THE TAI CHI SWORD FORM

The Tai Chi Sword is distinguished from the Tai Chi Sabre (or Broadsword) by having two sharp edges and a blade that is perfectly straight.

From my perspective the Sword Form is one of great subtly, nuance and grace. It fosters careful attention to the movements, position and inclinations of the hand as that manifests itself through the sword. There is a complex interweaving of movements of the limbs, manipulations of the sword, changes in directions and feints and deceptions.

The colourful terminology of the postures of the sword form is, in almost every instance, illustrative of the underlying movement dynamic. It is normally executed more slowly than the Sabre form, which can be very quick and dynamic. The Sword Form (Tai Chi Chien) is composed of the following movements:

Opening of Form
1. Preparation
2. Immortal Guardian Shows the Direction
3. Encase the Moon in Three Rings

   First Stage

4. Needle to the Bottom of the Sea
5. Biggest Star in the Big Dipper
6. Swallow Skims the Water
7. Right Block
8. Left Block
9. Probe the Sea
10. Embrace the Moon
11. Bird Seeking Lodging Flies into Forest

    Second Stage

12. Black Dragon Wags its Tail
13. Blue Dragon Emerges From Water
14. Wind Rolls the Lotus Leaves
15. Lion Shakes its Head
16. Tiger Hugs its Head
17. Wild Horse Leaps the Ravine
18. The Smallest Star in the Big Dipper
19. Fish the Moon from Sea Bottom

    Third Stage

    

    • Shoot the Wild Goose
    • White Ape Devotes Fruit
    • Brush Dust Against the Wind - right
    • Brush Dust Against the Wind - left
    • Brush Dust Against the Wind - right
    • Push the Boat with the Current
    • Meteor Runs After Moon
    • Heavenly Steed Soars Across the Sky

      Fourth Stage

    • Lift the Curtain
    • Left Wheel
    • Right Wheel
    • Great Roc Spreads its Wings
    • Yellow Bee Returns to Nest
    • Embrace the Moon
    • Winds Sweeps the Plum Blossoms
    • Compass Needle to the South

      Closing Form