This is my go to book if I need to refresh/confirm my 42 or 42 sword form. Personally I think it is a must have book for every Tai Chi practitioner.

This book was published by 北京体育大学出版社 (Beijing Sport University Press), and approved by 中国武术研究院 (Chinese Wushu Research Institute) and 中国武术协会 (Chinese Wushu Association).

The following team members were contributing to the book: Men Huifeng, Ji Yue'e, Zhang Shan, Li Tianji, Li Deyin, Zhang Jixiu, Li Bingci, Hui Nailiang and Que Kanfan

Summary of the Book

This book is an official instructional manual on the 42-Form Taijiquan and the 42-Form Taiji Sword (剑), both of which were created in the late 1980s to serve as standardized competition routines.

• Purpose:

  • To provide a unified competition form for Taijiquan and Taiji Sword at national and international wushu events.

  • To blend techniques from the four major Taiji styles (Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun) into a balanced routine.

• Content:

  1. Detailed Step-by-Step Descriptions of the 42 Taijiquan movements (拳) and 42 Taiji Sword movements (剑).

  2. Illustrations & Diagrams showing postures, transitions, and hand/foot placements.

  3. Technical Principles – requirements for posture, balance, breathing, and body alignment.

  4. Competition Rules – judging standards, scoring criteria, time limits, deductions, and performance guidelines for tournaments.

  5. Training Guidance – advice for learning, memorizing, and refining the forms.

• Significance:

  • These routines became the official international competition standard for Taijiquan and Taiji Sword.

  • They helped promote Taiji as both a martial art and a sport suitable for performance, competition, and fitness.

📖 In short, the book is both a teaching manual and an official rulebook, guiding practitioners, judges, and athletes in learning and competing with the 42-style Taiji forms.