks toward your wrist, bend your right elbow and draw in your saber to hold it in front of your chest, the edge facing to the left, tip pointing upward, your saber standing vertical in front of your body. Your left elbow bends at the same time, bringing your left palm to touch the top of your right wrist, palm downward, your left leg immediately straightening to stand upright, your right leg lifting in front of your body, knee bent, toes hanging down naturally. Your gaze is toward A. A, at the same time, draw in and embrace your saber, your knee lifting, your gaze toward B. See photo 94:

《太極刀》 傅鍾文 蔡龍雲 (1959) - photo 94

②甲乙二人,右腳向上身右側橫落,左腳隨之向右腳靠攏並步,兩腿直立;右手持刀向上身右側垂沉,刀刃朝下,刀尖朝前;左掌同時垂於上身右側,恢復預備勢之持刀對立狀。
然後,變為乙方先進步劈肩,改做甲方的動作,甲方則改做乙方的動作;變從東向西追擊而為從西向東追擊。這樣相反做一次之後回到了第一次的預備勢地位,即行停止。如果不願停止的話,那麼再變甲方進步劈肩重新做一次。
2. A & B, you now each bring your right foot down to your right, then your left foot goes to stand next to your right foot, both legs standing straight. Your right hand at the same time sinks your saber down to your right side, edge facing downward, tip pointing forward, your left palm hanging down on your right [left] side, returning you both to the PREPARATION POSTURE of holding your sabers while standing straight and facing each other.
     Then switch to B advancing with a chop toward A’s shoulder, B taking A’s role and A taking B’s role, switching from east attacking west to west attacking east. Perform the movements with the roles reversed until returning to the PREPARATION POSTURE, then the full exercise ends. Of course if you do not want to stop, A then returns to the A role by advancing with the chop toward B’s shoulder and it all repeats.

編後記
POSTSCRIPT

我知道在太極拳系裡有“太極十三刀”一項。它是由按刀、青龍出水、風捲殘花、白雲蓋頂、背刀、迎風滾避、震腳提刀、撥雲望月、劈刀、霸王舉鼎、朝天一柱香、拖刀敗勢、手揮琵琶等十三個動作組合而成的單刀套路。這次傅鍾文先生托我替他編寫這本“太極刀”一書的時候,我還以為就是我所知道的那套“太極十三刀”。不料在編寫之餘,才知道這套太極刀雖然也有十三個動作,但它的內容結構卻和那套太極十三刀迥然不同,並不是像我所以為的那樣。
在這裡我提起“太極十三刀”,並不是想研究“太極刀”是否就是從“太極十三刀”演變而來,或是“太極十三刀”是從“太極刀”演變而來,而是想說明太極拳系裡有兩個不同套路的太極刀,這次編寫的“太極刀”並不是我所知道的那套太極刀。
“太極刀”和其他拳系的單刀套路同樣是吸取了中國古代短刀的劈、砍、剁、截、挑、撩、推、扎、托、切、抹、斬、掛、帶、攔、掃等進擊法則的一部分為索材結合了武術特有的步型、步法和身法而組成的一個短器械運動項目。從編寫“太極刀法實用假說練習”一節中還可以看出它和其它拳系的單刀套路運動也同樣具有技擊的因素在裡面。然而,隨著太極拳系的向前發展,它的運動特點卻成為柔和的、圓活的、綿綿不斷的。這個特點使它和太極拳同樣趨向了醫療體育。
“太極刀”的鍛煉方法是和太極拳一致的,因而它對神經系統、心臟血管系統、呼吸系統、消化系統及新陳代謝方面的影響,也是同樣起着良好的作用。同时“寶刀漫舞”在鍛煉情緒上要比兩手空空更會產生興趣。
傅鍾文先生托我替他編寫這本“太極刀”是在今年九月的事,由於被調來京參加有關武術的整理、研究工作,一直抽不出時間來,拖到今天才算完成,未能使它及早的和讀者見面,殊感歉甚。同時由於對這套太極刀熟悉不夠,在動作說明上不免會產生某些錯誤,尚望同志們提出批評,便於再版時予以修正。
蔡龍雲1958.12.15.北京
I know that within the Taiji Boxing system there is a “Taiji Thirteen Saber”, which goes from PUSHING DOWN WITH THE SABER to BLUE DRAGON LEAVES THE WATER, WIND SWEEPS AWAY THE WITHERED FLOWERS, WHITE CLOUDS COVER THE HEADTOP, SHOULDERING THE SABER, ROLLING TO EVADE THE WIND, STOMP THE FOOT AND LIFT THE SABER, SPREADING THE CLOUDS TO SEE THE MOON, CHOPPING SABER, EMPEROR LIFTS THE CALDRON, HOLDING UP A STICK OF INCENSE, PULLING IN THE SABER TO FEIGN DEFEAT, and PLAY THE LUTE, thirteen movements which combine to make up the routine for single saber. When Fu Zhongwen asked me to write this book in his stead, I still only knew of the Taiji Thirteen Saber. I was surprised in the course of the writing to find that although this Taiji Saber set has thirteen movements, it was not the same in content as that Taiji Thirteen Saber routine and does not resemble it in the way I imagined it would.
     When I mention the Taiji Thirteen Saber here, it is not because I think the Taiji Saber set evolved from the Taiji Thirteen Saber, or vice versa, it is to explain that within the Taiji Boxing system there are two distinct saber sets. The one written of here is “Taiji Saber” rather than the other one I knew of.
     Taiji Saber and the saber routines of other boxing systems have similarly absorbed the techniques of ancient short swords, such as chopping, cleaving, hacking, checking, carrying, raising, pushing, stabbing, propping, slicing, wiping, slashing, hanging, leading, blocking, and sweeping, which were then combined with other martial arts components, such as stance, footwork, and body maneuvering to make training routines for short weapons. Since writing the section above on the combat drills, I can again see that it has the same elements of attack and defense as the saber sets of other boxing systems. However, as per the progressive development of the Taiji Boxing system, the characteristics of this particular saber set are suppleness, flexibility, and fluidity, and these characteristics make it the same kind of therapeutic fitness as the boxing set.
     As the training methodology for the saber set is the same as for the boxing set, it consequently has the same beneficial influence upon the nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, and metabolism. At the same time, this “saber dance” trains the mood and will imperceptibly produce increasing delight.
     Fu Zhongwen asked me three months ago to write this book for him. Seeing as I had come to Beijing to participate in the work of organizing and researching martial arts, I have had difficulty finding time. At last it is finished, and I am sorry you could not be reading it sooner. Also, because I am not adequately familiar with this Taiji Saber set, there are bound to be a few errors in the movement descriptions above. I hope our comrades will point them out and so make the revising for a second edition that much easier.
     – written by Cai Longyun in Beijing, Dec 15, 1958

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