【前言】

42式太極劍套路分四段42個動作，演練時間為3至4分鐘。其中包括十八種不同劍法，五種不同步型，三種不同組別的平衡，三種腿法和三個不同的發勁動作。

這套太極劍是國家體委武術研究院於20世紀90年代初組織國內武術名家以「繼承、發展、創新」為目的，以「傳統性、科學性、健身性、競賽性」為原則進行創編的。42式太極劍既保留了傳統太極劍的風格特點，又有所創新；不僅內容充實，動作規範，結構嚴謹，編排新穎，布局合理，而且動作數量、組別和時間等都符合競賽規則的要求，目前已成為國內外武術比賽的項目之一。

Preface

42-form Tai Chi Sword is divided into 4 groups﹐including 42 movements﹐taking 3 to 4 minutes to complete. There are 18 sword strokes﹐5 step forms﹐3 stances﹐3 leg movements and 3 force-launching actions involved in this form. Supported by the Wushu Institution of the Chinese Sports Committee﹐this set of Tai Chi Sword was created at the beginning of 90s in 20th century by famous Wushu experts for the purpose of inheriting﹐ developing and innovating traditional Wushu culture. It follows the principle of inheriting tradition﹐complying with science﹐benefiting health and also suitable for competition. The 42- form Tai Chi Sword has retained the styles and features of traditional Tai Chi sword as well as gained new characteristics. It has rich content﹐standardized action﹐sound structure﹐original arrangement and rational layout. The number of movements﹐groups and the time it takes are all compliant with the requirements of competitions. Thus﹐it now has become an event in both national and international Wushu games.