Tai Chi Sword in the public park (USA)?

Question

Hi, guys:

I was teaching my son Tai Chi sword this morning in the park this morning. A police car stop and order us to drop it. Two police officers told me that this is a felony and is prohibited in the public park. Eventually, he let us go with a warning.

Now, here is a question. Is a Tai Chi Chuan (bare hand) parctice allowed in the public park? How about the long stick form ?

Any input?

Thanks

Answer 1

I've been harrassed in my OWN YARD!!! Definitly an @$$hole cop thing, but remember that a blade in almost any form is still a weapon (even if a bokken is nothing worse than a baseball or cricket bat) but remember that Mushashi KILLED most of his duel opponents with a wooden sword. You need to talk to your parks dept. and possibly stop in your local precinct to find out what the real laws are and once you do, get copies and carry them for future confrontations.

Good luck and cheers for passing things on to your son!

Answer 2

I was going to say basically the same thing Aaron J said.  I think he is right on target with this.

Answer 3

You should really look up the statues of your state for the proper answer. If you tell us the state I'm sure we can help you out.

When I lived in FL we worked out in public parks with our Katana, and we were free of harassment. That could just be an a**hole cop with nothing better to do, or he can be right. That's why you need to look up the laws. Also once you've read the laws I would suggest you call your local police department and ask to speak with the person who handles Martial Arts, there will generally be such an individual, and its a good idea as there are special circumstances and rules governing us Martialists. There are also special rules about public parks which will override just about any other law for the rest of the city/state, depending on the type of park.

As far as barehand stuff. Rock out with it. They can do nothing if you're "dancing" in the field. As long as you aren't disturbing the peace or threatening anybody you are perfectly ok.

Hope this helps. If you need help with the statutes thing leave your state and I'll see what I can do.

Answer 4

In China, the cops would also stop and check your sword out.

But if it's not sharp, they would immediately clear you off.

Most Swords for martial arts practice is not blunt at the edge.

I guess it's just a non-familiarity of culture.

Sad, isn't it.

And to think people can take guns to an LA night clubs, shoot rounds and still get away with it.

Answer 5

Californias laws are very strict on weapon like objects, i doubt it would be legal to carry a wooden sword, or bo staff. But just making the motions with your hands i see nothing wrong.

Answer 6

Many police are so paranoid. They can't let us do harmless things because they are so scared of getting injured or killed. You are probably confined to carrying and practicing with any sword within the confines of a private area like a kwoon, a dojo, or your own home. One day it might be illegal to do your Tai Chi empty- hand kata in a public park.  I have already heard of one person who got arrested for teaching Wing Chun as it was deemed too dangerous by his local authorities.

Answer 7

Empty hand is allowed.

I even practice my Tai Chi walking stick form.

(A cane is not classified as a weapon.)

If you want to practice Tai Chi Jian, I would suggest doing it in your own back yard or get some body's permission to practice on their private property. (Preferably behind an 8 foot fence.)

IN THE CITY, you are probably better off not practicing Jian forms outside.

I would suggest that you go to the POLICE STATION and ask them to recommend someplace to practice.  Who knows... They might even let you use their gym!