Sword

The sword form is very dynamic. This is not something that is expressed externally but comes from correct internal practice. Just as in the short form or any t'ai chi form, the movements originate in practice from the foot and are directed by the waist and expressed through the hands. When holding a sword there is a further extension to the flow of movement.

At the beginning the movement is loose. It is only as the dynamic force passes through the body that gradually the bones are drawn out and, in the final position of a posture, reach their greatest extension. In this way the body becomes quite stretched but not with the idea of stretching. It is a result of allowing the dynamic movement of the t'ai chi force to pass through the body and express through the sword.

Remember to relax the neck and shoulders.
Many postures have the sword held high and the shoulders will lift if you are not careful to develop a habit to relax and loosen them before moving from low to high. This mistake will bring the ch'i up.