The free sword routine class is ongoing since fall of 2024!
General schedule and class notice is covered by the Post: 32 Movements Taijiquan: Class Notification and Discussion
Technical Notes are included in the following discussions.
Introduction
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
Movement Specs and Step-by-Step Instruction
1. Point Sword with Feet Together
I break down this movement into 5 steps as per the footwork in my class: 1 Open Stance, 2 Brush Sword and Push Sword Finger in Bow Stance, 3 Extend Arms in Half-Sitting Stance, 4 Switch Sword in Bow Stance, and 5 Point Sword with Feet Together.
The Key Sword Technique is Dian (点) – Point:
This is an offensive technique. The hand holding the sword exerts force with the wrist, directing energy to the sword tip. The upper part of the blade, opposite the tiger’s mouth, strikes downward in a pecking motion.
Gripping is lift grip, illustrated on the right
Step-by-Step Instructions
2. Stand on One Leg and Thrust Reversely
I break down this movement into 3 steps:
1. Step back and Draw sword;
2. Withdraw foot and Lift Sword Tip;
3. Raise Left Knee and Thrust Sword Reversely.
The Key Technique is Ci (刺) – Thrust
This is an offensive technique. It involves using the legs, waist, and arms to generate force, directing energy to the sword tip to thrust directly into the opponent’s vital areas.
Gripping is inverted grip, illustrated on the fight.
Step-by-Step Instructions
3. Sweep Sword in Crouching Stance
I break down this movement into 2 Steps:
- Step Back and Chop
- Sweep Sword Horizontally in Crouching Stance
The key Technique is Sao (扫) – Sweep
In this technique, the palm faces upward, and the sword body is held flat. Using the strength of the waist, the sword blade moves parallel from one side to the other at a low level, sweeping across. This technique has a large range of motion and is aimed at attacking the lower body of the opponent.
Gripping is spiral grip, illustrated on the right.
Step-by-Step Instructions
4. Retract Sword to the Right
I break down this movement into 3 steps:
- Draw Foot and Sword
- Step Forward and Extend the Sword
- Retract Sword horizontally to your right in Bow Stance
The key technique is Dai (带) – Take back horizontally, retract
This technique is characterized by a defensive motion that serves an offensive purpose. The forearm rotates either outward or inward, applying force to the outer side of the sword blade, causing it to cut or pull back from the front to the rear or diagonally.
Gripping is spiral grip, illustrated on the right.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Movement 4 & 5 are within Movement 5.
5. Retract Sword to the Left
Movement 5 is similar to Movement 4, with the only difference being the ending posture. When you finish retracting the sword to your right in a right bow stance, the left sword finger is positioned by your right hand. In contrast, when you finish retracting the sword in a left bow stance, the left sword finger is placed overhead on the left side.
Step-by-Step Instructions
6. Stand on One Leg and Chop Sword with Arm-Swing
I break down this movement into 3 steps:
- Draw right foot and swing sword to the left
- Step Forward and Raise Sword
- Raise Left Knee and Chop Sword
The key technique is Pi (劈) – Chop, Split, cut
This is an offensive technique that utilizes the waist and the entire arm to generate force, directing energy to the middle and front section of the sword blade that is opposite the tiger’s mouth. The motion is executed with a downward strike.
Gripping is spiral grip, illustrated on the right.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Movements 6, 7, and 8 are included within Movement 8.
7. Step Back and Draw Back Sword
I break down this movement into 2 Steps:
- Step Back Left Foot and Raise Sword
- Draw Back Sword in Empty Stance
The key technique is Chou (抽) – draw, take back or pull back in a non-horizontal way
This technique is a defensive action. It involves retracting and bending the elbow joint while applying force to the sword blade. The sword blade is drawn back from front to rear or side to side.
Gripping is spiral grip, illustrated on the right.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Movements 6, 7, and 8 are included within Movement 8.
8. Stand on One Leg and Thrust Upward
I break down this movement into 2 steps:
- Turn the Body and Step Right Foot Forward
- Raise Left Knee and Thrust Sword Upward
The key technique is Ci (刺) – Thrust
This is an offensive technique. It involves using the legs, waist, and arms to generate force, directing energy to the sword tip to thrust directly into the opponent’s vital areas.
Gripping is spiral grip, illustrated on the right.
Step-by-Step Instructions