For years I wanted to learn the saber form. I told people. Nothing happened. I watched Janet do the saber before class and thought it was beautiful. I saw photos in a book Paul was translating and thought the more complicated form looked even more elegant. Conversation included buying my own dao, since I want one that has the same personal feeling as my Tai Chi sword.
Part of the reason I stopped going to the Tai Chi Center after covid was pain. Standing for a full hour was too hard. I would have to sit down and rest while everyone else kept going. That was discouraging. My balance was off.
Since December I’ve been exercising consistently. Recently at push hands and sword I realized I could stand for multiple hours. My balance is back. Unsteady one-legged postures have corrected. So I asked Paul. I said I have something I really want—will you teach me the saber form one on one? He hemmed and hawed a little. Then he said yes. There are weeknight and Sunday sessions to consider now.
Asking him was mostly possible because my body is rebuilding. Months of workouts revitalized an old goal. The dao that I really want is only offered in a 30”. Paul and my classmates agree I need 36″. Nobody took a tape measure, but the consensus was clear. An email answer from Raven Studios says they can do a custom order. I want something nicer than the basic practice swords in the back room bucket—a beautiful hardwood dao.
Janet asked if I’d quit again. She forgot the years I didn’t.
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