Author: OLSON, STUART ALVE
Title: Tai Chi Thirteen Sword a Sword Master's Manual
Description: Burbank, CA: Unique Publications, 1999. Paperback. ISBN: 1892515148. B&W Illustrations; 9.90 X 6.90 X 0.70 inches; xii, 258 pages; Soft cover has a grey spine with red lettering. Light rubbing, scuffing to covers, and lower corner curl. Pages are clean and tight. Lavishly illustrated with b/w photographs. Apparatus training is an essential part of the Yang Style Taijiquan curriculum. Of the two short weapons, Dao, or Sabre and Jian, or Straightsword used in Taijiquan’s syllabus, the latter is by far the most intricate and developed in its method. In martial lore the Straightsword is commonly respected as The King of Short Weapons. Known also as the narrow blade, or double-edged sword, the Straightsword was often seen in traditional Chinese culture as a way to cut through veils of illusion, ego and attachment and is associated with spiritual refinement as much as with martial efficacy. Straightsword masters, male and female, are frequently revered in Chinese history as both highly skilled martial heroes and illuminated people. Appendices.. Very Good .

Keywords: 1892515148 Martial Arts; Asia; Orient; Japan; Samurai; Budo; Tai Chi; China; Social History; Cultural History; Weapons; Reference; Education; Asian Philosophy; Sports/Athletics Cultural History Education History Orient/Asia Reference Anthropology/Language