Fitness Equipment

Tai Chi is a nei chia ("internal") Chinese martial art, which is known for the claims of health and longevity benefits made by its practitioners and in some recent medical studies. Jian is a double-edged straight Chinese sword used in Tai Chi training.

This rare masterpiece pays tribute to wise and ferocious old Pai Mei, or "White Eyebrow", a martial arts master who taught The Bride, Bill, and Elle Driver (Kill Bill, Vol.2).

The magnificent white saya (the scabbard) and a matching handguard piece of this sword are intricately designed as individual works of art. Cast metal guard, necessary for protection of the hand from an opposing blade, is crafted into the shape of short wings pointing forward. The end of the handle is finished with a matching cast metal pommel for balance and, supposedly, for striking the opponent in "withdrawing" techniques. While yellow tassels hanging from the pommel are now primarily decorative, they were initially used to provide better grip leverage on a potentially blood covered handle in order to pull the jian out of the body of an opponent if it became stuck there. Also the movement of the tassels sometimes served to distract opponents. The saya also features cast metal inserts as well as a black handle for easier carrying of the sword. The blade is constructed from stainless steel and mirrors the flexible traditional style of the ancient weapon.

Overall length: 36 3/4"
Blade length: 30"