Posture: geat starA tai chi sword can be a wonderful addition to your tai chi, it can give an edge to your training and extend your knowledge of this ancient martial art. But before you can begin to learn a sword form, first you would have to become competent in unarmed practice.
There are various styles of tai chi, the five most popular being Yang, Chen, Wu, Wu (Hao), and Sun (my own particular favourite). Finding a style and a good teacher can be a bit of a lottery depending on where you live. If you live in a densely populated area you should be able to find a class run by a reasonably good teacher as tai chi has become a hugely popular martial art and fitness discipline.
In between classes when practising at home, a dvd can be useful in helping to remember the movements and allow you to practice at your own speed and convenience. Your progress in learning tai chi will depend on the amount of time and dedication you are prepared to commit, and it could take over a year or more before a teacher would allow you to include a sword.
It is not just the martial art aspects that attract people to tai chi, but also the many health benefits it can provide. Doctors these days commonly recommend tai chi in helping to cope with a wide range of illnesses, and as it is often described as 'moving meditation' this is hardly surprising. Many holistic therapists would also include tai chi as part of a mind, body, and spirit regimen, to maintain or recover good health.
Once you have become proficient in tai chi practice you might then think about sharpening up your training and getting yourself a sword. A wooden practice sword is a good place to start so as to limit injuries to yourself, and after becoming used to handling the practice sword you could consider an authentic tai chi sword.
The tai chi sword is considered by many the 'king' of Chinese martial arts weapons due to its effectiveness in close combat fighting. There are basically two types of sword used in tai chi training. The dao, which is a broadsword with a single edged curved blade, and the jian (or chien), a straight sword around three foot (90–100 cms) long with a double edged steel blade.
The jian is generally used in tai chi training today not as a weapon, but principally in connecting the mind, body, and soul!
For more information see this website: Tai Chi Sword
I think my favourite aspect of traditional sword work is the fact that it's used in ritual, especially in cases requiring exorcism. But it's a great tool to expand your understanding of tai chi, as you point out.
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