Traditionally,
tassels are added to many weapons. Four colors were used: black
for army officers; red for beginning students; gold or yellow
for competent students (who will rarely injure themselves or
others, break nearby objects or damage borrowed equipment during
practice) and white when inviting mortal combat. In combat the
tassels were supposed to visually distract the enemy and prevent
his blood and entrails from making the gripping surfaces
slippery. In many sets, notably sword and saber, connoisseurs consider
control of the tassel to indicate level of mastery. Students who prefer
flags are welcome to substitute them. Chen Family style Tai Chi Chuan
Grandmaster Zhu Tian Cai shown to right performing Chen style double
broadsword with flags at the Chen Village. With the exceptions of gold
and white colors, students are free to accessorize as they please. |