History Buffs and Sword Experts

[nanfeishen]

I learnt the Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Broadsword form, using the "standard" Broadsword, that seems to be the norm, but recently was shown the form on VCD being performed with a sword shaped very similar to the Japanese Katana, the blade was slightly longer and wider than the Katana, with a large ring at the base of the handle, and the guard had two prongs, one bent facing the tip of the sword on the thicker "spine" of the blade and the other prong bent towards the back of the handle to cover the forefinger and middle finger of the hand. I was told it is considered to be the traditional sword for Yang Tai Chi. I was wondering where this type of sword came from historically and if anyone has any knowledge on this issue?.Picture of sword at following link:

 

https://www.taichifinder.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=202

 

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