Introduction
Tai Ji Da Gan (Grand Pole of Tai Chi) is a long weapon used in Chen-style Tai Chi. The pole is typically over 2.8 meters long and made of white wax wood. Practitioners hold it with both hands and perform techniques such as chopping, flipping, coiling, stirring, and thrusting. These movements can be practiced solo or with a partner.
Using Tai Chi’s body mechanics and footwork, the power comes from the waist, transferring arm strength into the pole. This practice enhances arm strength while balancing hardness and softness. Common training routines include Four Poles (Si Gan), Eight Poles (Ba Gan), and Thirteen Poles (Shi San Gan).
Thirteen Poles (十三杆) Movement Names
- Qǐ Shì (起势) – Commencing Form
- Qīng Lóng Chū Shuǐ (青龙出水) – Green Dragon Emerges from Water
- Tóng Zǐ Bài Guān Yīn (童子拜观音) – Child Worships Guanyin
- È Hǔ Zhuō Shí (饿虎捉食) – Hungry Tiger Seizes Prey
- Lán Lù Hǔ (拦路虎) – Tiger Blocks the Road
- Xié Pō Héng Sǎo Méi (斜坡横扫眉) – Sloping Sweep Across the Eyebrows
- Zhōng Xīn Rù Duì (中心入对) – Center Entry and Response
- Hòu Niǎo Rù Cháo (候鸟入巢) – Migratory Bird Returns to Nest
- Miàn Chán Bèi Bēng (面缠背崩) – Face Coiling, Back Bursting
- Huáng Lóng Sān Jiǎo Shuǐ (黄龙三搅水) – Yellow Dragon Stirs Water Three Times
- Miàn Pī (面披) – Face Covering
- Bèi Bēng (背崩) – Back Bursting
- Bái Yuán Tuō Qiāng (白猿托枪) – White Ape Holds the Spear
- Huái Zhōng Bào Yuè (怀中抱月) – Embrace the Moon at Chest
- Shōu Shì (收势) – Closing Form
Eight Poles Partner Training (八杆对练)
This is a fundamental combat training method for Tai Chi long weapons, focusing on silk-reeling energy (Chan Si Jin). Practitioners engage in sticking, adhering, sweeping, and covering movements, making the techniques highly versatile. There are two main partner training methods: Three Poles and Eight Poles.
Under the guidance of Tai Chi master Chen Zhaopi (陈照丕), these weapon forms have been preserved in Chenjiagou (陈家沟), the birthplace of Chen-style Tai Chi.
Historical records suggest that some forms and weapons have been lost over time, including:
- Forms: Tai Ji Short Strikes (太极短打), Thirty-Six Rolling Folds (六六三十六滚迭)
- Weapons: Whirlwind Staff (旋风棍), Coiling Dragon Stick (盘龙棒)
Efforts are being made to recover and organise these lost traditions.