Ten levels of mastery.
A practice you keep for life.
Saber Chi is a moving-meditation practice built on the Five Element system of Chinese medicine. The same wisdom that underpins acupuncture and qi gong, expressed through the flowing arc of the blade. Ten progressive levels train your energy to extend beyond your fingertips and into the sword itself.
The Foundation
The Five Elements, your blueprint to energy mastery
The cornerstone of Saber Chi lies in the Five Element system of Chinese medicine: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements form the foundation of understanding how energy flows through your body, and how it extends into your light sword.
Feel your energy reach beyond your fingertips as the light sword becomes an extension of your very being. Saber Chi isn’t just a martial art; it’s a complete transformation system that harnesses centuries of Chinese medicine wisdom through the dynamic flow of light sword technique.
Wood
Growth, flexibility, vision
Fire
Joy, communication, heart
Earth
Stability, grounding, center
Water
Flow, adaptability, wisdom
The Curriculum
Your journey through ten levels of mastery
A progressive curriculum designed to guide you from your first breath to advanced sword mastery, one level fully earned before the next.
Foundation Levels
Saber Chi Basic
Master essential moving-meditation techniques with ancient roots in Chinese martial arts. Feel your connection to the sword begin as you learn foundational stances and breathing patterns.
Yang Style 32 Forms
Experience the power of Yang Style through 32 flowing forms that extend your qi through the sword, creating a seamless connection between body and blade.
Chen Style 35 Forms
Develop sophisticated Silk Drawing Force and Spiral Force (Chan Suu Jing) techniques that build internal power through corkscrew-like joint rotations.
Intermediate Mastery
Combined Style 42 Forms
Integrate multiple styles into fluid movement sequences that challenge your coordination and deepen your energy awareness.
Short Weapons Training
Discover fundamental techniques through solo drills and two-person matching exercises that build genuine combat readiness.
Five Element Xingyi Sword
Apply the Five Element principles to direct linear attacks, understanding the destruction cycles that create powerful combat applications.
Advanced Enlightenment
Twelve Animal Xingyi
Embody the movements and energies of twelve different animals, bringing entirely new dimensions to your practice.
Northern Shaolin Basics
Develop the fundamental skills required for all short-weapons training through this dynamic, demanding system.
Shaolin Applications
Apply advanced techniques in practical scenarios, building real combat effectiveness under pressure.
Wudang Sword Mastery
Achieve mastery with flowing, circular movements that neutralize incoming attacks and redirect an opponent’s power.
Why Practice
Experience the Saber Chi difference
A comprehensive transformation for body, mind, and spirit.
Transform Your Health
The integrated movements of Saber Chi support your body’s natural sense of relaxation and balance: improving circulation, enhancing flexibility, and building strength without strain. Feel years younger as your body awakens to new possibilities.
Sharpen Your Mind
As you synchronize breath with movement and focus your attention on the blade’s path, you experience remarkable mental clarity. Students report sharper concentration, lower stress, and improved cognitive function.
Balance Your Emotions
The Five Element system provides a framework for understanding and balancing emotional states. Experience greater emotional stability as you harmonize the elements within your practice.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior martial arts experience?
No previous experience is required. The step-by-step curriculum is designed for beginners while offering depth that challenges experienced practitioners.
How quickly will I progress through the levels?
Everyone advances at their own pace. Most students spend three to six months mastering each level’s fundamentals. You must complete Level 1 before accessing Level 2.
Is Saber Chi suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Absolutely. The training adapts to your current abilities while gradually building strength, flexibility, and energy awareness.
Will I need my own light sword?
Each level includes a Custom Saber Chi Light Sword designed for that level’s techniques. A new, specialized sword ships to you as you reach each level.
Can I access all ten levels at once?
No. The progressive system requires you to complete one level at a time. This ensures proper skill development and mastery before advancing to more complex techniques.
Transform your life through Saber Chi mastery
Take the first step toward enhanced vitality, emotional balance, and physical mastery, and experience the practice reshaping how we think about martial arts and personal wellness.
Find an instructor teaching Saber Chi near you.
Every LSTA academy, Shadow Circle and Field Instructor is listed on Find a Floor. Your instructor sets the class schedule and the class price.
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