The weapons forms of Chenstyle Taijiquan preserve the historic martial heritage of the art. At the time of the art's formulation, modern projectile weapons were unknown on the battlefield in China. Armies and individuals defended their lives with traditional bladed weapons, sticks, and poles.

The forms found in Chenstyle Taijiquan utilize the movement principles found in the barehand forms. Today, weapons routines are practiced as training aids to help develop intent, fa jin, footwork, timing and coordination, and whole-body strength.