With its emphasis on promoting good health, Tai Chi is one of the fastest growing martial arts styles. It is now common to see groups of people performing these exercises in city parks across the United States and Europe. An interest in the use of swords in Tai Chi is the most remarkable trend to develop out of the form"s growing popularity. As with other Tai Chi Chuan exercise programs, the use of the sword is a form of meditation in motion based on an inner energy known as chi. In Classical T'ai Chi Sword, a martial arts master teaches the 50 basic positions of the Tai Chi sword. Easy-to-use diagrams, charts, and over 100 black and white photographs illustrate each position and the thirteen basic sword techniques. Practice exercises for both solo and partner forms teach inner harmony and self-defense.