White Crane Sword 31

White Crane Sword is a form that combines versatility, momentum and beauty into one. It is very wonderful to see and I see how the movements I have already learned helped me so much to understand the tassel and how to move the sword and bring the tassel along in a more and more refined way.

 

The first part is very good now to go through it and I can even see new subtle ways to improve it by watching Sifu go through it as I can perceive more detail now. It was also very dynamic and brought up the energy in the body and the mind which was very good to start the day.

 

The second part is also easier now and even the kicking of the tassel was much more synchronised and at the right speed, imparting just the right amount of momentum. I can see how this interaction with the sword and the tassel allows one to feel the sword much better and also to put the right amount of energy into it.

 

Afterwards, in the third section, we went through the slightly more complicated turns and jumps as well as catching the tassel. This is quite intricate and I can see how giving it slightly less momentum is actually better to prevent it rotating around the palm.

 

The fourth section involves more rotation movements and different uses of the tassel. Together with the ending of this part, I always see how great it looks when Sifu shows us this part. The sword and tassel rotating in a circle forward is both unique and very beautiful to see. The ending of the fourth and going into the fifth section is where a lot of detail could now be seen as I had become much more familiar with this part and find it easier to shift weight and direction without losing the tassel, letting it go at just the right time.

 

The newest part looks very good and is a great posture to observe. I also like the way the sword moves as it is slightly unusual but looks very effective and follows on from the right side seamlessly.

 

Now, learning Green Dragon sword in class, I can compare the two and, even though there are differences, both forms are wonderful and I appreciate being able to learn both at the same time. I will aim to keep each one separate so that I can practice each one in the right way.