Continuing the examination of the Four Words in Chinese swordsmanship brings us to the character Ge 格. To block, arrest, impede, obstruct, deter, halt, hinder, intercept, parry. The seemingly simple idea of stopping something from hitting you by placing something else in the way has 10,000 permutations, 10,000 synonyms, and 10,000 interpretations of what it… Continue reading S-words: Ge 格 Parry or Block
The Four Words as discussed in the previous installment, form a sort of conceptual base from which to build a system of sword fencing. Although, it has been pointed out by many, that much of modern swordsmanship is lacking in a foundation like the one laid with the Four Words. Esteemed writers and teachers often… Continue reading S-words: Xi, to wash
In the Chinese martial arts, there are certain words and characters that have special meaning. They are often words that are descriptive of familiar, every day actions. They have traditionally been used as mnemonics to aid in memorization and visualization of the techniques they describe. But, because of the metaphorical nature of this practice, instructions… Continue reading “S” Words: The Four Words
Terra Prime Fighting Words 