Great River Taoist Center Forums

...I need to learn some basics and begin test cutting with my own blades. Spend some time with some more experienced and learn more, "hands on" with good swords... If you come across good resources or learn of gatherings, especially in New England... I teach several seminars a year in New England, ...

Well tis is a topic that has spawned many a lengthy paper... It is important to keep in mind, that while many arts, martial to others, were strongly influenced by daoism & buddhism, these arts are not daoist or buddhist arts. It is a standard practice in China to associate any newly created art with...

It's worth considering that sometimes the footwork in a martial art is optimized for a certain type of footwear. Modern footwear often has substantial heels... I think that is the most important point, I've never worn any kind of heels, so when, in the past, I've tried doing push hands in athletic ...

This is not that uncommon a question... Is placement of the tongue important? Yes, in the sense that placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth connects the ren & du mai . If not connected, the qi is unlikely to make complete its circuit. Though it is possible that the qi will "short circuit" & fin...

Trips to museums, and obtaining books... BTW, your blade looks nice.. Nik's suggest is an excellent one. I would add going to antique arms shows to that. Museums are great, but everything is behind glass & you can't handle the swords. At antique arms shows, you can pick up most pieces. There aren't...

Dear Kevin, Welcome to the forum... My good friend, the well known swordsmith, Paul Champagne, use to say, "If I was designing fighter jets, I'd have to at least learn to fly to understand the needs of the fighter pilot. If I'm going to forge swords, I'm going to have at least understand the basics ...

Here is the page from the Wubeizhi that illustrates paper armor -

If you are curious what the Beijing Military Museum has to offer, see: http://xenophon-mil.org/china/militarym ... museum.htm

The Manchu inscription -

The Chinese inscription -

The rear end of the cannon where it is inscribed in Chinese & Manchu.

Wheels for the above Qing Cannon

17thcQingCannon1.jpg 17th Century Qing Dynasty Cannon Captured in Boxer Rebellion Recently auctioned at: http://www.cowanauctions.com/auctions/item.aspx?ItemId=93833 An 800lb. cast bronze cannon, 3" diameter bore, 3" diameter trunnions, overall 63.5", with prolific Chinese and Manchurian characters...

Two Qing cannon atop the Suzhou Water Gate Wall on the Grand Canal-

A Qing Cannon ca. 1900-