32-Form Taiji Straight Sword
三十二式太极剑
A standardised form with the straight jian sword, compiled as the weapon counterpart to the simplified 24-form. The most widespread tai chi weapon form.
Quick Facts
About this Form
The jian is a straight double-edged sword and in Chinese tradition counts as the weapon of the scholar rather than the soldier — light, precise, led from the point rather than the edge. The 32-form arose from the same impulse as the simplified 24: to give people a shorter, learnable version of the traditional sword forms, which run to fifty movements and more. It follows the Yang sword tradition, takes about four minutes, and is by far the most practised tai chi weapon form in the world. Technically it adds two things to empty-hand work. First the wrist: the sword is led by small movements of fingers and wrist rather than the arm, and more than ten ways of directing the blade are distinguished — thrust, cut, deflect, circle. Second the free hand, which holds the so-called sword fingers and serves for balance and for indicating direction. Mismatch between the hands is the commonest beginner's error. It is practised with a wooden or unsharpened metal sword; length is chosen by build — with the arm hanging, the pommel should reach the ear.