About the Class
The free Tai Chi Sword routine class begins on October 5, 2024! We will be exploring the simplified 32 movements Tai Chi sword routine in a series of outdoor sessions through April 2025, weather permitting and as long as interest remains strong. Due to the unpredictability of outdoor practice, a year-round plan cannot be fully finalized in advance. Feel free to subscribe to our monthly newsletter on the homepage to stay informed about next month’s class schedule or check this post regularly. For each upcoming class, a new comment will be created under this post with the latest location and time information. Be sure to check there for the most up-to-date details!
Each session will include a warm-up, the introduction of new movements, a short break, practice of connected movements, and a relaxation period. We will cover two to three new movements per session. By the end of the 8-month course, the goal is to practice the full routine together fluently.
The sword routine is beginner-friendly as there are no challenging movements involved in this routine, but a solid foundation in Tai Chi hand form is highly recommended for better mastery of the routine. The entry-level hand form Tai Chi class is particularly helpful for easy mastering key movements, and related class schedule can be found on the scheduling page. All technical notes are included in the class page.
This class is also beneficial for those who have learned this routine but not from World Champion like Master Gao Jiamin or Master Chen Sitan, etc. 95% of practitioners may have some inaccuracies in their sword techniques or sword grips.
About the Sword
You can purchase Tai Chi swords from martial arts supply stores, online retailers like Amazon by searching Tai Chi Sword. Typically, the sword length ranges from about 28 to 32 inches (70-80 cm), depending on the practitioner’s height (refer to the chart below). The blade is flexible but sturdy, designed for smooth transitions between stances. It’s essential to choose a sword that feels comfortable in weight and length for your practice level. We will provide 5-6 extra swords for you to feel and try in the first class.
Kungfu Sword is normally lighter and cheaper and definitely can be used for Taichi practice as well. Actually it is more beginner friendly because of its lightweight.
Also, you can bring a creative substitute for the first class. Feel free to get inventive—during workplace classes, we’ve had a lot of fun using stationary items as swords! These are just a few examples. I’m excited to see what creative ideas you come up with!
Extractable swords are not ideal for practice or performance because their center of gravity may shift during use, unlike regular swords, which maintain a stable center of gravity throughout movement. This instability can affect balance, control, and fluidity during sword forms. Keeping the sword’s weight distribution constant is essential for precision and proper technique.
(added on 10/3/2024) I was thrilled to see these fun Halloween sword at the workplace today! They look like real swords but are so lightweight since they’re made of foam. They’re absolutely adorable and perfect for beginners. I wish I knew where to find them.
Location
1. LSU Hilltop Arboretum Pavilion
11855 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
2. Highland Road Community Park (Backup Outdoor Location)
3. Grand Lake – 883 Grand Lakes Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (Backup Outdoor Location)
Schedule (Tentative)
8-9 am in the following days
- Oct ( 10/5/2024 & 10/19/2024)
- Nov (11/02/2024 & 11/16/2024)
- Dec (12/07/2024 & 12/14/2024)
Introduction of the Routine
In 1957, the Simplified 32 Movements Taijijian (Tai Chi Sword) form was developed as a standardized and simplified routine based on traditional Yang Style sword techniques. The sequence was designed to gradually introduce practitioners to the key principles of Taijijian, incorporating basic sword movements such as stabs, sweeps, and cuts. This form offers a balanced progression from simple to more complex actions, making it accessible to beginners while still reflecting the elegance and martial applications of traditional swordplay. The entire routine can be performed in about 3-4 minutes, providing a practical introduction to the art of Tai Chi sword.
Demonstration Video
Name of Movements
The entire routine is divided into four sections, each consisting of 8 movements. The names of each movement in each section are listed below.
1. Point Sword with Feet Together (并步点剑)
Step-by-Step instruction
2. Stand on One Leg and Thrust Backward (独立反刺)
Step-by-Step instruction
3. Sweep Sword in Crouching Stance (仆步横扫)
4. Retract Sword to the Right (向右平带)
5. Retract Sword to the Left (向左平带)
6. Stand on One Leg and Chop with Arm-Swing (独立抡劈)
7. Step Back and Withdraw Sword (退步回抽)
8. Stand on One Leg and Thrust Upward (独立上刺)
9. Downward Intercept in Empty Stance (虚步下截)
10. Thrust in Left Bow Stance (左弓步刺)
11. Turn Around and Draw Sword Back Obliquely (转身斜带)
12. Retreat and Draw Sword Back Obliquely (缩身斜带)
13. Lift Knee and Hold Sward with Both Hands (提膝捧剑)
14. Jump and Flat Thrust (跳步平刺)
15. Circle Sword in Left Empty Stance -Clockwise (左虚步撩)
16. Circle Sword in Right Bow Stance – Counterclockwise (右弓步撩)
17. Turn Around and Withdraw Sword (转身回抽)
18. Thrust Flat Sword with Feet Together (并步平刺)
19. Lifting Block in Left Bow Stance (左弓步拦)
20. Lifting Block in Right Bow Stance (右弓步拦)
21. Lifting Block in Left Bow Stance (左弓步拦)
22. Step Forward and Thrust Backward (进步反刺)
23. Turn Around and Chop (反身回劈)
24. Point Sword in Empty Stance (虚步点剑)
25. Stand on One Leg and Lift Sword Horizontally (独立平托)
26. Hook and Chop in Bow Stance (弓步挂劈)
27. Circle Sword and Chop in Empty Stance (虚步抡劈)
28. Step Back and Strike Back (撤步反击)
29. Step Forward and Thrust Flat Sword (进步平刺)
30. Withdraw Sword in T-Stance (丁步回抽)
31. Turn Around and Wipe Horizontally (旋转平抹)
32. Thrust Forward in Bow Stance (弓步直刺)
10-minute Follow Along Videos
The follow along video for Movement 1-8 is available now!
There will be a Taichi class this Saturday (11/23). At the Hilltop Arboretum but at 9 am since the weather is getting cooler.
There will be class at LSU Hilltop at 8 am on Nov. 16. We will be exploring new movements from 9-10 together and then review everything introduced.
A private event starts 10 am here today. We are fine to have the class 8-9
There will be class at LSU Hilltop at 8 am on Nov. 2. We will exploring new movements first and then connect with the previous movements.
There will be a review class at 8 a.m. on 10/26 at LSU Hilltop Arboretum. For those who have attended the first two sessions, it’s an extra practice to refine your sword skills; for those who missed, it’s a great opportunity to catch up. I will teach you until you get it.
What a great opportunity for slow learners like me! Thanks! 🥰
Thank you! Keep up good work. My goal to build a strong sword group and leave no one behind. There have been so many Tai Chi hand form groups, but barely any sword groups. 🙂 Let us be the best one!
The 10/19 Tai Chi sword class is scheduled for 8 am at LSU Hilltop Arboretum. Any changes will be updated in the comments.
The 10/5 class was moved to Highland Road Community Park (Backup Outdoor Location) due to the planned event at LSU Hilltop Arboretum at the same time.
The lass for 10/5/2024 was moved to 883 Grand Lakes Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 for the 10/5/2024 class since cross country is ongoing at the highland road park.