The White Crane Sword form is an ever evolving and growing part of your practice. Of course, we can say this about any of the skills and forms we learn and study from Sigong, our Sifu and the Tse Qigong Centre, but the Sword and the Long Tassel, the Green Dragon Sword and White Crane Sword forms are a special challenge for students.
The feelings of, not being relaxed enough and not moving with the right energy are greatly amplified with the long tassel, it has little mercy for poor technique and will quickly show you that you were lacking something and may even tie you in knots! In some ways, it is like training a martial art with a partner, when you make a mistake, you may be hit (or cut) or just left feeling like your training partner constantly had the better of you.
So, it needs work, you need to really work at this skill, and you need a good teacher. We are lucky on these seminars, two hours of solid practice, watching Sigong, learning step by step and seeing how the movement should be, asking questions, understanding the shape, details, and flow, and getting crucial tips. The playrooms are so helpful for this form, the advice the seniors provide, when you are stuck or struggling or just simply can’t remember or comprehend the movement.
There is a helpful gap now, around a month between each seminar to practice and digest, not only the shape and movements, but the theory and principles and insights that are shared each course, it takes time, you cannot rush this skill.
Each time, we practice what we have learnt, the confusion and struggle lessen for those previous parts and they steadily become easier. Then the new part comes, the new challenge and test, it’s such an exciting and wonderful form to learn.
And the feeling you get as you improve with the long tassel and sword though is really something, the satisfaction and elation when a part of this form flows, it’s very rewarding! Just keep practicing!
by Ian Armstrong
Student Comments
This form is full of challenges, first to learn the moves and then to refine those moves in the constant desire to achieve a nice flow with the tassel. It’s surprising how much the tassel seems to have a mind of its own and will tangle at any opportunity. All good fun though and a nice feeling if you get it right. New moves seem quite tricky, lots of practise for those. Thanks Sigong and leaders for all your help.
Belinda
Was good to go over the 12 elements and years in the lecture, nice to refresh that knowledge. The new movement in the form is strong for both the body and mind, and for the coordination! Thank you Sigong. Christine
You know it’s going to be especially challenging when Sigong chuckles and says, “Now for the tricky bit” during White Crane Sword seminar. This time we toss and catch the sword without tangling the tassel, before stabbing. So much fun, thanks Sigong! – Kay
I like the new bit when you have to bounce the sword hilt and change the grip!
Look forward to practising it with a proper sword and tassel when I get back from my vacation.
Thank you Sigong.
Paul Hogg
It is always great to polish the earlier parts of the white crane sword form as I now feel I can tidy the movements up so they start to feel like a form. There are still some areas I really need to learn properly but they are improving each time. Thank you Sigong for another great seminar.
Nicci
white crane 25: the new part is one of my favourite parts, I love the kick and then the tassel landing on the shoulder. throwing and catching the sword is also a great challenge! Brilliant fun on a Sunday morning. Thanks Sigong!
Lee B
The beginning and middle of the form are quite clear now. Managed to focus on the energy and had help from senior students to better understand the energy behind the tassel spin. Thank you Sifu, looking forward to better know White Crane.
-Radu