Following the creation of 42-Step Taijiquan, the Chinese Martial Arts Research Institute organized experts to create a Taiji sword competition form, which was completed in 1991 as 42-Step Taiji Sword [The sword or jian 剑 is a double-edged sword with a tassel attached to its handle.] As a standard competition form, 42-Step Taiji Sword meets all martial arts competition requirements in terms of specifications, number of movements, degree of difficulty and length of time. Original in design and composition, 42-Step Taiji Sword incorporates the cream of Yang-style, Wu (吴)-style, Chen-style and other styles of Taiji sword as well as Wudang Taiji Sword. It also contributes to the traditional spirit of Taiji Sword through gentle, slow and flowing movements that embody stillness in motion (dong zhong yu jing 动中寓静), hardness in gentleness (gangrou xiangji 刚柔相济) and emphasize the use of mind (yi 意) over physical power( li 力 ). The whole set of 42 steps contains 22 kinds of sword techniques, l0 kinds of stances, three ways of exerting power and many kinds of footwork and balanced postures -- all arranged in a way that not only makes the form suitable for those interested in athletic competition but also enjoyable for those interested in it as an exercise for general physical fitness. The 42-Step Taiji Sword has been widely welcomed by all Taiji Sword practitioners.
