Formosa Neijia wrote:Your comment about the weapons is also spot on. Taiji weapons are seen as tools to further your taiji, not as worth doing by themselves. Therefore taiji weapons are worthless for self-defense. It doesn't have to be that way, the weapons could be taught functionally first and then as "art" or whatever.
Some masters with older earlier versions of the major TCC styles taught weapon methods which included the use of shorter companion weapons of similar shape and design. In this way, I was taught to employ highly effective, practical fighting applications with a dagger, a knife, and a short stick, for example, at close quarters where the use of a straight sword, broadsword or saber, long staff or spear can be more difficult or cumbersome to use due to the length of these weapons.
Thus, the same movement patterns and techniques presented in the forms and drills for the longer traditional weapons can also easily be applied with a smaller companion weapon like a sheath knife, stiletto, or a folding pocket knife for personal self-defense, as practical examples, no problem.
Such methods are well worth learning and practicing, and are definitely NOT worthless by any reckoning, imo.