Form is not kata

It is important not to think of tai chi form in terms of external kata.

External martial arts students learn kata in order to train specific insights and skills. Learning the kata is a way of gaining a thorough, well-rounded sense of the art. Each kata is different and necessary - it imparts a new lesson - and adds another piece to the whole.

However, kata and form are ultimately not the same thing. Form teaches 'a way of moving'. A style of using your body. A habit.

A kata is considered 'correct' if it looks accurate and crisp. This is not the case with a tai chi form. A form must be performed in a relaxed manner, with attention to how the power is being generated. Every movement must contain peng, and would be completely useless without it. A comprehensive understanding of how to apply every nuance of form is necessary for true understanding.

You do not need to learn several forms. All of the lessons and skills are contained in the one sequence.