Do we use weapons in tai chi?

Chinese martial arts have produced a massive range of weapons over the centuries. Many of these weapons are used by tai chi schools. The invention of the gun rendered most of these weapons obsolete.

In their own right, ancient weapons are not a viable form of self defence. After all, you cannot use them in the street. But the principles they offer are valuable... Using a weapon teaches you the strategies, distance and timing associated with weapons use. This, in turn helps you to be more capable of defending yourself against one, and far less naive about the dangers involved.