54 Movements This form seems to have been developed by Chen Mei Wing, the senior student of Yang Chen Fu. It is a lovely form consisting of 54 moves (people count movements differently, so it may vary). The double edge sword or Jian is a subtle weapon. It is often thought of as dragon energy, being curvy and wavy and soft. Women excel with this weapon as it is much lighter then the saber or spear. Many of the great sword players have been and are women. Like all Tai Chi forms, each instructor takes this form and expresses his or her own ideas about what constitutes correct play in our art. For some, the sword is quite soft, flowing and round. For others, explosive energy may be expressed with changes in timing and pace. I think that the weapons lend themselves to more self expression then the solo form. I personally do not allow myself to change levels (I never stand up) when doing the solo form, yet in sword work, I use all levels, frequently changing. I like the drama of sword play and its practice teaches the extension of energy. Once a weapon, especially the sword or spear, is learned, one’s solo form will never be the same. Energy freely extends beyond the hands and feet.