The footwork in the 32 Sword Routine is not particularly complex. Most of it has already been introduced in the 24-Movement Tai Chi Routine, with the exception of the half-sitting stance and the T-stance. Let’s take a moment to review or preview all the essential footwork required for the sword routine.
Open Stance (开立步)
This stance involves standing with both feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider (still less than horse stance), with the toes pointing forward or slightly outward. The body weight is evenly distributed between both legs, and the knees are slightly bent to maintain stability. This stance serves as a neutral or preparatory position, providing a stable base for transitioning into other stances or movements.
Key Points: The weight should be evenly distributed between both legs.
Bow Stance (弓步):
The front foot points forward, with the whole foot flat on the ground. The knee is bent slightly into a half-squat, and the thigh is almost level with the ground, while the knee is roughly aligned vertically with the toes. The back leg remains straight with the toes angled, and the entire foot is also flat on the ground. The feet should be apart laterally. Knees are slightly bent, not locked. Maintain an upright posture with relaxed shoulders.
Key Points: The front knee should not extend past the toes. The back leg should be naturally straight, and the feet should not be on a single straight line.
Half Sitting Stance (半歇步)
In the Half Sitting Stance, one leg bears most of the body’s weight, with that knee bent deeply in a half-squat position. The other leg is extended to the side, with the foot flat on the ground and the knee slightly bent. The feet are wider apart than shoulder-width, and the body remains upright with a slight inclination towards the weighted leg.
Key Points: The weight-bearing leg is bent in a deep half-squat (shown in the left) ， not full squat (shown in the right). The extended leg is positioned to the side, with the foot flat and the knee slightly bent. Keep the feet wider than shoulder-width apart. Maintain an upright posture and ensure balance by slightly leaning toward the supporting leg.
Empty Stance (虚步）:
In the Empty Stance, the back foot points forward at a 45-degree angle, with the knee slightly bent in a squat, and the whole foot touching the ground. The other leg is slightly bent, with either the ball of the foot or the heel lightly touching the ground.
Key Points: The back heel should remain grounded, and the entire foot should touch the ground. The other leg should not be fully straightened, and the knee should remain slightly bent.
T-Stance （丁字步）:
One leg bends into a half-squat with the whole foot flat on the ground, while the other leg is also bent, with the ball of the foot or the toes lightly touching the ground.
Key Points: The lateral distance between the feet should not be too wide, and there should be a clear distinction between substantial (weight-bearing) and insubstantial (non-weight-bearing) legs.
Single-Leg Stance （独立步）:
One leg stands naturally straight to support the body steadily, while the other leg is lifted in front of or to the side of the body with a bent knee, raised above the waist, and the lower leg hanging naturally.
Key Points: The supporting leg should be naturally straight, and the toes of the supporting foot should exert a downward grip on the ground.
