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Other techniques, however, are designed to kill the opponent. For example, "night bird returns to forest" begins with the weapon drawn into the body. Then with a sharp, smooth thrust powered by the hips and waist, the swordsman attacks the throat of the opponent.
Other lethal attacks include "lifting the curtain," an upward block of the attacker's arm followed by a slice across the armpit, and "swallow skimming on top of the water," a dynamic strike to the temple.
Though the taiji swordsman masters lethal techniques, Rosary maintains a position of peace and believes in using these practices only if absolutely necessary. Summarizing his philosophy, he says, "The goal of a swordsman is not to kill, but to render the opponent helpless, leaving him with the inability to attack."
Rosary and I talk further about his beliefs and the wisdom that sifu Wei Choy imparted onto him. His voice quakes with emotion as he describes the impact that this man, who has received Rosary as a member of his family, has had on his life. He was both proud and saddened when sifu Choy decided to retire.
"The most profound thing that ever happened to me in martial arts is when [Wei Choy] told me that he had reached a point where he was very comfortable with letting me go." He was so confident that Rosary had not only the aptitude to propagate his art, but also the time and patience to be an exceptional teacher, that he formally announced Rosary as his successor.
Armed with a vast expanse of knowledge and experience, Rosary is ready to carry out his ultimate goal: to spread a message of health, life balance and unity through the ancient art of tai chi.
Tony Bazley and sifu Bill Rosary start from a neutral stance (1)
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Assume the typical Western boxing stance. This time Rosary will intercept by covering Tony Bazley's left jab and shifting it across his body (2)
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Rosary then places a stop on the opponent's cocked right fist. Using tai chi principles, Rosary criss-crosses the opponent's hand. This will tie him up and prevent him from moving his feet (3)
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Rosary now utilizes a crossing shuffle (4) by kicking to the opponent's left knee before he has a chance to recover.
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It is important to keep your hands above the opponent's. Strike the opponent's torso and circle the right behind his left arm and head (5)
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Rosary shoves the opponent's head down with the right arm while simultaneously locking the shoulder.
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He pulls with the left hand via a grab and pushes the neck and shoulder to the ground. Notice the opponent's left leg is captured by the shuffle. Rosary places a lock on his enemy's left shoulder, wrist and fingers (7)
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A close-up of the lock (8)
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Samara Simmerman is Inside Kung-Fu's 2006 "Writer of the Year."
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