
Recently, we’ve been delving into the Wudang Tai Chi Fan Form, as taught to me by Simu Kaneen at the 9 Dragons Kung Fu School. This form beautifully showcases both the fan’s artistic grace and its martial applications, making it accessible and beneficial for people of all ages. It can be performed with dramatic, explosive energy as a martial weapon or executed slowly and gracefully as an excellent health exercise, enhancing balance, flexibility, and mental focus.
The form incorporates practical self-defense techniques, blending familiar movements from traditional Yang-style Tai Chi with unique fan applications. When closed, the fan becomes a versatile tool—capable of blocking, striking, stabbing, and bludgeoning an opponent. When opened, it can shield, distract, and even cut with the sharp ribbed edges. This dual nature of the fan—both beautiful and formidable—reflects the Tai Chi philosophy of balancing Yin and Yang.
The History of the Tai Chi Fan
While Tai Chi fan forms are relatively modern, the folding fan itself has an ancient and fascinating history. Contrary to common belief, the folding fan was invented in Japan around the 6th to 9th centuries CE before making its way to China through cultural exchanges. In China, the fan flourished, especially during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), when it became a symbol of refinement, intellect, and social status.
Crafted from materials like bamboo, silk, ivory, bone, mica, and mother of pearl, fans were often adorned with exquisite calligraphy, traditional paintings, and cultural symbols. They were popular among scholars, poets, and the aristocracy, serving not just as practical items but also as canvases for artistic expression. Even today, fans are used in traditional Chinese opera, dance, and martial arts performances to convey elegance and emotion.
Tessenjutsu and Martial Applications
While the Tai Chi fan’s martial applications are subtle and fluid, its roots can be traced to more direct combat practices, particularly in Japan, where the folding fan evolved into a formidable weapon known as the tessen (鉄扇), or “iron fan.” This weapon featured iron or steel ribs disguised within what appeared to be a harmless fan, allowing warriors to carry it inconspicuously, even in places where swords were forbidden.
Tessenjutsu (鉄扇術): The Art of the Iron Fan
Tessenjutsu, the martial art of wielding the iron fan, reached remarkable sophistication during Japan’s Sengoku period (15th–17th centuries). Samurai used the tessen in both offensive and defensive maneuvers:
Deflecting attacks: The tessen could parry strikes from swords, spears, and even small projectiles like shuriken and darts.
Striking: A skilled practitioner could deliver powerful blows capable of incapacitating or even killing an opponent.
Dual-wielding: Some advanced techniques involved using two fans simultaneously—one for defense, the other for attacks.
Tactical uses: Beyond combat, the tessen served as a signaling device in military formations and, surprisingly, even as a swimming aid when warriors needed to cross rivers during battles.
Legendary Tales of the Tessen
Many Japanese legends highlight the tessen’s role in history:
Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin: During the famous Battle of Kawanakajima (1561), it’s said that Uesugi Kenshin launched a surprise attack against Takeda Shingen. In a dramatic face-off, Shingen defended himself not with a sword but with his iron war fan, skillfully deflecting Kenshin’s strikes—a testament to the fan’s effectiveness in close-quarters combat.
Minamoto no Yoshitsune: A legendary samurai hero, Yoshitsune was said to have mastered the tessen’s techniques under the guidance of a mythical tengu—a supernatural creature from Japanese folklore. Yoshitsune famously defeated the warrior monk Benkei by parrying spear strikes with his iron fan, showcasing the tessen’s precision and power.
Sasaki Kojirō: Known for his duel with the famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, Sasaki Kojirō was reputed to have defeated multiple opponents using an iron fan, demonstrating the lethal potential hidden within this seemingly delicate object.
The Tai Chi Fan Today: Bridging Tradition and Modern Practice
Though the Tai Chi fan form is not as ancient as tessenjutsu, it embodies the same spirit of duality—combining beauty with function, art with martial discipline. Developed in the 20th century to enhance Tai Chi’s appeal and showcase its martial roots, fan forms blend traditional Tai Chi movements with the fan’s dynamic energy, emphasizing both health benefits and self-defense applications.
Practitioners appreciate the Tai Chi fan for several reasons:
Health & Fitness: The flowing movements promote flexibility, balance, coordination, and breath control.
Mental Focus: Synchronizing breath, movement, and fan techniques cultivates mindfulness and inner calm.
Martial Awareness: Hidden within graceful motions are practical techniques for striking, blocking, and controlling opponents.
Whether performed for health, meditation, or martial arts, the Tai Chi fan is a powerful reminder of how ancient tools can evolve, adapting to new contexts while honoring their rich histories.
Join us for our Wudang Tai Chi Fan Class with Dan Kimball at Tu Sun Tai Chi, where ancient tradition meets modern mastery.
Comentarios