PLUM BLOSSOM SABER (MEI HUA DAO)

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梅花刀圖說
A HANDBOOK FOR PLUM BLOSSOM SABER
呂光華　李元智
by Lü Guanghua & Li Yuanzhi
[published by 大東書局 Great East Press, Sep, 1931]

[translation by Paul Brennan, Sep, 2018]

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中央國術館编
from the Central Martial Arts Institute:
梅䔢刀圖說
A Handbook for Plum Blossom Saber
馬公愚題
– calligraphy by Ma Gongyu

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總理遺墨
Posthumous inscription from our president:

強國強種
“Strengthen the nation by strengthening the people.”
孫文題
– calligraphy by Sun Yan-sen [made during his visit to Jiao Tong University in Shanghai in 1922, commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Republic]

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梅花刀
Plum Blossom Saber
鈕永建題
– calligraphy by Niu Yongjian

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中央國術館館長張之江先生
Director of the Central Martial Arts Institute, Zhang Zhijiang

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著者呂光華先生
Author Lü Guanghua

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著者李元智先生
Author Li Yuanzhi

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張序
PREFACE BY ZHANG ZHIJIANG

我國國術門派之夥儼同牛毛往往窮畢生精力猶難盡其一二斯則治技者之所苦而研究者之所病焉且武家通習師弟口授文獻之足徵者間有圖譜展轉傳鈔脫譌滋多非亥豕魯魚難以卒讀卽俚俗晦澀不知所云能略通此中精妙者幾若鳳毛麟角百不得一余主中央國術館於茲兩易寒暑矣每以為欲使前述之所苦所病得一解決之塗徑惟以用歸納的方法從改革與創造着手方為根本之圖否則提倡雖力其奈收效之終鮮何雖然改革與創造豈一朝一夕之所易言哉蓋創造之先必經實驗實驗之先必經整理故整理國術實為改革創造之初步余嘗以斯意示諸同人囑其多從整理下工夫整理愈多則研究之資料愈富至其本身價値如何編者僅管存而勿論一聽後來之實驗定其去取可耳呂同志光華李同志元智編梅花刀成敢以一得之見弁諸簡首
中華民國十九年十月二十日鹽山張之江
Our nation’s martial arts are as numerous as ox hairs, but they typically take a whole lifetime to master. It is difficult enough to achieve even one or two of these skills, which is why practitioners work so hard and researchers endure such headaches. Martial arts were taught through personal instruction, documentation being limited to private copies of handbooks passed down through generations. Errors multiplied through retranscription, which means that unless one was able to catch which words had been intended when similar but different words had been written in their place, it was difficult to fully understand the text. It became sloppier and more obscure until there was no knowing what it said. We can get a sense of the exquisite ideas within such a text, but it is almost like hunting for phoenix feathers and unicorn horns, and we end up with maybe one percent that we can feel confident about.
　　I have been the head of the Central Martial Arts Institute for the last two years, and throughout that time I have wanted to find a shortcut through the hard work and headache, using methods of consolidating information to reform and recreate these arts by distilling them down to their essentials. Otherwise, however much effort we put into promoting these arts, it will ultimately be hard to get results. But reforming and recreating is easier said than done. Recreating first requires experimentation, and experimentation first requires organizing of information. Therefore organizing our martial arts has to be the first step in reforming and recreating them.
　　Having presented this idea to all my colleagues, I then urged them to put their efforts into organizing their arts. The more organized these arts are, the richer the study materials will be. As for how much value such materials will themselves have, we can only preserve what we have and not judge it, leaving it to later experimenters to make of it what they will. Lü Guanghua and Li Yuanzhi have now produced Plum Blossom Saber, boldly making use of their own understanding so that the rest of us can make a start.
　　- Zhang Zhijiang of Yanshan [in Cangzhou, Hebei], Oct 20, 1930

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例言
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

一此刀原名梅花。甚雅。今仍舊。示存古也。
– The original name of this saber set – Plum Blossom – so elegant, has been preserved to this day, hearkening back to older times.
一此編各式方向。以身之前後左右為標準。惟悉以面向之處為前。
– In this book, the orientation for each posture is based on the front, back, left, right of your own torso at any given moment, and so the “front” is always the direction your torso is facing.
一說明動作。分為身步手眼四項。庶眉目朗列。閱者感便。
– The movement explanations are divided into four pieces – torso, footwork, hands, eyes – tidily ordered so that you may consult them with ease.
一凡正面圖不易明暸者。益以附圖。務期學者有按圖索驥之便。
– Whenever the front view of a posture is not adequately clear, an additional photo has been included to show it from another angle, hopefully making it easier for you to understand.
一此刀為便初學者起見。將刀之全套。分成節段。附以口令。以資練習。純熟之後。便可繼續連貫操作。
– To make this saber set easier for beginners, it has been divided into [twelve] sections, each section containing a movement count [“1, 2, 3, 4!”] in order to facilitate practice. Once it has been practiced to familiarity, the sections can be linked together as a continuous flow.
一本書各個團體教授法。悉本操典。以期指揮得宜。
– This book has been designed for instructing groups, and so I hope it will prove suitable for such use.
一此編團體教授法橫隊圖。二列完全為○者當然以○為主。四列有○有●者則以●為主。以示區別。閱者注意。
– In the diagrams showing formations for drill instruction, one shows two rows of white circles, being where the people stand. The others show four rows of both white and black circles, the black circles being the positions that are stepped into. These differences of standing at and stepping to are indicated for your attention.
一此編之輯。為時倉卒。謬誤滋多。尚望名家指正。
– This book was produced hurriedly, and so inevitably it will contain some errors. I hope experts will offer corrections.
呂光華識
　　- written by Lü Guanghua

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梅花刀目錄
CONTENTS

第一章　緒論
Chapter One: Introductory Material
　第一節　刀術之原始
　Part 1: On the Origins of the Saber Art
　第二節　刀術之種類
　Part 2: On the Variety of Saber Arts
　第三節　單刀之形式
　Part 3: Dimensions of the Single Saber
　第四節　單刀要則
　Part 4: Requirements for the Single Saber
　第五節　梅花單刀源流
　Part 5: Origins of the Plum Blossom Single-Saber Set
第二章　敎授法
Chapter Two: Methods for Drill Instruction
　第一節　各個教授法
　Part 1: Methods for Training Each Person in the Group
　第二節　團體教授法
　Part 2: Methods for Training the Group as a Whole
第三章　圖說
Chapter Three: Illustrated Explanations of the Postures
　第一節　抱托摸抹亮勾之動作 Part 1 (including the actions of embracing, propping, smearing, wiping, showing, and hooking):
　　第一段 Section 1
　　　右掌穿刀 [1] THREADING WITH THE RIGHT PALM
　　　進步穿刀 [2] ADVANCE, LEFT HAND THREADING WITH THE SABER
　　　二起腿 [3] DOUBLE-LIFT KICK
　　　抱刀勢 [4] EMBRACING THE SABER
　　第二段 Section 2
　　　托刀勢 [5] PROPPING
　　　摸刀勢 [6] SMEARING
　　　抱刀勢 [7] EMBRACING THE SABER
　　　抹刀勢 [8] WIPING
　　第三段 Section 3
　　　亮刀勢 [9] SHOWING THE SABER
　　　勾刀勢 [10] HOOKING
　　　扎刀勢 [11] STABBING
　　　托刀勢 [12] PROPPING
　　第四段 Section 4
　　　摸刀勢 [13] SMEARING
　　　抱刀勢 [14] EMBRACING THE SABER
　　　抹刀勢 [15] WIPING
　　　抱刀勢 [16] EMBRACING THE SABER
　第二節　掛劈刺砍撩搜之動作 Part 2 (including the actions of hanging & chopping, vertical-blade stabbing, cleaving, raising, and seeking):
　　第五段 Section 5
　　　抱刀勢 [17] EMBRACING THE SABER
　　　抹刀勢 [18] WIPING
　　　亮刀勢 [19] SHOWING THE SABER
　　　勾刀勢 [20] HOOKING
　　第六段 Section 6
　　　外掛劈刀 [21] HANGING OUTWARD & CHOPPING
　　　亮刀勢 [22] SHOWING THE SABER
　　　抹刀勢 [23] WIPING
　　　刺刀勢 [24] VERTICAL-BLADE STABBING
　　第七段 Section 7
　　　背砍刀勢 [25] CLEAVING BEHIND
　　　撩刀勢 [26] RAISING
　　　抹刀勢 [27] WIPING
　　　扎刀勢 [28] STABBING
　　第八段 Section 8
　　　搜刀勢 [29] SEEKING
　　　推刀勢 [30] PUSHING
　　　亮刀勢 [31] SHOWING THE SABER
　　　勾刀勢 [32] HOOKING
　第三節　磨盤帶踢切接之動作 Part 3 (including the actions of millstone saber, dragging, kicking, slicing, and receiving):
　　第九段 Section 9
　　　扎刀勢 [33] STABBING
　　　磨盤刀勢 [34] MILLSTONE SABER
　　　扎刀勢 [35] STABBING
　　　帶刀勢 [36] DRAGGING
　　第十段 Section 10
　　　亮刀勢 [37] SHOWING THE SABER
　　　右步撩刀 [38] RIGHT STEP, RAISING
　　　左步撩刀 [39] LEFT STEP, RAISING
　　　右步撩刀 [40] RIGHT STEP, RAISING
　　第十一段 Section 11
　　　抹刀勢 [41] WIPING
　　　抱刀勢 [42] EMBRACING THE SABER
　　　踢刀勢 [43] KICKING WHILE SENDING OUT THE SABER
　　　切刀勢 [44] SLICING
　　第十二段 Section 12
　　　抱刀勢 [45] EMBRACING THE SABER
　　　抹刀勢 [46] WIPING
　　　跟步纏頭勢 [47] FOLLOW STEP, COILING AROUND THE HEAD
　　　接刀勢 [48] RECEIVING THE SABER

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梅花刀
PLUM BLOSSOM SABER

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第一章　緒論
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL

第一節　刀術之原始
Part 1: ON THE ORIGINS OF THE SABER ART

說文云。『刀。兵也。象形。象刀背與刃也。』然兵有木質石質金質之別。太白陰經謂。『木兵始於伏羲神農時削石為兵。』國語說文俱言之。越書謂。『黃帝以玉為兵。』世本謂。蚩尤以金作兵。兵有五。『一弓。二殳。三矛。四戈。五戟。而刀不與焉。』任昉述異記謂。『石刀神農時已有之。』初學記謂。『黃帝採首山之銅。始鑄為刀。』史記平準書。『龜貝金錢刀布之幣興焉。』注。索隱曰。『刀者。錢也。以其形如刀。』石刀。石兵也。後人謂玉石刃人以此。神農黃帝有無其人。近代治歷史學者。頗多致疑之點。惟刀之發明。可以斷定其在石器時代。石器時代之後始用銅。鐵刀之制。至秦時始見。觀江淹銅劍鑽序。『古以銅為兵。至於秦時。攻爭紛亂。兵革互興。銅旣不克給。始以鐵足之。』信然。
From the Shuowen Jiezi [China’s oldest dictionary]: “Saber: a kind of weapon. The character is a pictographic representation (showing the back of the blade and the edge).”

It has been made of materials such as wood, stone, and metal, according to the Tai Bai Yin Jing [chapter 41]: “Wooden weapons began with Fu Xi. In the time of Shen Nong, stones were shaped into weapons… The Yellow Emperor made weapons out of jade. Chi You made weapons out of metal.” But the Book of Origins says that the five kinds of weapons Chi You made were: “bow & arrow, pike, spear, dagger-ax, and halberd”, with the saber not mentioned among them.
　　It says in Ren Fang’s Records of Unusual Things: “Stone sabers were already being used by the time of Shen Nong.” It says in Notes for the Beginning of Study [a Tang Dynasty encyclopedia]: “The Yellow Emperor mined Mt. Shou for copper to make sabers.” It says in chapter 30 of the Historical Records: “[For exchanges between farmers, laborers, and merchants,] they used tortoise shells, metal coins, and ‘saber coins’ as forms of currency.” An annotation to the text mentions that “the ‘saber coin’ was a saber-shaped piece of coinage”.
　　Stone sabers were actual weapons made of stone. Later generations claimed that jade was used for the same purpose, but as Shen Nong and the Yellow Emperor are legendary figures, modern students of history view this with great skepticism. However, we can safely say that the invention of sabers occurred during the Stone Age. After the Stone Age, bronze was used. The making of iron sabers was then first seen during the Qin Dynasty. It says in the preface of Jiang Yan’s Study of Bronze Swords: “Ancient people used bronze to make weapons until the warfare of the Qin Dynasty. Bronze blades were not able to breach the leather armor of the time, but it was found that iron blades could do the job.”

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第二節　刀術之種類
Part 2: ON THE VARIETY OF SABER ARTS

武備志引武經總要所載。『刀凡八種。而小異者。猶不列焉。其習法皆不傳。今所習惟長刀腰刀。腰刀非團牌不用。故載於牌中。長刀則倭奴所習。世宗時進犯東南始得之。戚少保於辛酉陣上。得其習法。又從而演之。』
但我國長刀之法。亦自有過人者。如唐闞稜。貌魁雄。善用兩刃。其長丈。名曰「拍刀。」一揮殺數人。無有敵者。腰刀之法。我國尤多。如「六合。解腕。抱月。劈山。露花。雪片。斷門。鳳池。縱撲。武氏。劈閃。鳳翅。抹眉。梅花」諸刀。迄今多有習者。
此外大刀。如「春秋。提爐。太極。鈎鐮。掉刀。眉尖。鈎鏤。大刴。」雙刀。如「雙八卦刀」之類。元王英膂力絕人。號曰刀王。卽善用雙刀也。
又有對手之精者。如大刀對手中。有「大刀對槍。對手大刀。大刀對方天戟。」單刀對手中。有「單刀對槍。對手單刀。對手八卦刀。單刀對大刀。」雙刀對手中。有「雙刀對槍。對手雙刀。」
此皆我國曩昔之刀術。遺留至今者。固不獨長刀腰刀已也。
It says in the Records of Military Training [17th century], drawing somewhat from the Essentials of the Military Classics [11th century]: “There are eight kinds of saber methods, too minimally different from each other to be meaningfully categorized. Not all of these training methods were passed down anyway, and today only the long saber and waist saber are practiced. If the waist saber is not curved and flat, it is ineffective, which is why it is carried in a flattened sheath. The long saber was used by the Japanese when they invaded the southeast during the reign of Emperor Jiajing [1521–1566]. Qi Jiguang did battle with them in 1561, thereby obtaining their art and adopting their training methods.”
　　However, our own nation’s saber methods have also produced extraordinary talents, such as Kan Leng of the Tang Dynasty, who had an imposing heroic stature. He was an expert with a double-edged extra long blade called a “paddle saber”. With one swing he could kill several opponents, and thus he became invincible.
　　Our methods for using the waist saber are especially numerous, including the Liuhe Saber, Wrist-Severing Saber, Embrace-the-Moon Saber, Mountain-Chopping Saber, Glistening-Flower Saber, Snowflake Saber, Door-Breaking Saber, Gan Fengchi’s Saber, Leap & Pounce Saber, Wu Family Saber, Chopping & Dodging Saber, Phoenix-Wing Saber, Brow-Wiping Saber, and Plum Blossom Saber, all of which have many practitioners to this day.
　　Beyond the large saber, there is also the double sabers, such as Spring & Autumn Double Sabers, Furnace-Sparking Double Sabers, Taiji Double Sabers, Hook & Sickle Double Sabers, Falling-Blades Double Sabers, Eyebrow-Targeting Double Sabers, Hooking & Carving Double Sabers, and Large-Hacking Double Sabers. There is also Double Bagua Sabers, for which the skill of Wang Ying of the Yuan Dynasty was so peerless that he was called the “Saber King”.
　　Furthermore, there are superb sparring sets. For the large saber: Large Saber vs. Spear, Empty Hand vs. Large Saber, Large Saber vs. Fangtian Halberd. For the single saber: Single Saber vs. Spear, Empty Hand vs. Single Saber, Empty Hand vs. Bagua Saber, Single Saber vs. Large Saber. For the double sabers: Double Sabers vs. Spear, Empty Hand vs. Double Sabers.
　　These are all examples of our nation’s saber arts that have been passed down until today, and so we are not merely left with the long saber and waist saber arts after all.

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第三節　單刀之形式
Part 3: DIMENSIONS OF THE SINGLE SABER

吾國舊式單刀。不甚適用。近代有設計特製新式者以改良之。
Our nation’s older version of the single saber [on the left in the photo] is not very practical. The modern version [on the right] is specially designed for improved performance. [Note on the measurements below: a Chinese “inch” is slightly larger than the inch of the West, a foot containing ten inches rather than twelve.]

舊式刀。長約二尺六寸五分。刀柄長七寸。刀中間寬二寸。刀扇頭寬二寸五分。刀背厚二分。刀刃稍薄。刀盤周圍十二寸餘。
Old version:
blade length: 2 feet, 6.5 inches
handle length: 7 inches
width at blade center: 2 inches
width at top end: 2.5 inches
thickness of saber back: 0.2 inches
saber edge: slightly thinner than saber back
circumference of hilt: just over 12 inches

新式刀。長約二尺六寸。刀柄長十一寸。刀中間寬二寸二分。刀扇頭寬三寸五分。刀背厚三分。刀刃甚薄。刀盤寬四寸。
Modern version:
blade length: 2 feet, 6 inches
handle length: 11 inches
width at blade center: 2.2 inches
width at top end: 3.5 inches
thickness of saber back: 0.3 inches
saber edge: very thin
width of hilt: 4 inches

此長短厚薄寬狹適中。適於應用。
In terms of length, width, and thickness, the new version is more suitable. Additional requirements:
一、刀身堅硬。刺出得力。
1. The saber body should be hard enough to stab through objects with power.
二、刀刃鋒利。砍刴自如。
2. The saber edge should be sharp enough to cleave through objects smoothly.
三、刀盤旣可護手。又足架械。
3. The hilt protects the hand and should also be able to halt an opponent’s weapon.
四、刀鞘純用皮製。鞘內鬆。鞘口稍緊。則刀出入便利。
4. The scabbard should be made entirely of leather. The interior of the scabbard should hold the saber loosely enough, though the mouth of the scabbard should be slightly tight, for the saber to be drawn and sheathed with ease.
較諸舊式單刀。徒具美觀。輭薄易折者迴異。觀上圖自明。
The older version may look more elegant, but its weaker narrowness makes it more prone to breaking, which is obvious from comparing them in the photo.

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第四節　單刀要則
Part 4: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SINGLE SABER

一、握刀。
1. Grip:

此刀練習時。右手虎口。務必頂住刀盤。蓋刀盤所以護手。若不頂住。則持刀之手。動為人械所傷。
停止時。急將右手刀交給左手。左手食指與中指夾刀柄間。拇指按護手處。刀刃向外。刀背緊貼左臂。兩手垂直。還立正姿勢。
休息時。不可隨意將刀尖插地。
When practicing this saber art, the tiger’s mouth of your right hand must be touching the hilt. The hilt will thus be guarding the hand. But if it is not reaching the hilt, then once the hand performs any movement, it is at risk of being injured by an opponent.
　　When you finish the set, quickly transfer the saber from your right hand to your left hand, pinching the handle with your left forefinger and middle finger, the thumb pressing on the hilt. The saber edge is facing outward, the back of the saber touching your left arm, your arms hanging down, and thus you have resumed a posture of standing at attention.
　　When you are standing at ease, the saber tip must not stick into the ground.

二、練法。
2. Principles of practice:

凡練習時。須存有對敵之觀念。所謂『有形刴形。無形刴影。』久而習之。自然臨敵如入無人之境。
又要練之於四肢。融化於心中。靈活於眼目。然後臨敵而不驚。交手而不亂。所謂『人雖千變。我心歸一。』『以此制敵。何敵不摧。』
When practicing, you have to imagine there is an opponent, as it is said: “When there’s somebody there, hack through him. When there’s nobody there, hack through his shadow.” After practicing for a long time, you will naturally be able to face an opponent as though entering a situation in which there is no one there at all.
　　You also have to train your limbs, become one with your mind, and have alertness in your eyes. Then you will face an opponent without fright, and fight him without falling into disorder. This it what is meant by: “Although he makes countless changes, my mind stays focused. Controlling the opponent in this way, how would he not be destroyed?”

三、手法。
3. Hand principles:

拳家言。『單刀看手。雙刀看走。大刀看護手。』
但雙刀大刀。不屬茲編範圍。姑置勿論。今特將單刀看手法解釋之。
當練習時。右手持刀。左手追隨右手腕。或按刀背。或置腦頂之上。均有一定法則。不得任意措置。蓋其意全在相敵之機。作換把用。
例如與敵交戰。我刀法甚快撥進敵械。左足在前。右足在後。右手持刀傷敵稍遠。不但不利。且虞不測。斯時惟有將右手之刀。交於左手。猛力刺進。必操勝算。蓋左足在前。左臂當然伸出較遠。若再換右足。時已不及。故不如換把之敏捷也。
Boxing masters say: “With the single saber, be mindful of your other hand. With the double sabers, be mindful of your footwork. With the large saber, be mindful of the hilt.” These comments about the double saber and large saber are not relevant to this book, so I will ignore them for the moment and address only the single saber’s awareness of the left hand. When practicing, your right hand holds the saber and your left hand either follows your right wrist, pushes on the saber back, or is placed above your head. These are all fixed standards, for the left hand should not be wandering around aimlessly.
　　Because the intention lies entirely in responding to the opponent, the situation may necessitate that you switch grips [although this does not occur in this book]. When fighting with an opponent, your saber should very quickly deflect his incoming weapon. If your left foot is forward, right foot behind, your right hand will be holding your saber somewhat too far from the opponent to meaningfully wound him. Not only would this be ineffective, you would also risk getting yourself hurt. At such a moment, you would have to switch the saber from your right hand to your left hand in order to stab successfully. With your left foot forward, your left arm would be the one that can extend farthest. If you were now to switch to your right foot being forward, you would end up in the same predicament and have to nimbly switch hands again.

四、身法。
4. Body principles:

刀法之出入上下左右。原期防禦敵械。使不能近吾身。然身法亦宜隨之進退旋轉。始臻完善。
故身法宜輕。輕則靈變敏捷。如生龍活虎之態。
身法宜圓。圓則轉動自如。如閃電旋風之妙。
身法宜飄。飄則進退迅速。如飛箭流星之快。
身法宜倏。倏則左右突忽。如鬼沒神出之奇。
如此。則可制敵。而不為敵所制矣。
As the saber reaches and retracts, goes up and down, left and right, the purpose is to defend against the opponent’s weapon, keeping it from being able to approach your body. But your body itself should also be moving along with your advancing, retreating, and turning, and your techniques will then be perfect.
　　Your body should move with alertness, transforming nimbly, with the liveliness of a dragon and the vigor of a tiger. Your body should move with roundness, turning smoothly, arcing like lightning and whirlwinds. Your body should move with lightness, advancing and retreating quickly, fast as flying arrows and falling stars. Your body should move with swiftness, going left or right suddenly, like a ghost vanishing and a spirit magically appearing. In this way, you will be able to control the opponent and not be controlled by the opponent.

五、破槍法。
5. Principles for dealing with spears:

拳家言。『槍為器中之王。』又曰。『槍如遊龍。』可見最厲害最巧妙者。莫槍若也。
如是。以他種器械破之。殊非易易。卽以槍與槍敵而論。尚云一寸長。一寸强。况刀乃兵器之最短者。其破之不尤難耶。
然亦在破之之法耳。拳家言。『捨身單刀。』又曰。『刀走黑。刀如猛虎。』
按捨命者。言其奮不顧身。走黑者。言其乘敵側門而進。猛虎者。言其勇往直前。旣有奮勇之氣。又能窺隙乘間。而槍無不破矣。
Boxing masters say: “The spear is the king of weapons.” They also say: “The spear is like a swimming dragon.” Clearly it is the most powerful and ingenious weapon, and nothing is its equal. Because of this, it is particularly difficult for other weapons to defeat it, and so to match the spear, one should probably use a spear. “Every inch of length is another inch of strength.”
　　The saber is a much shorter weapon and thus not very difficult to defeat, and yet it still has the means of defeating other weapons. Boxing masters say: “Sacrifice yourself for the saber.” They also say: “The saber moves in the shadows, and is like a fierce tiger.” The meaning of “sacrifice yourself” is that you should charge in without concern for your own safety. The meaning of “moves in darkness” is that you should take advantage of the opponent’s position by attacking him in areas on his sides that he is not paying attention to. The meaning of “like a fierce tiger” is that you should boldly go forward, mustering all of your courage, and then you will be able to take advantage of the opponent’s gaps. [In other words, the saber-wielder has no choice but to get close in order to be able to even reach the spear-wielder’s body.] By these means, the spear can always be defeated.

–

第五節　梅花單刀源流
Part 5: ORIGINS OF THE PLUM BLOSSOM SINGLE-SABER SET

相傳淸雍正間。賈舍僧。懷有絕技。遊河北省滄縣城北姚官屯。時與孫通先生往還。見其人誠實忠厚。授以梅花單刀。並口訣十字。
Tradition says that during the reign of the Qing emperor Yongzheng [1722–1735], the monk Gushe had a consummate skill. His wanderings took him to Yaoguantun, at the north side of Cangzhou, Hebei, where he met Sun Tong. Finding him to be a man of honesty and loyalty, he taught him the Plum Blossom Single-Saber set, giving him ten key terms:

一曰提。提者。刀身倒提。刀刃向左。刀尖向下之謂。
1. LIFTING: The saber body is lifted upside down, the edge facing to the left, the tip pointing downward.
二曰刁。刁者。刀身倒置。刀尖斜向下。刀刃向右。形如刁手之謂。
2. HOOKING: The saber body is placed upside down, the tip pointing diagonally downward, the edge facing to the right, the overall appearance being like a hand hooking.
三曰摸。摸者。刀尖向前。刀刃向左。猛平迂迴之謂。
3. SMEARING: With the saber tip pointing forward and the edge facing to the left, fiercely slash across.
四曰甩。甩者。刀身猛向左後。或向右後斜劈之謂。
4. THROWING: The saber body fiercely chops diagonally to the left rear or right rear.
五曰刴。刴者。刀身猛然向前向下之謂。
5. HACKING: The saber body goes fiercely forward and downward.
六曰弸。弸者。刀身由下猛向上升之謂。
6. PROPPING: The saber body goes fiercely upward from below.
七曰掛。掛者。刀身向前。猛向外向後斜帶之謂。
7. HANGING: The saber body goes forward and fiercely drags outward diagonally to the rear.
八曰撩。撩者。右臂伸直。刀身由下猛向前向上之謂。
8. RAISING: Your right arm extends, fiercely sending the saber body forward and upward from below.
九曰搜。搜者。刀身向左向右平行之謂。
9. SEEKING: The saber body goes across to the left or right with the blade flat.
十曰扎。扎者。刀尖直向前方之謂。
10. STABBING: The saber tip goes straight forward.

孫通先生。有子二。國樑國棟。亦酷嗜此道。得再傳焉。
國樑刀術。後無傳人。國棟傳城東孫家莊陳善先生。陳善先生。傳長子光治先生。光治先生。傳其胞姪玉山先生。
李教授元智。城南佟家花園人也。與陳先生居密邇。諳國術。凡斯道高明者。無不訪之。甲寅年間聞玉山先生善刀術延至家。執弟子禮。傾心學習三年。後先生應保定武術童兵連聘。隨往。先生見其誠懇。盡以授之。並傳以各種國術。如是者七年。後在研究機關教授班所練單刀。此其一也。
斯術授受源流。得之李教授元智與郭教授錫三。光華為之筆述焉。
Sun Tong had two sons, Guoliang and Guodong. They were addicted to this art, and so he was able to pass it down to them. Guoliang ended up not passing it down to anyone, but Guodong taught it to Chen Shan of Sun Family Village, at the east side of Cangzhou. Chen Shan then taught his eldest son, Guangzhi. Guangzhi then taught his nephew, Yushan.
　　Li Yuanzhi is from the village of Dong Family Garden, at the south side of Cangzhou, not far from where Chen Yushan lived. Chen was well-versed in martial arts, and therefore he was always being visited by skillful practitioners. In 1914, Li heard that Chen was keeping his saber art in his family, and so he became Chen’s student and studied whole-heartedly with him for three years. Chen was then engaged by the Baoding Martial Arts Youth Army. Li followed him [Baoding being about a hundred miles northwest of Cangzhou], and thus Chen saw that he was sincere and thereafter taught him everything he knew, various martial arts, over the course of seven years, including this saber set that Li himself now teaches.
　　- This brief history was written by Li Yuanzhi, Guo Xisan, and Lü Guanghua.

–

第二章　教授法
CHAPTER TWO: METHODS FOR DRILL INSTRUCTION

第一節　各個教授法
Part 1: METHODS FOR TRAINING EACH PERSON IN THE GROUP

一　持刀立正式
1. HOLDING THE SABER, STANDING AT ATTENTION

兩足跟宜在一綫上靠攏並齊。兩足尖向外離開。約六十度。兩腿自然伸直。上體體重平落於腰上。脊背伸直。微向前傾。兩肩宜平。稍向後張。兩臂自然下垂。左手掌貼於股際。五指並攏而微屈。不必用力。左手握刀盤。食指與中指夾住刀柄。拇指按護手處。刀刃向外。刀背緊貼左臂。頭宜正。頸宜直。口宜閉。由鼻呼吸。兩眼向前平視。
Your feet stand together, heels touching, toes spread apart to make roughly a sixty-degree angle. Your legs are naturally straight, the weight evenly spread. Your back is straight and slightly reaching forward. Your shoulders are level and slightly pulled back, your arms hanging naturally. Your left [right] hand is touching your right thigh, the fingers together and slightly bent, and they do not need to be putting forth any exertion. Your left hand is grasping the saber hilt with the forefinger and middle finger pinching around the saber handle, the thumb pressing on the hilt. The saber edge is facing outward, the back of the saber against your left arm. Your head is upright, neck straight. Your mouth is closed and your breathing is to be done through your nose. Your gaze is forward and level.

二　持刀稍息式
2. HOLDING THE SABER, BRIEFLY RESTING

右足不動。左足踵微提起。用足尖向原方向伸出。約一足之地。右手掌仍貼於股際。左手仍持刀不動。以行休息。若休息時間稍長。兩足可互相交換。惟不得移動其所立地位。
Your right foot stays where it is as your left heel slightly lifts and the toes go forward by about a foot’s distance, your right palm staying at the thigh, your left hand not moving, and you rest in this position. If you are resting in this way too long, you may switch feet, but not shift from your spot.

三　持刀轉法
3. HOLDING THE SABER, TURNING

欲使向右（左）轉。或半面向右（左）轉。下口令如左。向右（左）—轉或半面向右（左）轉
Hear the command of “Turn to the right (or ‘left’)!” or “Half turn to the right (or ‘left’)!”
右足尖與左足尖稍提起。以左足跟向右（左）旋轉九十度或四十五度。轉畢。右足跟與左足跟。仍在同綫上靠攏並齊。兩手不動。
Your right toes and left toes slightly lift and your left heel turns to the right (or left) ninety degrees or forty-five degrees. At the end of the turn, your right heel again stands next to your left heel. Your hands have not moved.

欲使向後轉。下口令如左。向後—轉
“Turn around!”
右足順其方向向後引退。以足尖微接左足跟為度。再將兩足尖稍向上。兩足跟從右向後轉。然後引右足跟靠攏左足跟。兩手不動。
Your right foot retreats to the rear and uses the toes to almost touch your left heel. Then the toes of both feet slightly lift and both heels pivot around to the right rear, and then your right heel goes next to your left heel. Your hands have not moved.

四　持刀行進
4. HOLDING THE SABER, ADVANCING

兩肩不得搖動兩臂前後擺動。必須自然。向前擺。約四十五度。向後擺。約十五度。目須向前平視。
但行進有正步。常步。跑步。踏脚。及向右（左）轉。半面向右（左）轉。向後轉走之別。茲分述如下。
Keep your shoulders from swaying as your arms swing back and forth. You must have naturalness as one arm swings forward about forty-five degrees and the other swings to the rear about fifteen degrees. Your gaze should be forward and level. However, when advancing, there are the distinctions of straight step, constant step, running step, stomping step, as well as right (or left) turning, right (or left) half turning, and turning around, as explained below:

行進中欲使正步走。下口令如左。開步—走
“Straight steps… go!”
左腿稍向上提。將足伸出。至距右足七十五公分之處。踏着地上。同時將膝彎伸直。體重全移於左足之上。右足同離地。亦如左足所示之法。續行前進。頭必保持正直。兩臂自然擺動。
Your left leg slightly lifts and the foot reaches out to a distance of about seventy-five centimeters and stomps down with the knee bending, the weight shifting onto your left foot. Your right foot leaves the ground in the same way as your left foot and you continuously advance. Your head has to stay upright and your arms should swing naturally.
附註　以後諸步。均從此步變化而來。故圖從略。
Note: The rest of the steps described are all based on this one, and thus there are no photos for them.

行進中欲常步走。下口令如左。常步—走
“Constant stepping… go!”
無須遵守正規之步法。但步長與速度。悉與正步同。而其姿勢。亦不可變。
Though it is not necessary to observe strict standards of footwork, the length and speed of a step are the same as with the straight steps, and the posture has to be the same.

行走中欲使跑步走。下口令如左。跑步—走
“Running steps… go!”
聞預令。右手握拳提近腰際。左手握刀盤亦提近腰際。兩肘向後。聞動令。卽出左足。其法兩膝微屈。左腿稍提起。至距右足八十五公分之處著地。次將右足。亦依同法前進。體重常置於著地之足上。兩肘自然擺動。續行前進。
When you hear the command to get ready, your right hand grasps into a fist and lifts up to your waist, and your left hand grasping the hilt also lifts up to your waist, your elbows going to the rear. When you hear the command to move, your left foot goes out, both knees slightly bending, your left leg slightly lifted, and comes down about eighty-five centimeters away from your right foot. Then your right foot advances in the same way. The weight keeps going onto the foot coming down, your elbows naturally swinging as you continuously advance.

行進中欲使踏脚走。下口令如左。踏脚—走
“Stomping steps… go!”
將膝稍屈。兩足迭次下踏。無須前進。其他動作速度。悉與正步同。
With your knees slightly bent, both feet stomp down repeatedly without needing to advance. The speed of the rest of the movement is the same as with the straight steps.

行進中欲使向右（左）轉。下口令如左。其動令通常視右（左）足將着地時下之。向右（左）轉—走
“Turning to the right (or ‘left) once the right (or ‘left) foot comes down… go!”
左（右）足踏在約半步前。足尖向內。將身體半面向右（左）轉。用右（左）足向新方向前進。成九十度。行進時。右手緊貼股際。左手持刀不動。
Your left (or right) foot stomps down about a half step forward with the toes pointing inward, your body making a half turn to the right (or left), then your right (or left) foot advances toward a new angle of ninety degrees. While advancing, your right hand stays near the thigh and your left hand does not move from its position of holding the saber.

行進中欲使斜行進。下口令如左。其動令通常視右（左）足將着地時下之。半面向右（左）轉—走
“Half turn to the right (or ‘left) once the right (or ‘left) foot comes down… go!”
左足踏在約半步前。足尖向內。將身體半面向右（左）轉。用右（左）足向新方向前進。成四十五度角。右手緊貼股際。左手持刀不動。
Your left (or right) foot stomps down about a half step forward with the toes pointing inward, your body making a half turn to the right (or left), then your right (or left) foot advances toward a new angle of forty-five degrees, your right hand staying near the thigh and your left hand not moving from its position of holding the saber.

行進中欲使向後轉。下口令如左。向後轉—走
“Turning around… go!”
左足向前踏下。以其足將身從右向後轉。卽將右足跟引着於左足跟。再開足行進。右手緊貼股際。左手持刀不動。
Your left (or right) foot stomps down forward [with the toes pointing inward], causing your body to turn around to right rear, and your right heel draws toward your left heel and then steps forward [toward the new angle of a hundred and eighty degrees], your right hand staying near the thigh and your left hand not moving from its position of holding the saber.

注意 此種教法。原為團體操作基礎。其法甚簡。初學一練便知。嗣後各個操練。無論何時何地。均可由立正姿勢起。卽繼續動作。其餘口令。可不限定。快慢亦聽學者自便。
Note: These kinds of instruction methods are based in group calisthenics. As they are very simple, they are very easy for beginners to understand right from the start. Subsequent practice, regardless of time or place, can always start from a position of standing at attention and then continue into the movements. As for the rest of the commands, they do not need to be kept to a particular rhythm and can be suited to the students.

–

第二節　團體教授法
Part 2: METHODS FOR TRAINING THE GROUP AS A WHOLE

凡團體教授。皆由兩行橫隊形變化而生。
Group instruction always starts with the students being assembled into two rows.

欲使集合。下口令如左。集合
“Assemble!”
右翼嚮導。速跑至教授三步前對立。作為基準。各人按身幹之順序。成兩行橫隊。其距離從前行人之背。至己之胸前。以八十五公分為度。正對前行人。位置於同一之方向。
Cued by the person on the right flank, quickly run forward three paces to face the instructor, each person lining up in sequence, making two rows with about eighty-five centimeters between the back of the person in front and the chest of the person behind, both rows facing the same direction.

欲使向右（左）看齊。下口令如左。向右（左）看—齊
“In unison, look to the right (or ‘left’)!”
各人隨卽頭向右（左）轉。約四十五度。同時用小步徐就整齊線上。均以基準翼為目標。以右（左）目。能視左（右）鄰近人。左（右）目。能視全隊之胸為度。其間隔約四十公分。
Each person turns his head to the right (or left) about forty-five degrees, at the same time slowly taking a small step in unison in the direction of either flank. Looking to your right (or left), you can see the left (or right) side of your neighbor, and can see the chests of the whole row lined up, about forty centimeters between each person.

欲使向前看。下口令如左。向前—看
“Look forward!”
各人將頭。卽速轉向正面。
Each person quickly turns his head to look forward.

欲使報數。下口令如左。甲　報數
Counting off, version A: “Count off one!”
前行人從右翼第一人。順次向下報數。同時脖頸挺直。頭猛向左轉。數畢。卽時轉正。後行人不數。但須切記本伍前人所報號數。
Each person in the front row, starting from the right, counts out one after another. At the same time, his neck straightens and his head suddenly turns to the left. After counting, his head returns forward. Those in the back row do not count out, but must always remember the count of the person in front of them.

乙　一二報數
Version B: “Count off two!”
凡以右翼為準。數一。頭向左轉。數二。頭向右轉。餘與甲同。
Starting from the right, each person counts “one” with his head turning to the left and then “two” with his head turning to the right. The rest is the same as above.

欲使右左翼為準。向左（右）各離二三步走。下口令如左。右（左）翼為準。向左（右）各離二（三）步—走
“From the right flank, stepping to the left (or ‘left flank, stepping to the right’) two (or ‘three’) paces… go!”
全隊除右（左）翼第一伍不動外。其餘各人。均持刀向左（右）轉。轉畢。照新方向。用跑步前進。約至距離二三步處。卽行停止。仍向右（左）轉。還立正式。
With the first person on the right (or left) in each row not moving, the rest all holding their sabers turn to the left (or right). Once they have turned, they are facing to a new direction. They then run forward until about two or three paces away, then halt and turn back to the right, again standing at attention.

欲使前行向前五（九）步走。下口令如左。前行向前五（九）步—走
“Front line stepping forward five (or ‘nine’) paces… go!”
前行人齊向前五（九）步走。立定。復自行看齊。
Those in the front line move forward in unison five (or nine) paces, halt, then check the line is straight.

欲使各單（雙）數向前三（五）步走。下口令如左。各單（雙）數向前三（五）步—走
“Each person does a single (or ‘double’) count and steps forward three (or five) paces… go!”
前後行各單（雙）數人。向前三五步走。停止。復自行看齊。
Those in both rows each do a single (or double) count, go forward three (or five) paces, halt, then check the line is straight.

欲使解散。下口令如左。解散
“Dismissed!”:
各人依令。向後轉解散。
Everyone waits for the command, then turns to the rear, and disperses.

茲將橫隊各種間隔距離列圖如左。
Below are examples of how patterns of rows are to be spaced:

橫隊間隔三步距離五步圖
按此圖可作十人上下練習。與班教練略同。
The people in these rows stand two paces apart side-to-side, five paces apart front-and-back. This arrangement can train ten or so people, equivalent to a squad:

橫隊各離二步前行向前五步各單數向前三步圖
按此圖可作三四十人練習。與排教練略同。
The people in these rows stand two paces apart side-to-side, five paces apart front-and-back. Each person counts off and goes forward three paces. This arrangement can train about thirty or forty people, equivalent to a platoon:

橫隊各離二步前行向前九步各單數向前五步圖
按此圖可作百人上下練習。與連教練略同。
The people in these rows stand two paces apart side-to-side, nine paces apart front-and-back. Each person counts off and goes forward five paces. This arrangement can train close to a hundred people, equivalent to a company:

注意 此種教法。不過言其大槪。至其變化。當視人數多寡。操場寬狹。隨時規定。不可一律而論。
Note: These methods of instruction are simply a general idea and may be adjusted. For instance, the number of people assembled will be dictated by the size of the drill ground, not by some arbitrary rule.

–

第三章　圖說
CHAPTER THREE: ILLUSTRATED EXPLANATIONS OF THE POSTURES

第一節　抱托摸抹亮勾之動作
PART 1 (including the actions of embracing, propping, smearing, wiping, showing, and hooking):

第一段
SECTION 1

第一式
Posture 1
術名　右掌穿刀
Name of the technique: THREADING WITH THE RIGHT PALM
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　向前。
Torso: facing forward.
歩　右足不動。左腿提起護𦡁。足尖向內勾膝屈。股平。成勾股形。
Footwork: With your right foot staying where it is, your left leg lifts to protect your crotch, the toes hooking inward, the knee bent, the thigh level, making a hooking-leg position.
手　左手持刀由胸前提上面門。刀柄向上向前。刀尖向下向後。右手由右方提起。手指併攏成掌。穿左手刀柄。隨由左向右轉至右方向上過頭。約繞圈半。肘屈。手心向前。手背向後。左手同時持刀向左方下垂。近左股。成持刀式。
Hands: Your left hand lifts in front of your chest and face, sending the saber handle upward and forward, the tip thus pointing downward and to the rear, as your right hand lifts, fingers together as a palm, and threads along your left hand and the saber handle. Your right hand then arcs to the right and upward until over your head, drawing a half circle, the elbow bending, the palm facing forward, the back of the hand facing to the rear, as your left hand drops down at your left, holding the saber near your left thigh.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　起勢一
Application: This is simply the first action of the beginning posture.

第二式　附圖
Posture 2 (with alternate view)
術名　進步穿刀
Name of the technique: ADVANCE, LEFT HAND THREADING WITH THE SABER
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　左腿落地微彎。足尖點地。身體重量坐於右腿。右足隨上微彎。左腿彎實。
Footwork: Your left leg comes down slightly bent, toes touching down, the weight on your right leg. Then your left leg bends further, the weight shifting onto it, and your right foot steps forward, the leg slightly bent.
手　左手握刀。向前平伸。右掌隨由頭而下往前穿之。復沿刀柄下收囘置右腰間。手心向上。
Hands: Your right palm lowers from your head and threads forward. Then your left hand extends the saber forward and level as your right hand withdraws underneath the saber handle to be placed at the right side of your waist, palm facing upward.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　起勢二
Application: This is the second action of the beginning posture.

第三式　附圖
Posture 3 (with alternate view)
術名　二起腿
Name of the technique: DOUBLE-LIFT KICK
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　左足原地跳起隨落。腿微屈。右足隨跳起。足背與腿成平線。
Footwork: Your left foot jumps up and comes back where it was with the leg slightly bent as your right foot jumps up so the back of the foot is level with the leg.
手　右掌由腰間下拍右足背。隨平直提起。左手將刀隨向下垂。仍貼左股。
Hands: Your right palm slaps down on the back of your right foot as it lifts up, your left hand hanging down with the saber so that it is again near your left thigh.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　起勢三
Application: This is the third action of the beginning posture.

第四式
Posture 4
術名　抱刀勢
Name of the technique: EMBRACING THE SABER
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　向右轉
Torso: turns to the right.
歩　右足隨身向右落地。左足跟隨磨。足尖昂起。兩腿下彎。成騎馬式。
Footwork: Your right foot goes along with your body and comes down to the right, your left heel correspondingly pivoting with the toes lifted, and both legs bend down to make a horse-riding stance.
手　右手提刀。置於胸前。刀背按左手曲池上。刀刃向上。刀尖向左。肘曲與肩平。手心朝內。右掌隨拍左臂手背向外。肘屈。兩手懷抱。成方形。
Hands: Your right [left] hand lifts the saber in front of your chest, the back of the saber touching on top of the bend in your left arm, the edge facing upward, the tip pointing to the left, the elbow at shoulder level, the palm facing inward, and your right palm slaps your left forearm, the back of the hand facing outward, elbow bent, both arms wrapping in to make a square shape.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　起勢四
Application: This is the fourth action of the beginning posture.
附註　此式因不易照。故改向左轉。
Note: Because this posture would otherwise not be easy to see, it has been turned to the left to give a view from the side.

–

第二段
SECTION 2

第五式
Posture 5
術名　托刀勢
Name of the technique: PROPPING
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉。
Torso: turns to the left.
歩　右足上前。足尖點地。左足尖往左撇。兩腿俱彎。左實右虛。
Footwork: Your right foot steps forward, toes touching down, your left toes swinging outward, both legs bent. Your left foot is full, right foot empty.
手　右手握刀柄。虎口抵刀盤。左手撒開。轉扶右腕。右手隨將刀背由左肩過頭向腦後轉至右肩復將刀隨右腿向面前上托。高與頭平。刀刃向上。刀尖稍向右斜。左手仍扶右腕。
Hands: Your right hand grasps the saber handle, the tiger’s mouth against the hilt, as your left hand lets go and turns over to touch your right wrist. Then your right hand sends the back of the saber to your left shoulder, around the back of your head over to your right shoulder, and then the edge props upward, going along with your right leg, until at head level, the edge facing upward, the tip pointing somewhat diagonally to the right, your left hand again touching your right wrist.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　如敵用刀向我頭部劈來。我隨將刀過頭護頂。並上步撩敵底腕。
Application: An opponent using a saber chops toward my head, so I send my saber around my head to protect my headtop, then step forward with a raising cut to his wrist.

第六式
Posture 6
術名　摸刀勢
Name of the technique: SMEARING
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　稍向右轉。
Torso: turns slightly to the right.
歩　上左足。腿彎。右足原地不動。左虛右實。
Footwork: Your left foot steps forward, the leg bending, your right foot staying in its location [with its toes swinging outward]. Your left is foot empty, right foot full.
手　右手將刀向前摸出成斜線。臂伸直。刀尖向前。刀刃向下。左掌仍扶右腕。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber smearing out diagonally forward, the arm straightening, the saber tip pointing forward, the edge facing downward, your left hand still touching your right wrist.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　如敵用槍迎門刺來。我則拈槍而進。摸敵上腕。
Application: An opponent using a spear stabs forward, so I connect with his spear and advance, cutting on top of his wrist.

第七式
Posture 7
術名　抱刀勢
Name of the technique: EMBRACING THE SABER
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　稍向右轉。
Torso: turns slightly further to the right.
歩　左足原地不動為實步。右足移至左足側方。足尖點地為虛步。兩腿彎下。兩足相離三四寸許。
Footwork: Your left foot stays where it is [with the toes turning inward] and the weight shifts onto it as your right foot shifts beside it, toes touching down, making an empty stance, both legs bending, your feet a few inches apart.
手　右手將刀抱於左臂上。刀刃向上。左掌扶於右手腕上。兩手懷抱成圓形。
Hands: Your right hand puts the saber onto your left arm with the saber edge facing upward, your left palm touching on top of your right wrist, your arms making a ring shape.
眼　向左視。
Eyes: looking to the left.
用法　預備進攻。陳而未發之勢。
Application: This is a preparation to attack, a posture of being ready and waiting for the right moment.

第八式
Posture 8
術名　抹刀勢
Name of the technique: WIPING
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　向右轉。約三百六十度。
Torso: turns around to the right about three hundred and sixty degrees.
歩　右足先往右邁半步。左足隨身由左往右轉仍至左。右足隨往後退步。兩腿俱彎。左足在前虛。右足在後實。
Footwork: First your right foot goes out a half step to the right, then your left foot goes to the left as your body turns around to the left. [This mention of right and left seems at first glance to be opposite directions, but they are actually the same direction because directions in these explanations are relative to the orientation of your torso, which is in this moment turning to the right.] Then your right foot retreats a step, both legs bending. Your left foot is empty in front, right foot full behind.
手　同時右手將刀由左平向右轉。仍轉至右而左。約繞圈半。刀尖向前。復翻轉刀背。由右肩過腦轉至左肩向前落下。隨往後收。將貼右腰時。刀尖轉前。刀刃向下。左手由刀盤上抹至刀尖。往上豎起。手指朝上。手斜向右前。肘與肩平。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber arcing across to the right and all the way around, making almost a full circle and a half, the saber tip again pointing forward, then the back of the saber turns over and goes toward your right shoulder, around your head over to your left shoulder, forward, downward, and pulls back. As your right hand nears the right side of your waist, the saber tip arcing forward, the edge facing downward, your left hand wipes along the back of the saber from hilt to tip and stands upright, fingers pointing upward, the palm slanted toward the forward right, the elbow at shoulder level.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　此刀用法有二。
Application: This technique has two parts:
一破槍法　敵持槍由我中門刺來。我則將身向左一閃。隨兩足上步挨槍而進。向其右腰攔之。
1. An opponent holding a spear stabs to my midsection [from behind], so I send my body rushing to the left, advancing with both feet in order to crowd his spear, and slash across to the right side of his waist.
一破刀法　敵如持槍由我右側刺來。我則將刀抹其外腕。
2. Then another spear-wielding opponent [from the other direction] stabs to my right side, so I send my saber wiping to the outside of his wrist.

–

第三段
SECTION 3

第九式　附圖
Posture 9 (with alternate view)
術名　亮刀勢
Name of the technique: SHOWING THE SABER
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉。
Torso: turns to the left.
歩　左足原地隨轉。右足向右上步。兩腿彎。成騎馬式。
Footwork: Your left foot stays where it is and turns along with the movement as your right foot steps forward to the right, and your legs bend, making a horse-riding stance.
手　右手將刀背向左腿掛起。由面前向右亮開。臂伸直。手心向前。刀刃向右刀尖直立向上。左臂向左伸直。手指朝上。手心向左。
Hands: Your right hand sends the back of the saber over your left leg with an action of hooking and lifting, and then passes in front of you as it is sent out to the right, the arm straightening, the center of the hand facing forward, the saber edge facing to the right, the saber tip pointing straight upward, as your left arm extends to the left, the fingers pointing upward, palm facing to the left.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　如敵用槍迎面刺來。我隨將刀掛開。上步迅向其頂門劈之。
Application: An opponent using a spear stabs forward, so I use my saber to hang it aside as I step forward and then quickly chop to his head.

第十式
Posture 10
術名　勾刀勢
Name of the technique: HOOKING
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　左足不動。右足提高向𦡁下彎。足掌近右膝蓋。成勾股形。
Footwork: Your left foot stays where it is as your right leg lifts high and bends in below your crotch, the ball of the foot near your right knee, making a hooking-leg posture.
手　右手將刀背隨右腿上勾。刀向上稍斜。刀柄向下。刀刃向前。手腕置右膝外。左手扶右手腕上。
Hands: Your right hand sends the back of the saber hooking upward, going along with your right leg, the saber tip pointing upward slightly diagonally, the handle pointing downward, the edge facing forward, the wrist placed to the outside of your right knee, your left hand touching on top of your right wrist.
眼　向右視。
Eyes: looking to the right.
用法　如敵將刀向我右膝刺來。我隨將膝提起。並將刀背勾開其刀。我膝庶不為敵所傷。
Application: An opponent using a saber stabs toward my right knee, so I lift my knee and use the back of my saber to hook aside his saber, thereby keeping my knee from being injured by him.

第十一式　附圖
Posture 11 (with alternate view)
術名　扎刀勢
Name of the technique: STABBING
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　足向右邁步落下。左足由右腿後偸步向右伸出。足尖點地。兩腿彎下。成中𨀵交叉式。
Footwork: Your right foot comes down stepping to the right and your left foot goes out to the right with a stealth step behind your right foot, toes touching down, both legs bending to make a medium-height overlapping stance.
手　右手將刀由前向右扎出。稍向下斜。刀尖朝右。刀刃朝前。臂稍向右下伸。左掌由前向左上轉至頂。肘屈。成半橢圓形。手心向前。虎口近頭。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber stabbing out to the right and slightly downward, the saber tip pointing to the right, the edge facing forward, the arm extending downward to the right, as your left palm arcs to the left and upward toward your headtop, the arm bending to make a semicircle, the palm facing forward, the tiger’s mouth facing your head.
眼　向右視。
Eyes: looking to the right.
用法　此係承上式將敵刀勾開。隨刺敵之右股。使其不及防備。
Application: Continuing from the previous posture, after hooking away the opponent’s saber, I go right into stabbing to his right thigh, which he will be too late to defend against.

第十二式
Posture 12
術名　托刀勢
Name of the technique: PROPPING
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉。約二百七十度。
Torso: turns to the left about two hundred and seventy degrees.
歩　兩足原地隨磨。左足往左撇。右足上前。足尖點地。兩腿俱彎。左實右虛。
Footwork: Your feet pivot around where they are, then your left foot turns out leftward and your right foot steps forward, toes touching down, both legs bending. Your left foot is full, right foot empty.
手　右手將刀翻轉。刀刃向右。刀背順左平轉。約一百三十五度。隨循左肩過頭向腦後轉至右肩。復將刀刃隨右腿向面前上扎。高與頭平。刀刃向上。刀尖稍向右斜。左手扶右手腕。
Hands: Your right hand turns over the saber so the edge is facing to the right and then the back of the saber arcs across to the left for about a hundred and thirty-five degrees, then goes to your left shoulder, around the back of your head over to your right shoulder, and then the edge props upward, going along with your right leg, until at head level, the saber edge facing upward, the tip pointing somewhat diagonally to the right, your left hand touching your right wrist.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　如敵用刀向我頭部劈來。我隨將刀過頭護頂。並上步撩敵底腕。
Application: An opponent using a saber chops toward my head, so I send my saber around my head to protect my headtop, then step forward with a raising cut to his wrist.

–

第四段
SECTION 4

第十三式
Posture 13
術名　摸刀勢
Name of the technique: SMEARING
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　稍向右轉。
Torso: turns slightly to the right.
歩　上左足。腿彎。右足原地不動。左虛右實。
Footwork: Your left foot steps forward, the leg bending, your right foot staying in its location [with its toes swinging outward]. Your left is foot empty, right foot full.
手　右手將刀向前摸出成斜線。臂伸直。刀尖向前。刀刃向下。左掌仍扶右腕
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber smearing out diagonally forward, the arm straightening, the saber tip pointing forward, the edge facing downward, your left hand still touching your right wrist.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　如敵用槍迎門刺來。我則拈槍而進。摸敵上腕。
Application: An opponent using a spear stabs forward, so I connect with his spear and advance, cutting on top of his wrist.

第十四式
Posture 14
術名　抱刀勢
Name of the technique: EMBRACING THE SABER
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　稍向右轉。
Torso: turns slightly to the right.
歩　左足原地不動為實步。右足移至左足側方。足尖點地為虛步。兩腿彎下。兩足相離三四寸許。
Footwork: Your left foot stays where it is and the weight shifts onto it as your right foot shifts beside it, toes touching down, making an empty stance, both legs bending, your feet a few inches apart.
手　右手將刀抱於左臂上。刀刃向上。左掌扶於右手腕上。兩手懷抱成圓形。
Hands: Your right hand puts the saber onto your left arm with the saber edge facing upward, your left palm touching on top of your right wrist, your arms making a ring shape.
眼　向左視。
Eyes: looking to the left.
用法　預備進攻。陳而未發之勢。
Application: This is a preparation to attack, a posture of being ready and waiting for the right moment.

第十五式
Posture 15
術名　抹刀勢
Name of the technique: WIPING
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　向右轉。
Torso: turns to the right.
歩　右足先往右邁半步。左足隨身由左往右轉仍至左。右足隨往後退步。兩腿俱彎。左足在前虛。右足在後實。
Footwork: First your right foot goes out a half step to the right, then your left foot goes to the left as your body turns around to the left, and then your right foot retreats a step, both legs bending. Your left foot is empty in front, right foot full behind.
手　同時右手將刀由左平向右轉。仍轉至右而左。約繞圈半。刀尖向前。復翻轉刀背。由右肩過腦轉至左肩向前落下。隨往後收。將貼右腰時。刀尖轉前。刀刃向下。左手由刀盤上抹至刀尖。往上豎起。手指朝上。手斜向右前。肘與肩平。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber arcing across to the right and all the way around, making almost a full circle and a half, the saber tip again pointing forward, then the back of the saber turns over and goes toward your right shoulder, around your head over to your left shoulder, forward, downward, and pulls back. As your right hand nears the right side of your waist, the saber tip arcing forward, the edge facing downward, your left hand wipes along the back of the saber from hilt to tip and stands upright, fingers pointing upward, the palm slanted toward the forward right, the elbow at shoulder level.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　此刀用法有二。
Application: This technique has two parts:
一破槍法　敵持槍由中門刺來。我則將身向左一閃。隨兩足上步挨槍而進。向其右腰攔之。
1. An opponent holding a spear stabs to my midsection [from behind], so I send my body rushing to the left, advancing with both feet in order to crowd his spear, and slash across to the right side of his waist.
一破刀法　敵如持槍由我右側刺來。我則將刀抹其外腕。
2. Then an opponent [from the other direction] holding a saber stabs to my right side, so I send my saber wiping to the outside of his wrist.

第十六式
Posture 16
術名　抱刀勢
Name of the technique: EMBRACING THE SABER
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉。約二百七十度。
Torso: turns to the left about two hundred and seventy degrees.
歩　右足上步。左足提起隨身轉至左落地。足尖點地。兩腿彎下。左虛右實。
Footwork: Your right foot steps forward, and your left foot lifts, goes along with the turning of your body, and comes down to the left, toes touching down, both legs bending. Your left foot is empty, right foot full.
手　右手將刀背由左肩纏頭。循右肩平向前轉。復將刀抱於左臂上。刀刃斜向上。刀背向下。刀尖向左後。左手扶右手腕。
Hands: Your right hand sends the back of the saber to your left shoulder, coiling around your head over to your right shoulder, arcing across forward, then wrapping over your left arm with the saber edge facing diagonally upward, the back of the saber facing downward, the tip pointing to the left rear, your left hand touching your right wrist.
眼　向左視。
Eyes: looking to the left.
用法　此係破槍之法。敵如持槍向我中門刺來。我則將身向右一閃。隨兩足上步挨槍而進。向其左腰攔之。
Application: An opponent holding a spear stabs to my midsection, so I send my body rushing to the right, advancing with both feet to crowd his spear, and slash across to the left side of his waist.

–

第二節　掛劈刺砍撩搜之動作
PART 2 (including the actions of hanging & chopping, vertical-blade stabbing, cleaving, raising, and seeking):

第五段
SECTION 5

第十七式
Posture 17
術名　抱刀勢
Name of the technique: EMBRACING THE SABER
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　左足往左邁步。右足跟步。足尖點地。距左足三四寸許。
Footwork: Your left foot steps out to the left and your right foot follows it, toes touching down a few inches away from your left foot.
手　右手將刀背由左肩纏頭。循右肩平向前轉。復將刀抱於左臂上。刀刃斜向上。刀背向下刀尖向左後左手扶右手腕。
Hands: Your right hand sends the back of the saber to your left shoulder, coiling around your head over to your right shoulder, arcing forward, and then wrapping over your left arm with the saber edge facing diagonally upward, the back of the saber facing downward, the saber tip pointing to the left rear, your left hand touching your right wrist.
眼　向左視。
Eyes: looking to the left.
用法　此係破刀之法。如敵用刀由我左側向頭部劈來。我則將刀向上架開。隨向其中部攔之。
Application: An opponent using a saber chops toward my head from the left side, so I send my saber upward to block it away, then slash to his midsection.

第十八式
Posture 18
術名　抹刀勢
Name of the technique: WIPING
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　向右轉約三百六十度
Torso: turns to the right about three hundred and sixty degrees.
歩　右足先往右邁半步。左足隨身由左往右轉仍至左。右足隨往後退步。兩腿俱彎。左足在前虛。右足在後實。
Footwork: First your right foot goes out a half step to the right, then your left foot goes to the left as your body turns around to the left, and then your right foot retreats a step, both legs bending. Your left foot is empty in front, right foot full behind.
手　同時右手將刀由左平向右轉。仍轉至右而左。約繞圈半。刀尖向前。復翻轉刀背。由右肩過腦轉至左肩向前落下。隨往後收。將貼右腰時。刀尖向下。左手由刀盤上抹至刀尖。往上豎起。手指朝上。手斜向右前。肘與肩平。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber arcing across to the right and all the way around, making almost a full circle and a half, the saber tip again pointing forward, then the back of the saber turns over and goes toward your right shoulder, around your head over to your left shoulder, forward, downward, and pulls back. As your right hand nears the right side of your waist, the saber tip [arcing forward], [the edge] facing downward, your left hand wipes along the back of the saber from hilt to tip and stands upright, fingers pointing upward, the palm slanted toward the forward right, the elbow at shoulder level.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　此刀用法有二。
Application: This technique has two parts:
一破槍法　敵持槍由我中門刺來。我則將身向左一閃。隨兩足上步挨槍而進。向其右腰攔之。
1. An opponent holding a spear stabs to my midsection [from behind], so I send my body rushing to the left, advancing with both feet in order to crowd his spear, and slash across to the right side of his waist.
一破刀法　敵如持槍由我中側刺來。我則將刀抹其外腕。
2. Then an opponent [from the other direction] holding a saber stabs to my right side, so I send my saber wiping to the outside of his wrist.

第十九式　附圖
Posture 19 (with alternate view)
術名　亮刀勢
Name of the technique: SHOWING THE SABER
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉。
Torso: turns to the left.
歩　左足原地隨轉。右足向右上步。兩腿彎。成騎馬式。
Footwork: Your left foot stays where it is and turns along with the movement as your right foot steps forward to the right, your legs bending to make a horse-riding stance.
手　右手將刀背向左腿掛起。由面前向右亮開。臂伸直。手心向前。刀刃向右。刀尖直立向上。左臂向左伸直。手指朝上。手心向左。
Hands: Your right hand sends the back of the saber over your left leg with an action of hooking and lifting, and then passes in front of you as it is sent out to the right, the arm straightening, the center of the hand facing forward, the saber edge facing to the right, the saber tip pointing straight upward, as your left arm extends to the left, the fingers pointing upward, palm facing to the left.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　如敵用槍迎面刺來。我隨將刀掛開。迅向其頂門劈之。
Application: An opponent using a spear stabs forward, so I use my saber to hang it aside and then quickly chop to his head.

第十二式
Posture 20
術名　勾刀勢
Name of the technique: HOOKING
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　左足不動。右足提高向𦡁下彎。足掌近右膝蓋。成勾股形。
Footwork: Your left foot stays where it is as your right leg lifts high and bends in below your crotch, the ball of the foot near your right knee, making a hooking-leg posture.
手　右手將刀背隨右腿上勾。刀向上稍斜。刀柄向下。刀刃向前。手腕置右膝外。左手扶右手腕上。
Hands: Your right hand sends the back of the saber hooking upward, going along with your right leg, the saber tip pointing upward slightly diagonally, the handle pointing downward, the edge facing forward, the wrist placed to the outside of your right knee, your left hand touching on top of your right wrist.
眼　向右視。
Eyes: looking to the right.
用法　如敵將刀向我右膝刺來。我隨將膝提起。並將刀背勾開其刀。我膝庶不為敵所傷。
Application: An opponent using a saber stabs toward my right knee, so I lift my knee and use the back of my saber to hook aside his saber, thereby keeping my knee from being injured by him.

–

第六段
SECTION 6

第二十一式
Posture 21
術名　外掛劈刀
Name of the technique: HANGING OUTWARD & CHOPPING
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　向右後轉。隨往下沈。
Torso: turns to the right rear and sinks down.
歩　右足向右落地。左足隨往左跳一大步。右足又偸於左腿後。足尖點地。兩腿下彎。成矮馬交叉式。
Footwork: Your right foot comes down to the right, your left foot hops a large step to the left [as your torso turns], then your right foot does a stealth step behind your left leg, toes touching down, both legs bending to make a low overlapping stance.
手　同時右手將刀翻轉掛右腿。刀尖向下。刀背向右。刀刃向左。復將刀刃向右上轉。往正左下劈。刀離地尺餘。刀柄靠於右膝蓋上。刀刃向下。刀尖向左。左掌扶右手腕上。
Hands: Your right hand turns the saber over to hang beside your right leg, the saber tip pointing downward, the back of the saber facing to the right, the edge facing to the left, the edge then facing to the right as the saber arcs upward, and then you chop downward to the left. The saber is just over a foot away from the ground, the handle over your right [left] knee, the edge facing downward, the tip pointing to the left, your left palm touching on top of your right wrist.
眼　視刀尖。
Eyes: looking toward the saber tip.
用法　破槍之法。敵持槍迎面刺來。我則將刀背向外掛開。隨上步挨槍而進。劈敵之面部。
Application: An opponent holding a spear stabs straight toward me, so I send the back of my saber outward to hang his spear aside as I step forward to crowd his spear and then I chop to his face.

第二十二式　附圖
Posture 22 (with alternate view)
術名　亮刀勢
Name of the technique: SHOWING THE SABER
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　向右後轉。
Torso: turns to the right rear.
歩　兩足原地隨磨。成騎馬式。
Footwork: Your feet stay in their location, but pivot around to make a horse-riding stance.
手　右手將刀隨身向右亮開。臂伸直。手心向前。刀刃向右。刀尖直立向上。左臂向左伸直。手指朝上。掌向左。
Hands: Your right hand brings the saber along with the movement of your body and sends it out to the right, the arm straightening, the center of the hand facing forward, the saber edge facing to the right, the saber tip pointing straight upward, as your left arm extends to the left, the fingers pointing upward, palm facing to the left.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　此破槍之法。敵持槍從我後面刺來。我卽轉身持刀挨敵槍圈內滑去。劈其前手指。
Application: An opponent holding a spear stabs at me from behind, so I turn around and slide my saber along the inner of his spear shaft with a chop to the fingers of his front hand.

第二十三式
Posture 23
術名　抹刀勢
Name of the technique: WIPING
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　向右轉。約一百三十五度。
Torso: turns to the right about a hundred and thirty-five degrees.
歩　同時右足隨身轉至後落地。左足往前伸出。足尖點地。兩腿彎。左虛右實。
Footwork: Your right foot goes along with the turning of your body by stepping back and then your left foot reaches out forward, toes touching down, both legs bending. Your left foot is empty, right foot full.
手　右手將刀由右向前順右腿往後帶。刀刃向後。隨翻轉向上往前下落。收貼右腰間。左手往前抹出。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber past your right leg, dragging to the rear, the saber edge facing to the rear, then arcs upward, forward, downward, and pulls back to the right side of your waist, your left hand wiping forward.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　此係敵持械由我右後擊來。我卽轉身將刀背撥開其械。隨劈其面部。
Application: An opponent attacks me from my right rear, so I turn my body and use the back of my saber to deflect aside his weapon, then chop to his face.

第二十四式
Posture 24
術名　刺刀勢
Name of the technique: VERTICAL-BLADE STABBING
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　稍向前傾。
Torso: leans slightly forward.
歩　右足不動。左足向右足後偸過。足尖點地。兩腿下彎。成中𨀵交叉式。
Footwork: With your right foot staying where it is, your left foot does a stealth step behind your right foot, toes touching down, both legs bending to make a medium-height overlapping stance.
手　右手同時將刀向前直刺。刀刃向下。刀尖向前。左手扶右手腕上。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber stabbing forward, the saber edge facing downward, the tip pointing forward, your left hand touching on top of your right wrist.
眼　視刀尖。
Eyes: looking toward the saber tip.
用法　敵如用刀向我左膝刺來。我則將左足往後抽開。隨用刀向敵胸刺之。
Application: An opponent using a saber stabs toward my left knee, so I withdraw my left leg behind me while using my saber to stab to his chest [though the photo indicates a much lower target].

–

第七段
SECTION 7

第二十五式
Posture 25
術名　背砍刀勢
Name of the technique: CLEAVING BEHIND
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　半面向右轉。
Torso: turns halfway to the right.
歩　右足先向後退。左足隨往右足後偸過。足尖點地。兩腿下彎。成中𨀵交叉式。
Footwork: First your right foot retreats, then your left foot does a stealth step behind your right foot, toes touching down, both legs bending to make a medium-height overlapping stance.
手　右手同時將刀由左舉起向右砍。稍向上斜。手伸直向下斜。左手向左前伸。五指併攏直立。高與頭齊。手心向左前。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber raising up and then cleaving down to the right, the saber pointing slightly diagonally upward, the arm extending diagonally downward, as your left hand reaches out to the forward left, fingers together and upright at head level, the palm facing to the forward left.
眼　向右前視。
Eyes: looking forward to the right.
用法　此係敵持械由我背後擊來。我卽將身一轉。則敵擊我不中。隨以刀砍其腕。敵反為我所敗。
Application: An opponent attacks me from behind, so I turn my body to spoil his target and use my saber to cleave at his wrist, resulting in him instead being defeated by me.

第二十六式
Posture 26
術名　撩刀勢
Name of the technique: RAISING
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉。
Torso: turns to the left.
歩　左足由後向前上步。腿直立微屈。右足腿向前方平踢。
Footwork: Your left foot steps forward and the leg stands slightly bent as your right leg goes forward with a level kick.
手　右手同時將刀順右腿撩出。刀與手同肩平。刀背向下。刀刃向上。刀尖向前。左手向右手腕上拍住。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber raising along with your right leg, the saber and hand at shoulder level, the back of the saber facing downward, the edge facing upward, the tip pointing forward, your left hand patting on top of your right wrist.
眼　視刀尖。
Eyes: looking toward the saber tip.
用法　此係敵用刀向我左方刺來。我卽將身向左轉躲避其鋒。隨順進步撩其陰部。
Application: An opponent uses a saber to stab to my left side, so I turn to rush past his tip and advance with a raising cut [to his face and a kick] to his groin.

第二十七式
Posture 27
術名　抹刀勢
Name of the technique: WIPING
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉。
Torso: turns to the left.
歩　右足落地。足尖原地昂起。隨身向左轉。左足原地隨磨。足尖點地。兩腿下彎。左虛右實。
Footwork: Your right foot comes straight down with the toes turning inward, going along with the leftward turning of your body, your left foot pivoting where it is, toes touching down, both legs bending. Your left foot is empty, right foot full.
手　右手持刀由後順左方向前落下。收貼右腰。刀尖向前。刀刃向下。刀如平線。左手往前抹出。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber forward to the left, downward, and pulls back near the right side of your waist, the saber tip pointing forward, the edge facing downward, the saber body almost level, your left hand wiping forward.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　此係敵持械由我左後擊來。我則將身向左閃過。隨劈其面部。
Application: An opponent attacks me from behind to my left, so I dodge away my left side and chop to his face.

第二十八式
Posture 28
術名　扎刀勢
Name of the technique: STABBING
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉。約一百三十五度。
Torso: turns to the left about a hundred and thirty-five degrees.
歩　右足先往右跳步。左足由右腿偸步向右伸出。足尖點地。兩腿彎下。成中𨀵交叉式。
Footwork: First your right foot hops forward to the right [as your torso turns], then your left foot goes out to the right with a stealth step behind your right foot, toes touching down, both legs bending to make a medium-height overlapping stance.
手　右手將刀向右扎出。稍向下斜。刀尖朝右。刀刃朝前。臂稍向右下伸。左掌由右向左後上轉至頂。手心朝前。虎口近頭。肘屈。成半橢圓形。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber stabbing out to the right and slightly downward, the saber tip pointing to the right, the edge facing forward, the arm extending downward to the right, as your left palm arcs behind you to the left and upward toward your headtop, the palm facing forward, the tiger’s mouth facing your head, the arm bending to make a semicircle.
眼　向右視。
Eyes: looking to the right.
用法　此係破槍之法。敵如持槍由我中門刺來。我則將身向左閃過。隨挨敵槍圈內而進用刀向其下部刺之。
Application: An opponent holding a spear stabs to my middle area, so I send my body rushing to the left as I advance to crowd him at the inner side of his spear [i.e. to his right] and use my saber to stab to his lower body.

–

第八段
SECTION 8

第二十九式
Posture 29
術名　搜刀勢
Name of the technique: SEEKING
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　半面向右轉。
Torso: turns halfway to the right.
歩　左足由右向左前邁步。右足隨往右前移步。足尖點地。兩腿下彎。左實右虛。
Footwork: Your left foot steps forward to the left and your right foot then shifts a step forward to the right, toes touching down, both legs bent. Your left foot is full, right foot empty.
手　右手同時將刀提起。由右肩向左過腦。沿左肩順左臂而下。轉向右股側落下。臂垂直。刀成平線。刀尖向前。刀刃向下。左手由腰循胸穿至頂上。手心向前。
Hands: Your right hand lifts the saber to your right shoulder, around your head over to your left shoulder, going along your left forearm, and arcing down to be beside your right thigh, the arm hanging straight, the saber body level, the tip pointing forward, the edge facing downward, as your left hand threads from your waist, past your chest, and up above your headtop, the palm facing forward.
眼　視刀尖。
Eyes: looking toward the saber tip.
用法　此係敵將刀向我頂門砍來。我卽將刀往上護住。隨向下搜其腿部。
Application: An opponent sends his saber cleaving toward my headtop, so I send my saber upward to shield it, then downward to seek his leg.

第三十式
Posture 30
術名　推刀勢
Name of the technique: PUSHING
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　半面向右轉。
Torso: turns halfway to the right.
歩　右足提起。左足隨跳起。向右足原地落下。右足隨向前下撲。足掌著地。腿直。距地六寸。左腿隨原地極力彎下。兩腿隨起。成右弓箭步。
Footwork: Your right foot lifts and your left foot hops up, coming down where your right foot was as your right leg goes forward and drops into a pouncing stance, the sole of the foot touching down fully, the leg straightened about half a foot away from the ground, your left leg bending as much as it can, and then both legs rise into a right bow & arrow stance.
手　右手同時將刀提起。由右肩向左過腦。至左肩。順左臂。左手隨扶刀背。同右手將刀由胸前向前推出。高過頭五寸許。兩臂伸直。刀尖向左。刀刃向前。
Hands: Your right hand lifts the saber, sending it to your right shoulder, around your head over to your left shoulder, and along your left forearm. Then with your left hand touching the back of the saber, your right hand pushes out forward from in front of your chest, the saber tip about half a foot higher than your headtop, both arms straightening, the saber tip pointing toward the left, the edge facing forward.
眼　視刀背。
Eyes: looking toward the back of the saber.
用法　此係敵持械由我中門擊來。我卽將刀向前護心。向上護頂。
Application: An opponent attacks my midsection, so I send the saber forward to protect my chest and upward to protect my headtop.

第三十一式　附圖
Posture 31 (with alternate view)
術名　亮刀勢
Name of the technique: SHOWING THE SABER
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged [turns to the right].
歩　右足原地不動。左足由後向前上步。兩腿屈。成騎馬式。
Footwork: With your right foot staying in its location, your left foot steps forward, your legs bending to make a horse-riding stance.
手　右手將刀直向右亮出。手心向前。刀刃向右。刀尖直立向上。左臂向左伸直。手指朝上。手心向左。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber straight out to the right, the center of the hand facing forward, the saber edge facing to the right, the saber tip pointing straight upward, as your left arm extends to the left, the fingers pointing upward, palm facing to the left.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　破槍之法。敵持槍從我右面刺來。我則將身往前一閃。隨持刀挨槍圈外滑去。劈其前手腕。
Application: An opponent holding a spear stabs at me from my right, so I send my body dodging forward and slide my saber along the outer side of his spear shaft with a chop to the wrist of his front hand.

第三十二式
Posture 32
術名　勾刀勢
Name of the technique: HOOKING
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　左足不動。右足提高向𦡁下彎。足掌近右膝蓋成勾股形。
Footwork: Your left foot stays where it is as your right leg lifts high and bends in below your crotch, the ball of the foot near your right knee, making a hooking-leg posture.
手　右手將刀背隨右腿上勾。刀向上稍斜。刀柄向下。刀刃向前。手腕置右膝外。左手扶右手腕上。
Hands: Your right hand sends the back of the saber hooking upward, going along with your right leg, the saber tip pointing upward slightly diagonally, the handle pointing downward, the edge facing forward, the wrist placed to the outside of your right knee, your left hand touching on top of your right wrist.
眼　向右視。
Eyes: looking to the right.
用法　如敵將刀向我右膝刺來。我隨將膝提起。並將刀背勾開其刀。我膝庶不為敵所傷。
Application: An opponent using a saber stabs toward my right knee, so I lift my knee and use the back of my saber to hook aside his saber, thereby keeping my knee from being injured by him.

–

第三節　磨盤帶踢切接之動作
PART 3 (including the actions of millstone saber, dragging, kicking, slicing, and receiving):

第九段
SECTION 9

第三十三式　附圖
Posture 33 (with alternate view)
術名　扎刀勢
Name of the technique: STABBING
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　足向右邁步落下。左足由右腿後偸步向右伸出。足尖點地。兩腿彎下。成中𨀵交叉式。
Footwork: Your right foot comes down stepping to the right and your left foot goes out to the right with a stealth step behind your right foot, toes touching down, both legs bending to make a medium-height overlapping stance.
手　右手將刀由前向右扎出。稍向下斜。刀尖朝右。刀刃朝前。臂稍向右下伸。左掌由前向左上轉至頂。肘屈。成半橢圓形。手心向前。虎口近頭。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber stabbing out to the right and slightly downward, the saber tip pointing to the right, the edge facing forward, the arm extending downward to the right, as your left palm arcs to the left and upward toward your headtop, the arm bending to make a semicircle, the palm facing forward, the tiger’s mouth facing your head.
眼　向右視。
Eyes: looking to the right.
用法　此係承上式將敵刀勾開。隨刺敵之右股。使其不及防備。
Application: Continuing from the previous posture, after hooking away the opponent’s saber, I go right into stabbing to his right thigh, which he will be too late to defend against.

第三十四式　附圖
Posture 34 (with alternate view)
術名　磨盤刀勢
Name of the technique: MILLSTONE SABER
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉。約三百六十度。
Torso: turns to the left about three hundred and sixty degrees.
歩　兩足尖點地。隨身向左磨。約二百七十度。右足隨提起向𦡁下彎。足掌近左膝。成勾股形。仍轉至原處。左足復隨磨。
Footwork: With the toes of both feet touching the ground, your body pivots around to the left about two hundred and seventy degrees, then your right leg lifts and bends in below your crotch, the ball of the foot near your left knee, making a hooking-leg posture, as your body turns the rest of way around, your left foot finishing the pivot.
手　右手同時將刀隨身向左轉平掃。刀盤置右膝蓋上。手心向上。左手扶右手刀盤上。手心向下刀刃向前刀尖向右。
Hands: Your right hand sweeps the saber across, going along with the leftward turn of your body, finishing with the pommel placed above your right knee, the center of the hand facing upward, your left hand touching on top of the pommel, the palm facing downward, the saber edge facing forward, the tip pointing to the right.
眼　視刀尖。
Eyes: looking toward the saber tip.
用法　此係向左橫掃敵人中部。
Application: Sweep across to the left to the opponent’s midsection.

第三十五式　附圖
Posture 35 (with alternate view)
術名　扎刀勢
Name of the technique: STABBING
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身
Torso: [unchanged].
〔歩〕　右足向右邁步落下。左足由右腿後偸步向右伸出。足尖點地。兩腿彎下。成中𨀵交叉式。
[Footwork:] Your right foot comes down stepping to the right and your left foot goes out to the right with a stealth step behind your right foot, toes touching down, both legs bending to make a medium-height overlapping stance.
手　右手將刀直向右扎。稍向下斜。刀尖朝右。刀刃朝前。臂稍向右下伸。左掌由前向左上轉至頂。肘屈。成半橢圓形。手心向前。虎口近頭。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber stabbing out to the right and slightly downward, the saber tip pointing to the right, the edge facing forward, the arm extending downward to the right, as your left palm arcs to the left and upward toward your headtop, the arm bending to make a semicircle, the palm facing forward, the tiger’s mouth facing your head.
眼　向右視。
Eyes: looking to the right.
用法　此承上式。隨進步刺敵之右股。
Application: Continuing from the previous posture, I advance and stab to the opponent’s right thigh.

第三十六式　附圖
Posture 36 (with alternate view)
術名　帶刀勢
Name of the technique: DRAGGING
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　左足向左拔出一大步落地。右足隨提起向𦡁下彎。
Footwork: Your left foot pulls back a large step and your right leg lifts and bends in toward your crotch.
手　右手同時將刀向左後收囘。刀尖仍向右。刀刃仍向前。肘貼右腰。左掌向右手腕握住。手心向上。刀盤近右膝蓋。胸向前。
Hands: Your right hand pulls back the saber to the left, the saber tip still pointing to the right, the edge still facing forward, the elbow touching the right side of your waist, your left hand grasping your right wrist, the center of the hand facing upward. The saber hilt is near your right knee. Your chest is facing forward.
眼　視刀尖。
Eyes: looking toward the saber tip.
用法　此係敵持槍向我右臂刺來。我則一面退步將槍銷開。一面將刀收囘護背。敵槍雖百發百中亦無施其伎倆矣。
Application: An opponent holding a spear stabs toward my right arm, so I withdraw out of range, pulling back my saber to shield my arm. No matter how accurate his targeting, he will not be able to carry out his maneuver.

–

第十段
SECTION 10

第三十七式　附圖
Posture 37 (with alternate view)
術名　亮刀勢
Name of the technique: SHOWING THE SABER
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　左足原地不動。右足往右落下。兩腿下彎。成騎馬式。
Footwork: Your left foot stays where it is as your right foot comes down to the right, both legs bending to make a horse-riding stance.
手　右手將刀向右腿落下。隨將刀背從右腿掛起。由面前向右亮開。臂伸直。手心向前。刀刃向右。刀尖直立向上。左臂向左伸直。手指朝上。手心向左。
Hands: Your right hand sends the back of the saber over your lowering right leg with an action of hooking and lifting, and then goes from in front of you out to the right, the arm straightening, the center of the hand facing forward, the saber edge facing to the right, the saber tip pointing straight upward, as your left arm extends to the left, the fingers pointing upward, palm facing to the left.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　如敵用刀從我右側刺來。我則將刀掛開。迅向其頂門劈之。
Application: An opponent uses a saber to stab at me from my right side, so I send my saber to hang it aside, then quickly chop to his head.

第三十八式　附圖
Posture 38 (with alternate view)
術名　右步撩刀
Name of the technique: RIGHT STEP, RAISING
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉。
Torso: turns to the left.
歩　左足往外撇。右足向前上步。成右弓箭式。
Footwork: Your left foot swings outward and your right foot steps forward to make a right bow & arrow stance.
手　右手同時將刀由後而下。順右腿向前上撩。手平伸。刀成平線。刀刃向上。刀尖向前。左手扶右手腕。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber downward, forward along with your right leg, and raising upward, the arm extending, the saber body level, the edge facing upward, the tip pointing forward, your left hand touching your right wrist.
眼　視刀尖。
Eyes: looking toward the saber tip.
用法　此係敵持槍向我左方刺來。我卽將身向右閃過。順敵槍圈外而進。撩其外底腕。
Application: An opponent holding a spear stabs to my left side, so I rush my body past it, advancing on my right side along the outer side of his weapon to do a raising cut under his wrist.

第三十九式　附圖
Posture 39 (with alternate view)
術名　左步撩刀
Name of the technique: LEFT STEP, RAISING
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　稍向右轉。
Torso: turns slightly to the right.
歩　右足往外撇。左足向前上步。成左弓箭式。
Footwork: Your right foot swings outward and your left foot steps forward to make a left bow & arrow stance.
手　右手同時將刀由前上繞至後而下。順左腿。仍向前上撩。手平伸。刀成平線。刀刃向上。刀尖向前。左手扶右手腕。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber arcing upward, to the rear, then downward, forward along with your left leg, and again raising upward, the arm extending, the saber body level, the edge facing upward, the tip pointing forward, your left hand touching your right wrist.
眼　視刀尖。
Eyes: looking toward the saber tip.
用法　此係敵持槍向我右方刺來。我卽將身向左閃過順敵槍圈內而進。撩其內底腕。
Application: The opponent then stabs to my left side, so I rush my body past it, advancing on my left side along the inner side of his weapon to do a raising cut under his wrist.

第四十式　附圖
Posture 40 (with alternate view)
術名　右步撩刀
Name of the technique: RIGHT STEP, RAISING
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　稍向左轉。
Torso: turns slightly to the left.
歩　左足往外撇。右足向前上步。成右弓箭式。
Footwork: Your left foot swings outward and your right foot steps forward to make a right bow & arrow stance.
手　右手持刀先由前上繞至後。復由後而下順右腿向前上撩。手平伸。刀成平線。刀刃向上。刀尖向前。左手扶右手腕。
Hands: Your right hand first sends the saber arcing upward, to the rear, then downward, forward along with your right leg, and raising upward, the arm extending, the saber body level, the edge facing upward, the tip pointing forward, your left hand touching your right wrist.
眼　視刀尖。
Eyes: looking toward the saber tip.
用法　此係敵持槍向我左方刺來。我卽將身向右閃過。順敵槍圈外而進。撩其外底腕。
Application: The opponent then stabs again to my left side, so I rush my body past it, advancing on my right side along the outer of his weapon to do a raising cut under his wrist.

–

第十一段
SECTION 11

第四十一式
Posture 41
術名　抹刀勢
Name of the technique: WIPING
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左後轉。
Torso: turns to the left rear.
歩　右足原地隨磨。左足隨往後收。足跟稍點起。兩腿下彎。左虛右實。
Footwork: Your feet pivot around where they are, your left foot pulling back, the heel slightly lifting, both legs bending. Your left foot is empty, right foot full.
手　右手持刀隨身順左方向前落下。收貼右腰。刀尖向前。刀刃向下。刀如平線。左手往前抹出。
Hands: Your right hand goes along with the movement of your body by sending the saber forward to the left, downward, and then pulling back near the right side of your waist, the saber tip pointing forward, the edge facing downward, the saber body almost level, your left hand wiping forward.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　此係敵持械由我左後擊來。我則將身向左閃過。隨轉向敵面劈之。
Application: An opponent comes to attack me from behind to my left, so I dodge away my left side and go along with my turning around by chopping to his face.

第四十二式
Posture 42
術名　抱刀勢
Name of the technique: EMBRACING THE SABER
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　向左轉約二百七十度。
Torso: turns to the left about two hundred and seventy degrees.
歩　右足上步。左足提起隨身轉至左落地。足尖點地。兩腿彎下。左虛右實。
Footwork: Your right foot steps forward, and your left foot lifts, goes along with the turning of your body, and comes down to the left, toes touching down, both legs bending. Your left foot is empty, right foot full.
手　右手將刀背由左肩纏頭。循右肩平向前轉。復將刀抱於左臂上。刀刃斜向上。刀背向下。刀尖向左後。左手扶右手腕。
Hands: Your right hand sends the back of the saber to your left shoulder, coiling around your head over to your right shoulder, arcing across forward, then wrapping over your left arm with the saber edge facing diagonally upward, the back of the saber facing downward, the tip pointing to the left rear, your left hand touching your right wrist.
眼　向左視。
Eyes: looking to the left.
用法　此係破槍之法。敵如持槍向我中門刺來。我則將身向右一閃。隨兩足上步挨槍而進。向其左腰攔之。
Application: An opponent holding a spear stabs to my midsection, so I send my body rushing to the right, advancing with both feet to crowd his spear, and slash across to the left side of his waist.

第四十三式
Posture 43
術名　踢刀勢
Name of the technique: KICKING WHILE SENDING OUT THE SABER
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　稍向左轉。
Torso: turns slightly to the left.
歩　左足向前邁步。腿微彎。右足隨提起向前平踢。
Footwork: Your left foot steps forward, the leg slightly bending as your right leg lifts and goes forward with a level kick.
手　右手同時將刀由右肩順右腿向前上撩。手伸直。刀與頭平。刀刃向上。刀尖向前。左手扶右手手腕。肘微屈。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber toward your right shoulder and then raising along with your right leg, the arm straightening, the saber at head level, the edge facing upward, the tip pointing forward, your left hand touching your right wrist, the elbow slightly bent.
眼　視刀尖。
Eyes: looking toward the saber tip.
用法　如敵向我左側刺來。我則將身向左閃過。隨用刀將敵槍架開。向其面部撩之。
Application: An opponent using a spear stabs toward my left side, so I send my body rushing to the left while using my saber to block aside his weapon and do a raising cut to his face [while kicking to his groin].

第四十四式
Posture 44
術名　切刀勢
Name of the technique: SLICING
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　稍向右轉。往下沈。
Torso: turns slightly to the right and sinks down.
歩　右足收貼於𦡁。隨往右落地。左足隨往右足後偸步。兩腿下彎。交叉成矮馬。
Footwork: Your right foot pulls back toward your crotch and comes down to the right, then your left foot does a stealth step behind your right foot, both legs bending to make low overlapping stance.
手　右手同時將刀由前順右腿向後掛。隨提起順右肩過腦。循左肩至胸前。復順右腿往下切。手垂直。刀成平線。刀尖向前。刀刃向下。距地五寸。左手由胸上繞至頂。手心向前。肘屈。成半圓形。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber to the rear with a hanging action, going along with your right leg, then lifting toward your right shoulder, going around your head over to your left shoulder, in front of your chest, and then slicing downward parallel to your right thigh. Your right hand is hanging down, the saber body level, the tip pointing forward, the edge facing downward about half a foot away from ground, as your left hand arcs upward to be over your head, the palm facing forward, the arm bending to make a semicircle.
眼　向下視刀。
Eyes: looking downward toward the saber.
用法　如敵向我右後刺來。我卽轉身將敵刀掛開。隨向其前膝切之。
Application: An opponent stabs at me from behind on my right, so I turn around and use my saber to hang aside his saber, then slice to his front knee.

–

第十二段
SECTION 12

第四十五式
Posture 45
術名　抱刀勢
Name of the technique: EMBRACING THE SABER
口令　一
Command: “One!”

動作
Movement:
身　稍向左轉。
Torso: turns slightly to the left.
歩　左足向左邁步。腿彎。右足隨跟左足向左移步。足尖點地。距左足三四寸許。兩腿屈。兩膝平。兩足左實右虛。
Footwork: Your left foot steps to the left and the leg bends, then your right foot follows your left foot to the left, toes touching down a few inches away from your left foot, both legs bent, knees level. Your left foot is full, right foot empty.
手　右手將刀提起。從右肩過頂至面前抱於左臂上。刀尖向左。刀刃斜向上。左掌扶於右手腕上。
Hands: Your right hand lifts the saber toward your right shoulder, sends it around your head [over to your left shoulder] until in front of you, where it is held on top of your left arm, the saber tip pointing to the left, the edge facing diagonally upward, your left palm touching on top of your right wrist.
眼　向左視。
Eyes: looking to the left.
用法　如敵用刀向我頭部及左肩劈來。我則將刀背由後過頂及向右肩攔護之。
Application: An opponent uses a saber to chop toward my head and left shoulder, so I send the back of my saber around my head over to my right [left] shoulder to block it.

第四十六式
Posture 46
術名　抹刀勢
Name of the technique: WIPING
口令　二
Command: “Two!”

動作
Movement:
身　向右轉。約三百六十度。
Torso: turns to the right about three hundred and sixty degrees.
歩　右足先往右邁半步。左足隨身由左往右轉仍至左。右足隨往後退步。兩腿俱彎。左足在前虛。右足在後實。
Footwork: First your right foot goes out a half step to the right, then your left foot goes to the left as your body turns around to the left, and then your right foot retreats a step, both legs bending. Your left foot is empty in front, right foot full behind.
手　同時右手將刀由左平向右轉。仍轉至右而左。約繞圈半。刀尖向前。復翻轉刀背。由右肩過腦轉至左肩向前落下。隨往後收。將貼右腰時。刀尖轉前。刀刃向下。左手由刀盤上抹至刀尖。往上豎起。手指朝上。手斜向右前。肘與肩平。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber arcing across to the right and all the way around, making almost a full circle and a half, the saber tip again pointing forward, then the back of the saber turns over and goes toward your right shoulder, around your head over to your left shoulder, forward, downward, and pulls back. As your right hand nears the right side of your waist, the saber tip arcing forward, the edge facing downward, your left hand wipes along the back of the saber from hilt to tip and stands upright, fingers pointing upward, the palm slanted toward the forward right, the elbow at shoulder level.
眼　向前視。
Eyes: looking forward.
用法　此刀用法有二。
Application: This technique has two parts:
一破槍法　敵持槍由我中門刺來。我則將身向左一閃。隨兩足上步挨槍而進。向其右腰攔之。
1. An opponent holding a spear stabs to my midsection [from behind], so I send my body rushing to the left, advancing with both feet in order to crowd his spear, and slash across to the right side of his waist.
一破刀法　敵如持槍由我右側刺來。我則將刀抹其外腕。
2. Then an opponent [from the other direction] holding a saber stabs to my right side, so I send my saber wiping to the outside of his wrist.

第四十七式
Posture 47
術名　跟步纏頭勢
Name of the technique: FOLLOW STEP, COILING AROUND THE HEAD
口令　三
Command: “Three!”

動作
Movement:
身　向右轉。
Torso: turns to the right.
歩　左腿原地伸直。右足移動與左足靠攏並齊。
Footwork: Your left foot stays in its location and your right foot shifts to stand next to it.
手　右手將刀由左脇提起。順左肩纏頭。沿右肩向右方下轉至左。循左腿向上繞。刀尖向上。刀刃向左。刀背貼左脇後上面。手執刀柄在左脇下面。左手抱於胸前。在右手上。手心朝右。大指貼右肩。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber lifting from your left ribs toward your left shoulder, coiling around your head over to your right shoulder, arcing to the right, downward, to the left, and upward past your left leg until the saber tip is pointing upward, the edge facing to the left, the back of the saber near your back at the upper part of your left ribs, the handle at the lower part of your left ribs. Your left arm is wrapped in front of your chest over your right arm, your left palm facing to the right, the thumb near your right shoulder.
眼　向左視。
Eyes: looking to the left.
用法　如敵向我頭部劈來。我卽將刀向上架開。隨向其內底腕撩之。
Application: An opponent chops to my head, so I send my saber upward to block it away and then raising up to the inside of his wrist.

第四十八式
Posture 48
術名　接刀勢
Name of the technique: RECEIVING THE SABER
口令　四
Command: “Four!”

動作
Movement:
身　不動。
Torso: unchanged.
歩　不動。
Footwork: unchanged.
手　右手將刀由左脇往下轉至右側向上纏頭。順左肩而下。左手隨將右手刀接住。如持刀式。右手同時散開。向右垂直。手貼右股。
Hands: Your right hand sends the saber arcing downward, to the right, upward, coiling around your head and downward from your left shoulder. Your left hand then receives the saber from your right hand and returns to the saber-holding position as your right hand comes away to hang down to the right, the hand near your right thigh.
眼　向左視。
Eyes: looking to the left.
用法　此係收勢。
Application: This is simply a closing posture.

–

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