After gaining confidence and skill with bare hand forms and pushing hands the next traditional step is to learn the Tai Chi sword.
The spirit of the sword form is that of water and of the phoenix. It flows like water and has the elegance and poise of the phoenix. The movements are as precise as the acupuncturist's needle and have a special quality in their grace and flow.
The Tai chi sword form has all of the benefits of Tai Chi but force the student to develop a higher level of physical strength and learn how to extend their Chi further.