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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

20. Shoot the Wild Goose
21. White Ape Devotes Fruit
22. Brush Dust Against the Wind – right
23. Brush Dust Against the Wind – left
24. Brush Dust Against the Wind – right
25. Push the Boat with the Current
26. Meteor Runs After Moon
27. Heavenly Steed Soars Across the Sky
    

    Fourth Stage

28. Lift the Curtain
29. Left Wheel
30. Right Wheel
31. Great Roc Spreads its Wings
32. Yellow Bee Returns to Nest
33. Embrace the Moon
34. Winds Sweeps the Plum Blossoms
35. Compass Needle to the South
    

    Closing Form

More on the Tai Chi Sword Form from Peter Lim.