Accessories |
In all the tai chi styles we have ever
seen no one wears sashes as a symbol of rank or as a
reinforcement for abdominal muscles. However, it has been
pointed that if someone wore a sash knotted in the center it
would be a useful landmark for automated analysis of videos. |
We do not currently attribute any
significance to whether a saber or some of the long weapons use
zero, one or two flags, nor do we assign any meaning to flag
colors. Usually, the color and number of flags are determined by
whoever is behind the camera. |
We usually color code tassels: red means
the weapon is reasonably safe for beginners (for example, a
wooden sword), while yellow means some experience is needed.
A white tassel used to mean the bearer was clergy OR that the
bearer was challenging anyone inside the training area to
mortal combat. This is an unfortunate ambiguity. We use white
tassles to indicate the weapon is heavy, awkward and/or sharp. |
Traditionally, black tassels indicated a military officer. We
do not know of any agreed meaning for blue or green tassels, let
alone multi-colored ones. We actually use blue tassels to
indicate weapons (trident, wolf tooth mace) that a teacher would
use if he felt students were in danger. |
There are commonly two lengths of
tassel: the long tassels are difficult to keep off the ground
(so they do not act as brooms) but have a different visual
effect. We have encountered a tendency for long tassels to
display more effects from static electricity - the tassel tends
to expand like an opened umbrella. Long tassels in colors other
than red, yellow and white are challenging to obtain. |
We suggest
www.totalmartialartsupplies.com and www.kungfudirect.com for
long black and long blue tassels (26 to 28 inches) - they also have had tricolors (red, white
yellow). As of May 2016 nine color combinations for multicolored
short tassels (17 to 19 inches). |
Spears tassels are traditionally red
although we own several white ones (never deployed). |
If anyone knows of a source for
replacement bell/small red tassel combinations found on kwan
daos and on some sabers we would be grateful for contact
information. |