The hall was narrow and all eyes were watching my every move. I jumped across the floor and lunged with my sabre, raised it and then it happened.

As I rotated the sabre around my head the metal guard clipped my forehead and a trickle of blood appeared.

The audience was stunned.

I was embarrassed.

I’ve practiced the sabre form many times over the years and given many demonstrations and this was the first time I drew blood (my own). It was only a minor cut and when I finished the audience applauded loudly. Probably more loudly than usual because of the dramatic effect.

The great thing about demonstrations is that you have only one chance to get it right. And I enjoy that pressure because it does make you focus on your form internally rather than the audience or environment. If you are distracted by what is going on around you, nerves and/or poor form occur.

I don’t know why I mistimed my move but errors do occur and when they do it is important, where possible, to continue and finish your demonstration as if  nothing happened.

The sabre is my favourite weapon form and I use it occassionally in our conference energizer presentations or our speeches as a way of ending on a high note.

It’s not only a dynamic form to watch but it is also very handy for potential hecklers in the audience.

And for some strange reason I have never had a heckler during one of my sabre demonstrations!

Footnote: The Tai Chi sabre blade is not sharp. Just as well as decapitation could be fatal.