Day 08: The "Whoosh" Sound

Welcome to day eight of the deluxe edition of Sword Mastery, focusing on the whoosh sound and what it represents. The whoosh sound is a stylistic element that primarily represents power. When you hear the crisp crack, or loud sound, it's a way to see how much power you are putting into your form or practice.

The sound can only be made with a very flexible or semi-flexible sword. If your sword is harder, it won't make the sound. However, you can still check if you are doing the movement correctly by watching for the blade's long, flexible movement or the big wobble of a thicker sword. This technique is used for grace, style, beauty, and form, not for combat or function.

The whoosh sound is often seen in Wushu performances, which is a performance art that I like to call the Olympics of Kung Fu. Very flexible, lightweight straight swords are used in Wushu so that the audience can see the power exhibited within the form.

In this class, you will learn the technique for creating the whoosh sound. We demonstrate how to hold the sword and strike by lifting the tip of the handle up, then striking up and pushing it in so that the sword "slaps" the wrist. You will practice the movement slowly, incorporating power from your hips. As always, you will also practice this on both your left and right sides.