Tai Chi sword 13 techniques

Answer-First: The 13 Tai Chi sword techniques are Ci (刺/Thrust), Dian (点/Point), Pi (劈/Chop), Liao (撩/Lift), Gua (挂/Hook), Mo (抹/Wipe), Lan (拦/Block), Jie (截/Intercept), Chuan (穿/Pierce), Tiao (挑/Raise), Tui (推/Push), Beng (崩/Flick), and Jiao (绞/Twist). Each technique has distinct martial applications that form the foundation of all Tai Chi sword practice.

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What Are the 13 Tai Chi Sword Techniques (Overview)

The 13 techniques of Tai Chi sword are the core movements that define this art. Every form, every drill, every application — they all trace back to these thirteen fundamentals.

I still remember my first lesson with Master Chen at the park near Temple of Heaven in Beijing. He’d been teaching for forty years, and he said the same thing to every new student: “Thirteen techniques, infinite applications.” Back then I nodded like I understood. I didn’t. It took about three years before it clicked — every movement in the 32-posture form, the 54-posture form, even the traditional 55-posture form, is just a different combination of these same thirteen building blocks.

The 13 techniques break down into two main categories:

• Basic blade actions (Pi, Liao, Gua, Mo, Jie, Beng, Jiao) — These use the edge, flat, or tip of the blade in cutting, deflecting, or rotating motions.
• Thrusting and point actions (Ci, Dian, Chuan, Tiao, Tui) — These direct the sword tip toward specific targets with precision.
• Defensive actions (Lan) — Blocks and intercepts that protect your centerline.

Here’s the thing — once you genuinely understand all 13, you stop feeling lost. You can respond to any attack angle without panicking. And most importantly, you finally understand why each form movement exists instead of just copying shapes.

If you’re just starting out, our 30-day beginner plan walks through these techniques in a structured order.

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Thrust (Ci) — 刺剑

Chinese: 刺剑 (Cì Jiàn)	Category: Thrusting/Point Action

Basic Movement Description

Ci is the most fundamental technique in Tai Chi sword — and the one you’ll use most often. The sword extends forward in a straight line, blade edge held vertically. Your weight shifts onto the front foot as the sword arm extends fully. The rear hand (jianjue, or “sword fingers”) stays near your hip for balance.

The power for Ci comes from the back leg pushing through the hip. Not from the arm. I learned this the hard way. When I started, I was trying to “stab” with arm strength. My teacher just shook his head. The correct method uses your whole body — leg, waist, shoulder, arm, wrist — one connected chain. When you feel it click, it’s surprising how little effort it takes.

Martial Application

Ci targets the opponent’s center mass — throat, chest, or abdomen. In application, you thrust the moment your opponent leaves an opening. The vertical blade edge lets the thrust slide between ribs or defenses.

In partner practice, Ci almost always follows a deflection. You intercept the opponent’s weapon, their center is exposed, and you extend straight in. It works at multiple heights: high thrust to the throat, middle to the chest, low to the abdomen. Master Chen drilled us on all three until we could switch without thinking.

Common Mistakes

• Overextending the arm — Locking the elbow puts you off-balance. Keep a slight bend even at full extension.
• Twisting the blade — The blade must stay vertical. Any rotation weakens the thrust.
• Dropping the rear hand — The jianjue hand gives you counterbalance. Letting it drift forward destroys your structure.

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Point (Dian) — 点剑

Chinese: 点剑 (Diǎn Jiàn)	Category: Thrusting/Point Action

Basic Movement Description

Dian is a downward strike using the sword tip. Unlike Ci, which drives forward, Dian brings the tip down from above in a quick, controlled tap. The wrist flicks downward while the elbow stays relatively stable. Short, sharp, precise.

Think of tapping a nail with a hammer — that’s the quality of Dian. Quick, direct, controlled. The blade angle is roughly 45 degrees downward. I used to practice by hanging a towel from a string and tapping the same spot repeatedly. Took weeks before I could hit it consistently.

Martial Application

Dian targets the opponent’s wrist, hand, or top of the forearm. In a real sword engagement, controlling the weapon hand is often more effective than attacking the body. A well-placed Dian can disarm entirely.

In practice, Dian usually follows a block or intercept. You deflect the opponent’s blade upward, then drop your tip onto their wrist. I saw Master Chen demonstrate this once — one quick Dian to an overeager student’s wrist and the kid dropped his sword.

Common Mistakes

• Using too much force — Dian is about precision, not power. Too much force makes it slow.
• Moving the elbow too much — Power comes from the wrist, not arm swing.
• Aiming at the body — Dian targets wrist and hand, not the torso.

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Chop (Pi) — 劈剑

Chinese: 劈剑 (Pī Jiàn)	Category: Basic Blade Action

Basic Movement Description

Pi is a downward cutting motion using the blade edge. The sword travels in a downward arc, usually from above the head or shoulder toward the target. The blade edge faces downward throughout. Your body sinks slightly, adding gravity-assisted power.

The motion resembles splitting wood with an axe — hence the name “chop.” But the blade should travel in a smooth arc. Let the weight of the sword do the work. I learned this during heavy practice with a steel sword. My arms were exhausted, but Pi was still effective because the sword’s own weight did the cutting.

Martial Application

Pi targets the opponent’s head, shoulder, or weapon arm. A Pi can split an opponent’s guard or chop at their hand to force them to release their grip.

In form practice, Pi often appears after a raising motion. The downward chop creates the natural rhythm of rise and fall that defines Tai Chi sword. In partner drills, Pi is met with a block, intercept, or evasion — never force against force. I tried meeting a Pi head-on once. Didn’t go well.

Common Mistakes

• Chopping too deeply — Overcommitting leaves you exposed. Stay controlled.
• Using the flat of the blade — Only the edge should make contact.
• Raising the shoulder — Tension disconnects the chop from body power. Keep it relaxed.

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Lift (Liao) — 撩剑

Chinese: 撩剑 (Liāo Jiàn)	Category: Basic Blade Action

Basic Movement Description

Liao is an upward cutting or lifting motion using the blade edge. The sword travels upward from below waist level toward the opponent’s body or weapon arm. The blade edge faces upward or outward.

The motion starts from a lowered position, often after a deflection. Your wrist rotates as the blade rises, making sure the edge leads. Liao follows naturally from many defensive positions, which is why it’s one of the most common transitional techniques.

Martial Application

Liao targets the lower body — groin, inner thigh — or rises to cut the abdomen and chest. Most people guard high in sword combat. Liao exploits this by striking upward from below.

In application, Liao often follows Gua (hook) or Lan (block). You deflect downward, then immediately reverse and lift upward along the open centerline. This continuous flow from defense to offense is what Tai Chi sword is famous for.

Common Mistakes

• Lifting the elbow — Keep it low and connected to the body.
• Reversing the edge angle — The edge must lead the upward motion.
• Overextending sideways — Liao should rise toward the target, not swing out.

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Hook (Gua) — 挂剑

Chinese: 挂剑 (Guà Jiàn)	Category: Basic Blade Action

Basic Movement Description

Gua is a hooking deflection where the blade redirects an incoming attack downward and away. The sword moves in a downward-curving arc, using the flat or edge to guide the opponent’s weapon aside.

Think of Gua as drawing a “J” shape in the air with your sword tip. The key is to meet the opponent’s blade at an angle. Never head-on. I spent six months doing this wrong — trying to “catch” the blade like a baseball glove. Master Chen finally grabbed my wrist and said, “You’re fighting the sword. Stop fighting the sword.”

Martial Application

Gua is defensive, used against downward strikes or thrusts to your upper body. By hooking the opponent’s blade downward, you open their centerline for an immediate counter.

Timing is everything. Too early, and they change direction. Too late, and you’re hit. The ideal moment is when their commitment is complete but before their blade reaches you. This “split-second timing” (火候, huohou) is what makes Gua hard to master.

Common Mistakes

• Blocking instead of deflecting — Gua redirects force; it doesn’t stop it.
• Moving only the arm — This needs whole-body movement.
• Deflecting too far — A small, precise Gua is more effective than a big dramatic one.

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Wipe (Mo) — 抹剑

Chinese: 抹剑 (Mǒ Jiàn)	Category: Basic Blade Action

Basic Movement Description

Mo is a horizontal wiping motion using the blade edge. The sword travels in a horizontal arc from one side of the body to the other at waist or chest height. The blade stays roughly parallel to the ground.

The motion is smooth and continuous, like wiping a table. Mo needs a relaxed wrist and fluid arm movement. The power comes from waist rotation. If your arms are doing all the work, your shoulders will complain.

Martial Application

Mo targets the opponent’s waist, ribs, or side of the neck. It’s particularly effective after closing distance following a deflection. Mo also works as a transitional technique — changing direction to attack from a new angle and keep your opponent off-balance.

Common Mistakes

• Dropping the wrist — The blade must stay level.
• Using only arm movement — Without waist rotation, Mo is just a weak arm wave.
• Moving too fast — Mo should be smooth. Rushing creates defensive gaps.

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Block (Lan) — 拦剑

Chinese: 拦剑 (Lán Jiàn)	Category: Defensive Action

Basic Movement Description

Lan is a blocking technique where the blade intercepts an incoming attack horizontally. The sword moves across your body to create a barrier. The flat or edge faces the incoming strike.

There are two variations: left Lan and right Lan, depending on attack direction. Both involve the sword traveling in a horizontal arc across your body, meeting the attack at a perpendicular angle.

Martial Application

Lan is your defense against horizontal attacks to your waist, chest, or neck. You place your blade in the attack’s path, redirecting the force sideways.

In partner practice, use minimal force. The goal isn’t to smash their blade away — you’re gently guiding it off your centerline. After a successful Lan, immediately counter through the opening. The best Lan counters look effortless: the opponent attacks, their blade redirects, and there’s a tip at their chest before they realize it.

Common Mistakes

• Blocking too hard — Excessive force creates openings. Stay soft.
• Exposing the wrist — Keep it protected behind the blade.
• Standing too upright — Sink your weight slightly. A rigid posture makes you an easy target.

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Intercept (Jie) — 截剑

Chinese: 截剑 (Jié Jiàn)	Category: Defensive Action

Basic Movement Description

Jie is an intercepting technique where you cut into the opponent’s attack before it fully develops. Unlike Lan, which blocks after the attack has traveled, Jie meets it early — ideally at the source.

The movement is short, direct, aggressive. Jie requires reading your opponent’s intent before they commit. Your sword travels in a straight or slightly curved line to interrupt their attack. This is advanced. Don’t expect to get it right in your first year.

Martial Application

Jie targets the weapon hand or forearm. The logic is simple: if they can’t hold their weapon, they can’t hurt you. In traditional combat, disabling the weapon hand was often preferred over body attacks.

You use Jie when you see an attack developing and choose to shut it down rather than wait to deflect. This “attack the attack” approach takes timing and courage. I remember my first successful Jie — my partner was mid-swing, I cut across his forearm line, and his attack just stopped. Felt like magic. It was just timing.

Common Mistakes

• Timing too late — Wait too long and it becomes a block, not an intercept.
• Committing too much — A failed Jie leaves you exposed. Keep it controlled.
• Targeting the blade instead of the hand — Aim for the hand or wrist.

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Pierce (Chuan) — 穿剑

Chinese: 穿剑 (Chuān Jiàn)	Category: Thrusting/Point Action

Basic Movement Description

Chuan is a piercing motion where the sword tip travels in a straight line through a small opening. Unlike Ci, Chuan involves threading the blade through a narrow gap — between the opponent’s arm and body, under their weapon, or through their guard.

The movement requires precise blade control. The sword must travel in a perfectly straight line with minimal deviation. Think of threading a needle. Now imagine the needle is three feet long. That’s Chuan.

Martial Application

Chuan is used when the opponent leaves a small opening that a standard thrust can’t exploit. Openings in close-quarters are narrow and fleeting. Chuan threads through them like a needle through fabric.

In form practice, Chuan often appears after circular movements. The circle draws their guard one way; Chuan exploits the gap on the other side. This circular-to-linear combination is a hallmark of advanced Tai Chi sword. Took me two years to execute Chuan smoothly without wobbling.

Common Mistakes

• Wobbling the blade — Chuan needs a stable, straight path.
• Forcing through resistance — If the opening closes, withdraw and find another.
• Neglecting body movement — Chuan requires whole-body coordination.

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Raise (Tiao) — 挑剑

Chinese: 挑剑 (Tiǎo Jiàn)	Category: Thrusting/Point Action

Basic Movement Description

Tiao is a raising motion where the blade lifts upward from below, flat facing upward. The sword travels in an upward arc, using the flat to lift and redirect the opponent’s weapon or strike upward at their body.

The wrist action is like scooping upward — a combination of lift and slight forward extension. The blade angle changes during the movement, starting flat and tilting upward as it completes.

Martial Application

Tiao has two uses: lifting the opponent’s weapon to create an opening, and striking upward at the chin, throat, or underside of the wrist. In partner practice, Tiao is often used against low attacks — you meet the blade from below and lift it upward, redirecting their force skyward. Gravity helps. Use it.

Common Mistakes

• Using the edge incorrectly — Use the flat for lifting, not the edge.
• Raising the shoulder — Keep it down and relaxed.
• Overextending upward — Reaching too high exposes your centerline.

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Push (Tui) — 推剑

Chinese: 推剑 (Tuī Jiàn)	Category: Thrusting/Point Action

Basic Movement Description

Tui is a pushing motion where the blade presses against the opponent’s weapon or body. Unlike Ci’s sharp thrust, Tui uses pressure and control. The blade moves forward, but the intent is to push and unbalance, not pierce.

The movement is slow, controlled, heavy. Imagine pushing a heavy door open with your sword — that’s Tui. Your weight shifts forward and your rear hand adds coordinated power.

Martial Application

Tui controls distance and unbalances your opponent. Push against their blade to force them backward. Push against their body to create distance for a follow-up.

In push-hands style practice, Tui develops ting jin — listening energy. You push against your partner’s blade, feeling their resistance, then increase pressure or suddenly release. I find Tui boring alone but fascinating with a good partner. The feedback between two people is where it comes alive.

Common Mistakes

• Trying to cut instead of push — The intent is pressure, not slicing.
• Using arm strength only — Push from the legs and waist.
• Losing contact — A push that loses contact becomes a thrust.

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Flick (Beng) — 崩剑

Chinese: 崩剑 (Bēng Jiàn)	Category: Basic Blade Action

Basic Movement Description

Beng is a flicking motion where the blade tip snaps upward or outward in a quick, whip-like action. The blade starts close to the body; the wrist flicks outward to send the tip snapping toward the target.

The power comes from sudden release of stored tension. Think of a spring uncoiling — that’s Beng. You gather slightly, loading energy, then release in a sharp, explosive motion. Short, fast, surprising.

Martial Application

Beng targets the wrist, hand, or forearm from close distance. It’s used in tight quarters where there’s no room for a full thrust or cut. The snapping motion strikes from awkward angles where other techniques won’t work.

Beng often appears as a surprise counter. The opponent thinks they’ve closed the distance to shut you down, and Beng proves them wrong. I’ve seen Beng end sparring matches in one move. Not because it’s powerful — because it’s unexpected.

Common Mistakes

• Using too much arm — Beng is a wrist technique. The arm stays stable.
• Telegraphing — Big preparatory movements give away your intent.
• Following through too far — Beng is short-range. Overextension exposes you.

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Twist (Jiao) — 绞剑

Chinese: 绞剑 (Jiǎo Jiàn)	Category: Basic Blade Action

Basic Movement Description

Jiao is a twisting or coiling motion where the blade rotates around an axis — the opponent’s weapon or your centerline. The sword tip draws a circular path while the handle stays stable, creating a spiraling action.

The movement combines wrist rotation with subtle body turning. The blade spirals around a central point, wrapping around the opponent’s blade to control it or creating a defensive barrier. Of all 13 techniques, Jiao requires the most wrist flexibility.

Martial Application

Jiao binds, controls, or disarms. By wrapping your blade around theirs in a spiral, you can lever their weapon offline or twist it from their grip. The spiraling motion generates torque that’s difficult to resist.

Jiao is particularly effective against straight, direct attacks — the spiral redirects linear force at an angle. I spent a full year drilling Jiao with a partner before it felt natural. Be patient with this one.

Common Mistakes

• Rotating too loosely — The spiral needs structure.
• Losing center connection — The handle should stay near your centerline.
• Going too fast — Jiao should be smooth. Rushing causes loss of contact.

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Explore More Tai Chi Sword Guides

Ready to deepen your tai chi sword practice? Browse our tai chi sword buying guide for a complete checklist before you purchase, find the right blade length with our tai chi sword size chart, and learn proper care with our tai chi sword care guide.

New to the sword? Start with our tai chi sword for beginners guide and discover the best tai chi sword picks across all weight categories. You can also explore types of tai chi swords to understand how materials affect weight and balance.

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Bottom Line

The 13 Tai Chi sword techniques aren’t abstract theory — they’re practical tools forming the complete vocabulary of this art. Every movement in any Tai Chi sword form traces back to these thirteen fundamentals.

I wasted years practicing forms without understanding the underlying techniques. Once I studied the 13 fundamentals systematically, everything changed. Movements that seemed decorative suddenly had martial purpose. My transitions connected. Partner practice made sense.

Start with Ci. Master one technique before rushing to the next. Combine gradually. Test with partners when ready. Nobody cares how many techniques you know. They care whether you can actually do any of them.

The 13 techniques have been passed down for generations for a reason. They work. Your job is to practice with sincerity and patience.

Ready to begin? A quality sword is essential. The ICNBUYS Tai Chi Sword on Amazon features the balance, weight, and craftsmanship needed for serious 13-technique practice. Each sword is handcrafted with traditional methods.

For more guidance, visit our guides on how to choose a Tai Chi sword and the best Tai Chi sword brands. Explore different Tai Chi sword styles to find your tradition, and learn proper sword maintenance to keep your weapon in peak condition.

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