1.

Opening Posture of Taijiquan

Variations of names for this movement include: WuJi, Standing Quietly, Reconnecting with Oneness and Emptiness, Quiet Standing Mediation
Beginning, Commencement, Starting Posture, Commencing (Qishi), Taijiquan Opening Movement, and :Yu Bei:PreparationForm.



Face N 12 (1a) . For an explanation of the directional scheme used in Cloud Hands webpages, please see below.
Stand at attention for awhile. In Taiji and Qigong, standing quietly in a meditative posture for awhile is the first phase.Relax (Sung).Shouldersaredown,
hands relaxed and gently touching the side of leg, and head is erect. This is the phase of WuJi (empty state), or standing like a tree (Zhan Zhuang), and
Reconnecting with Oneness and Emptiness. Breathe easily and comfortably.
Sink weight into right leg, and then step out to the left to shoulder width (1b).
Gently raise both arms up (1c), palms facing down, to about shoulder height (1d).
Lower both arms, palms down, to Dan Tien height, and lower knees (1e). The lower Dan Tien is a sphere of energy located a few inches behind and below
the level of the navel or belly button; the middle Dan Tien is located in the heart area, and the upper Dan Tien is located behind the eyes in the brain. The
most important for Taijiquan is the lower Dan Tien.PractitionersofKundaliniYogamightconsidercorrespondencesofthe3rdChakra (Manipurna)
[Power, Will] with the Lower Dan Tien, the 4th Chakra (Anahata) [Compassion, Love] with the Middle Dan Tien, and the 6th Chakra (Aina) [Intuition,
Vision, 6th Sense] with the Upper Dan Tien.TheChineseenergeticsystemisquitedifferentfromtheIndianenergeticsystem,socorrespondencesareweak
in this case.
This is movement often called "Raising Hands and Lowering Hands."
Breathe normally as you stand, relax, and center in position 1a. Breathe in through nose, and out through the nose. Slow the respiration rate to inhaling for
4-5 seconds, holding the full in-breath for 1-2 seconds, exhaling slowly for 4 to 5 seconds, pausing 1-2 seconds before beginning the yin/yang cycle of
breathing again. Breathe in at 1a, breathe out as you step to 1b.
Breathe in as arms float up 1b-1c, and breathe out as arms float down (1d-1e).


(1a)(1c-1d)


Here is a description of the beginning of the Opening Posture of Taijiquan (#1, 1b) from the book Traditional Chen Style Taijiquan by Fan Chun-Lei and A.
Frank Shiery, p.37:
"1.PreliminaryStance:Standnaturallyuprightwiththefeetplacedshoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly inward, and arms hanging naturally at the
side.Thebodyshouldbekeptuprightwiththeshouldersrelaxed,eyesslightlyclosedandbreathingnaturally.Thebodyshouldfacenorth.Themind
should remain empty, calmand clear. This is the state of WuJi, (Negative Terminus in Taoist Teaching).
2.CommencingForm:Thebodyshouldexhibitbeingrelaxedexternallywhilesolidwithin.Theheadisheldnaturallyerectasifpulledupwardbyan
invisible string. Close the lips slightly with the tongue touching the upper palate. The toes firmly grasp the ground with Yongquan point pulled upward.
The eyes are looking straight ahead with the chin drawn slightly inward. The hip is turned up and the coccyx turned back and upward with the waist directed
downwards.Thewholebodyshouldremainrelaxed.AmindstateofintentismaintainedwhilethevitalenergyflowsupwardfromtheDantian to the
Baihui point, while the turbid energy flows downward fromthe Dantian to the Yongquan point. During this time, the body exhibits no external movement.
Yin/Yang, for example, closing/opening, supple-firmand fast-slow are manifested internally, portraying the image of the Taiji, (Grand Terminus) (1b).
KeyPointstoRemember:Forthebeginner,theprimaryconcernshouldbetocleanse the mind and spirit of tension and anxiety, removing all negative
thoughts.Thisdevelopseven-temperedness and an alert mind for quick movement and response. Once this technique has been mastered, the practitioner can
begin to understand and practice Taijiquan more effectively."
-FanChun-Lei and A. Frank Shiery, Traditional Chen Style Taijiquan


2.Wild Horse Shakes Its Mane

Variations of names for this movement include: Parting the Wild Horse's Mane, Wild Horse Waves His Mane, and :Ye Ma Fen Zong:Parting
the Wild Horse's Mane.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 in Movement #2. Part the Wild Mustang's Mane Three Times: 1. To the left side
(2e), 2. To the right side (2j), and 3. To the left side (2o). Please study the recommended online videos to see how the series of postures in this particular
movement are performed.
When performing the short form, players should: move slowly, move continuously, keep the movements rounded, move without great effort, relax, keep the
head up,lettheminddirectthemovements,don'tbounce,andmaintainanuprightposture.Breatheinthroughthenoseandoutthroughthemouth,breathe
deeply and regularly, breathe in when pulling back or reaching up, and breathe out when going forward or reaching down. All the basic principles found in
the T'ai Chi Ch'uan Classics should be followed when doing the Beijing simplified Taijiquan form.




Gently rise up to normal height (2a). Circle right armcounter-clockwise up to chest height, with the palm facing down. Draw left armto waist, with the
palmfacing up (2a). Imagine holding a ball between the two hands. Turn the waist to NE1 (2b). Draw the left foot to the side of the right foot (2b). Hold
Tai Chi "energy ball" with right hand, palmdown, at chest height; and left hand below, palmup, at Dan Tien height (2b). Relax and gently inhale.
"Part Wild Horse's Mane to the Left" by stepping diagonally with the left leg (2d), bring left hand out, palmup, to about chest height (2e). Exhale as the left
armextends. Left elbow is slightly bent. Right hand moves down to right hip (2e), with the right palmdown. End with chest facing W9, left hand to SW7.
Left bow stance with 60% of weight in forward left leg (2e), left knee bent; and, 40% of weight in rear right leg, with leg bend. Head upright. Shoulders
down.
"Part Wild Horse's Mane to the Right" by first drawing the weight back into the right leg, pivot on left heel (2f), drawing the left hand back as the torso turns
to face SW7 (2g). Step forward with the right foot to side of left foot (2g). Step out the right leg to the diagonal (2i). Exhale as the right armextends (2i).
Right elbow is slightly bent. Left hand moves down to left hip (2j), with the left palmdown. End with chest facing W9, left hand to NW11. Right bow
stance with 60% of weight in forward right leg (2j), right knee bent; and, 40% of weight in rear left leg, with leg bend. Head upright. Shoulders down.
"Part Wild Horse's Mane to the Left" by first drawing the weight back into the left leg, pivot on left heel (2k), drawing the right hand back as the torso turns
to face SW7 (2k). Step forward with the left foot to side of right foot (2l). Step out the left leg to the diagonal (2m). Exhale as the left armextends (2n).
Left elbow is slightly bent. Right hand moves down to right hip (2o), with the right palmdown. End with chest facing W9, right hand to SW7(2o). Left
bow stance with 60% of weight in forward left leg (2o), left knee bent; and, 40% of weight in rear right leg, with right leg bend (2o). Head
upright.Shouldersdown.LooktowardsW9.

(2j)(2f)(2f)(2f)


3.White Crane Spreads Its Wings

Variations of names for this movement include: White Stork Spreading Its Wings, White Crane Lifts Its Wings, White Stork Cools Its Wings;
:Bai E Liang Chi.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 in Movement #3.



2o =3a. From3a draw the right foot forward a half step (3b). The right hand moves upward (3b) as the left hand moves downward (3b). Draw the left foot
backward (3c) as the right hand moves up and left hand moves down (3c). Finish (3d) with the right hand above the head and palmforward, in a left toe
stance with 90% of the body weight in the back right leg, and the left hand rests along left leg with palmdown. End with chest facing W9. Face to W9.
Relax and exhale as the weight settles down in the back right leg.
Notice how the body turns at the waist slightly to left SW7 (3b) and then to the right NW11 (3c) before it settles to face W9. This represents the subtle
internal rotation of the Dan Tien, a "silk reeling" movement, more pronounced in the Chen Style of Taijiquan than in Yang Style Taijiquan, but still present
in all styles of Taijiquan. Many movements in the 24 Form include this turning of the waist from side to side, and rotation of the Dan Tien.

(3d)(3d)(3d)


4.Brush Knee

Variations of names for this movement include: Twist Step, Brush Knee, Palm Strike; Brushing Your Knees and Stepping; Brush Knee and Twist Step; and
:Lou Xi Ao Bu : Brush Knee and Twist Step.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 in Movement #4. Please study the recommended online videos to see how the
series of postures in this particular movement are performed.





3d =4a. Brush left knee and right palmstrike (4a-4h).LeftKneeandpalmTwistStep(4b),turnbodyclockwise(4c-43), Brush Left Knee (4f), Right Palm
Forward Strike (4h). End with chest and face facing W9, look to W9 (4h). 4h =4i.
Brush right knee and left palmstrike (4i-4o).TwistStep(4j),turnbodycounter-clockwise (4k-4l), Brush Right Knee (4m), Left Palm Forward Strike(4o).
End with chest and face facing W9, look to W9 (4o). 4o =4p.
Twist Step, Brush Left Knee, Right Palm Forward Strike. End with chest facing W9.


(4n)(4o)(4u)(4u)


5.Playing the Lute

Variations of names for this movement include: Play the Guitar, Strumming the Lute, Hand-hold the Lute, Playing the Pipa, and :Shou Hui Pi
Pa : Hand Strums the Lute.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 in Movement #5.



4u =5a. End with chest facing W9, and look to W9.
Here is a description of Playing the Lute "Hand-hold the Lute" (#5, 5a-5d) fromthe book 'Tai Chi for Health: The 24 Simplified Forms" by Cheng Zhao and
Don Zhao, p.88:
"Form5resemblesapersonplayingalute,acommonmusicinstrumentinoldChina'stime.Itismoreaccuratetodescribeitashandsholdingthelute,
which is also a literal translation fromits counterpart in Chinese.
1.Shiftthebodyweightontotheleftleg(5a).Lifetherightfootandmoveitahalfstepforward,placingitbehindtheleftfoot(5b).
2.Lightlyshiftthebodycenterbacktositontherightleg(5c).Extendtheleftheelalittleforwardtouchingthefloorinanemptystance(5c-5d).Atthe
same time, rotate the waist slightly to the right (5b-5c), lift the left arm and hand upward to the nose level (5b-5c), lower the right hand to guard the inside of
the left elbow (5d)."
-Dr.ChengZhao


(5d)(5d)(5d)

Return to Index for SectionsorProceed to Second Section (Movements 6 - 9)



Second Section of Standard Simplified 24 Form Taijiquan (Yang Style)
Movements 6 - 9

6.Step Back and Repulse Monkey

Variations of names for this movement include: Fending Off the Monkey; Step Back to Drive the Monkey Away; Repulse Monkey and Step Back;
Step Back and Swirl Your Arms; Reverse Reeling Forearm(Daojuan Gong), Step Back and Drive Monkey Away, Repulse Monkey, :Dao Nian
Hou.
The Direction of Movement is reversed.MovebackwardinastraightlinefromW9inthedirectionofE3.Please study the recommended online videos to
see how the series of postures in this particular movement are performed.





6a =5d. Right leg and right twisting (reverse reeling forearm) armback, left armforward, step back with left leg (6d), exchange arms and move right palm
forward (6d-6e).
Left leg and leg twisting armback, right armforward, step back with right leg (6g), exchange arms and move left palm forward (6g-6h).6h=6i.
Right leg and right twisting arm back, left armforward, step back with left leg (6k), exchange arms and move right palm forward (6k-6l).
Left leg and leg twisting armback, right armforward, step back with right leg (6n), exchange arms and move left palm forward (6n-6o).

Here is a detailed description of how to performRepulse Monkey (#6, 6a-60) taken from the very useful narrative document by David Hann:
"RepulseMonkey(1):Turnyourrighthandpalmupandletitdropsothatyourarmmovesinanarc(6a-6b).Continuebringingyourrightarmbackuntil
your hand is level with your right shoulder (6c). Turn your left hand palmup and flat, parallel with the earth (6c). Notice that your torso is facing (6c) to the
side (N12) (the same direction as you face when you first begin, Raising the Chi (1a). Step back with the left foot (6d-6e),takingcaretomaintainyour
stance about a two fist width from your right foot, or about shoulder width. Now turn your torso to the left, bringing your right arm forward in a palmstrike
and your left armbackward as if grabbing an opponent's armand pulling (6d-63).Yourrightpalmwillnowbethemostadvancedhand(6e).
RepulseMonkey(2):Turnyourlefthandpalmupandletitdropsothatyourarmmovesinanarc(6e-6f).Continuebringingyourleftarmbackuntil
your hand is level with your left shoulder (6g). Turn your right hand palm up and flat, parallel with the earth (6f). Notice that your torso is facing to the
opposite side (S6). Step back with the right foot, taking care to maintain your stance about a two fist width fromyour left foot, or about shoulder width (6g-
6h).Nowturnyourtorsototheright,bringingyourleftarmforwardinapalmstrikeandyourrightarmbackwardasifgrabbinganopponent'sarmand
pulling (6h). Your left palmwill now be the most advanced hand (6h).
RepulseMonkey(3):Turnyourrighthandpalmupandletitdropsothatyourarmmovesinanarc(6i).Continuebringingyourrightarmbackuntilyour
hand is level with your right shoulder (6j). Turn your left hand palm up and flat, parallel with the earth (6j). Notice that your torso is facing (N12) to the side
(the same direction as you face when you first begin, Raising the Chi. Step back with the left foot, taking care to maintain your stance about a two fist width
from your right foot, or about shoulder width (6k-6l).Nowturnyourtorsototheleft,bringingyourrightarmforwardinapalmstrikeandyourleftarm
backward as if grabbing an opponent's armand pulling (6l). Your right palmwill now be the most advanced hand (6l).
RepulseMonkey(4):Turnyourlefthandpalmupandletitdropsothatyourarmmovesinanarc(6l-6m).Continuebringingyourleftarmbackuntil
your hand is level with your left shoulder (6m). Turn your right hand palmup and flat, parallel with the earth(6m). Notice that your torso is facing to the
opposite side (S6). Step back with the left foot, taking care to maintain your stance about a two fist width fromyour right foot, or about shoulder width (6n-
6o).Nowturnyourtorsototheright,bringingyourleftarmforwardinapalmstrikeandyourrightarmbackwardasifgrabbinganopponent'sarmand
pulling (6n-6o).Yourleftpalmwillnowbethemostadvancedhand(6o)."
-DavidHann,Yang Style Short Form Tai Chi


7.Grasping the Sparrow's Tail - Left

Variations of names for this movement include: Grasp the Sparrow's Tail, Grasping the Peacock's Tail, Grasp the Bird's Tail, Four Gates, Grasp the Sparrow's
Tail to the Left Side, Hold the Peacock's Tail, :Lan Que Wei Zou : Grasp the Bird's Tail Left.
"Grasping the Bird's Tail" is the most frequently occurring movement in the Yang Style Long 108 Form.Thismovementconsistsoffourparts:WardOff,
Roll Back, Press and Push.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 in Movement #7. Please study the recommended online videos to see how the
series of postures in this particular movement are performed.




7a =6o. Generally, one is moving in the direction of W9, to your left side, in Movement 7.
Here is a detailed description of how to performGrasping the Bird's Tail, Left Mode (#7, 7a-7m) taken fromthe book "Illustrations of Tai Chi Chuan
Simplified" by Y. W. Chong, pp. 27-31:
"1.Raisethelefthandarch-wise to the right (7a-7b) and stop it before the right side of the waist (7c). At the same time bend the right hand horizontally
before the chest as if grasping a ball with both hands (7c). Concurrently draw the left foot back and put it close to the right one (7b-7c), with the left toes
touching the ground (7c).
2.Liftthelefthandoutwardinabentmannertotheleftasiftowardoffablow(7c-7e) and bow it horizontally at the level of the shoulders (7e). At the
same time swing the right hand downward to the right (7d-7e) and put it beside the right thigh (7e). At the same time stretch the left foot out and bow it
forward (7d-7e).Theeyesarelookingattheleftforearm(7e).[Ward Off Left (Peng Zuo) I]
3.Stretchthelefthandforward,turningitspalmdownward(7f).Concurrentlyturntherightpalmupwardandstretchitforwarduntilitcomesbelowthe
left wrist (7f). Then pull the two hands downward past the abdomen and swing themup backward to the right until the right hand comes to the height of the
shoulders with its palm upward (7f-7g) and the left hand comes before the chest with its palm facing inward and the elbow bend horizontally (7g). At the
same time shift the centre of gravity to the right foot (7g). The eyes are looking at the right hand (7g). [Roll Back (Lu) II]
4.Drawtherighthandbackandputitattheinsideoftheleftwrist(7g).Pushbothhandsforwardwiththeleftpalminwardandtherightoneoutward
(7h-7i).Atthesametimebowtheleftlegforward(7h-7i).Theeyesarelookingattheleftwrist(7i).[Press(Ji) III]
5.Separatebothhandsatthedistanceofthebreadthacrosstheshoulderswithbothpalmsfacingdownward(7j-7k).Thenlowertheupperbodyslightly
backwards (7k), shifting the centre of gravity to the right foot (7k). At the same time draw both hands back to the two sides of the waist with both palms
facing forward slightly to the ground (7k-7l).Theeyesarelookingforwardhorizontally(7l).
6.Pushbothhandsforwardandupward(7l-7m).Atthesametimebowtheleftlegforward(7m).Theeyesarelookingforward.[Push(An) IV]"
-Y.W.Chong

I.WardOffLeft(Peng Zuo)(7b-7e)Inhale7b-7c, and exhale 7d-7e.TurntorsotothelefttowardsW9(7e).
II.RollBack(Lu)(7f-7g)Inhale7e-7g.TurntorsotorighttowardsN12(7g).ThehandmovementsforRollBackarenotshownclearlyinthetheabove
illustrations (7f-7g).LookatrighthandinthedirectionofNE2.
III.Press(Ji)(7h-7i)Inhale7g-7h, and exhale 7h-7i.TorsofacingW9(7i).TurntorsotothelefttowardsW9(7i).Therightpalmpressesagainsttheleft
forearm.Theleftpalmfacesthebody.
IV.Push(An)(7j-7m)FaceW9.Pushbothhands,palmsforward,towardsW9(7m).Inhale7j-7l, and exhale 7l-7m.TorsofacesW9(7m).


(7e)(7i)(7m)(7m)


8.Grasping the Sparrow's Tail - Right

Variations of names for this movement include: Grasp the Sparrow's Tail, Grasp the Bird's Tail, Four Gates, Grasp the Sparrow's Tail to the Right Side, Hold
the Peacock's Tail, : Lan Que Wei You : Grasp the Bird's Tail Right.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from W9 towards E3 in Movement #8. Please study the recommended online videos to see how the
series of postures in this particular movement are performed.
"Grasping the Bird's Tail" is the most frequently occurring movement in the Yang Style Long 108 Form.Thismovementconsistsoffourparts:WardOff,
Roll Back, Press and Push.




8a =7m. Generally, one is moving in the direction of E3, to your right side, in Movement 8.
Here is a detailed description of how to performGrasping the Sparrow's Tail - Right (#8, 8a-8o) taken from the book "Tai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong:
Techniques and Training" by Wolfgang Metzger and Peifang Zhou, pp. 106-109:
"Assumestartingposition(8a=7m):Archstepstotheleft.Leftfootloadabout70percent;rightfootabout30percent(8a).Shiftweighttotherightfoot;
left foot rotates on the heel by 90 to 120 to the inside (8b). At the same time - with gently held, slightly rounded arms - the hands move with the upper
body to the right (8b). Slowly bend arms, with right hand moving in an upward arc (8b-8c), and assume the ball-holding position in front of the right side of
the body (8c-8d).Whileintheball-holding position, the right foot is pulled towards the left without the toes touching the ground (8d).
1.Peng Movement: With an arched step to the right, pull the left hand as in Form 2 ("Parting Horse's Mane") in an arc down to hip level (8e-8f), while
the right forearm - different from Form2 -moves at a left angle in an arc forward and up (8e-8f)untillevelwiththechest(8f),harmoniouslycoordinating
it with the rotation of the body (8d-8f) and the shifting of the weight (8e-8f).Position(8f)isthestartingpointforthesecondpartofthisform.[Ward Off
Right (Peng You) I]
2.Lu Movement: This starts with a slight rotation of the body to the right SE4 (8g), not shown in the illustration. While the body rotates to the right,
hands are rotating to face each other, the right hand moving towards the right. Both hands - while shifting the weight to the left leg (8f-8g) and rotating the
body to NW11 - move in an arc down to the right hip level (8g). [Roll Back (Lu) II]
3.Ji Movement: Preceded by a small reaching back movement (8h), move the left hand towards the left; both hands cross at the wrists and are pushed
forward and out (8i-8k).Whenpushingforward,shifttheweightagaintotherightleg(8k).[Press(Ji) III]
4.An Movement: at the conclusion of the Ji movement (8k), turn the hands so that they are crossed (8l) with the palms facing down, right hand below the
left (8l). As the weight is shifted to the back left leg (8m-8n) - the toes of the right foot raised slightly off the ground (8n) - the crossed hands separate again
and are pulled towards the body by the elbows (8m-8n).Theyarethen- with a slight shift of of the body's weight (8n-8o) - pushed forward (8n-8o).Donot
straighten your arms out in the end position (8o). [Push (An) IV]."
-Wolfgang Metzger and Peifang Zhou

I.WardOffRight(Peng You) (8a-8f)Inhale8c-8d, and exhale 8e-8f.TurntorsototherighttowardsE3(8c-8e).
II.RollBack(Lu)(8f-8h)Inhale8g-8h.TurntorsotorighttowardsN12(8h).ThehandmovementsforRollBackarenotshownclearlyinthetheabove
illustrations (8f-8h).LookatrighthandinthedirectionofNW10.
III.Press(Ji)(8j-8k)Inhale8h-8i, and exhale 8j-8k.TorsofacingE3(8k).TurntorsototherighttowardsE3(8i-8k).Theleftwristpressesagainstthe
inside of the right forearm. The right palmfaces the body.
IV.Push(An)(8l-8o)Pushbothhands,palmsforward,towardsE3(8n-8o).Inhale8m-8n, and exhale 8n-8o.TorsofacesE3(8o).Bothpalmsfaceaway
from the body.


(8f)(8k)(8k)


9.Single Whip

Variations of names for this movement include: Simple Whip, Whip, Holding the Whip in One Hand, Holding a Single Whip, :Dan Bian.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 in Movement #9.
From the Push phase (9a) at the end of the Grasping the Sparrow's Tail movement (9a =8o), begin to rotate the arms from the left side to the right side. The
arms draw across the body at about chest height (9a-9c).Afterthearmsreachtheleftside(9c),thentheyrotatebacktotherightside(9c-9d).Thewaist
faces N12 (9c). As the right armgets to the right side (9d) then the hand extends in the direction of NE1 (9e) and the hand is shaped into a beak style (thumb
touches the other fingers and all fingers point down) (9e). The left armis drawn up to the face level, with the palmfacing the face (9e). As the right hand
forms into beak, the left leg steps to the right, bringing the left foot fairly close to the right foot (9d-9e), and the left toe touching the ground (9e). As the left
leg lifts and is placed to face W9, the left hand opens out towards W9 (9e-9f).Asthebodysettlesintoaleftbowstance(9g),thelefthandpushesforward,
palmfacing out. We end in Single Whip (9g) with the waist facing NW11, in a left bow stance, pushing with the left palm in the direction of W9, with the
right armlifted and pointing towards NE1, beaked right hand, and looking towards W9 (9g). Inhale 9d-9e, and exhale 9f-9g.



(9g)(9g)


Return to Index for SectionsorProceed to Third Section (Movements 10 - 15)




Third Section of Standard Simplified 24 Form T'ai Chi Ch'uan (Yang Style)
Movements 10 - 15


10.Waving Hands Like Clouds

Variations of names for this movement include: Moving Hands Like Clouds, Waving Hands Like Clouds, Cloud Built Hands, Wave Hands in Clouds, Cloud
Hands : Yun Shou.
The whole Cloud Hands (Yun Shou) movement flow is fromthe left to the right, from E3 towards W9.
Cloud Hands is a gentle flowing movement that is rather complicated to describe. Please study the recommended online videos to see how the series of
postures in this particular movement are performed.



From the Single Whip position (10a =9g) begin to turn the torso to the right side (10a-10e) until the front of the body is facing N12 (10c). At the same time
as the torso turns toward the right side, the right hand remains outstretched (10b-10c).Thelefthandmovesdownwardandthenupwardstowardtheright
side (10b-10c) until it reaches the level of the head (10d). The weight moves into the bent right leg (10c). The head turns and looks towards the right side E3
(10d).
The left hand, palmfacing the body, remaining at about face level, moves across the body towards the left side (10d-10f).Therighthand,ataboutwaist
level, palm facing the body, moves across the body towards the left side at the same time as the left hand moves (10e-10f).Thewaistturnstomovethearms
more than the shoulders move the arms (10e-10f).TurnthewaistandmovethearmsuntilyoureachtheleftsideandarelookingtowardsW9(10f).
Step with the right leg and move it closer to the left leg as the arms move to the far left position W9 (10e-10f).Switchthepositionofthearmsbymovingthe
right armto about face level (10e-10f), and the left arm down towards the waist level (10f). This completes the first part of the Cloud Hands movement by
moving fromthe far left (10a) to the far right (10c) and then fromthe far right (10c) to the far left (10f) in a gentle flowing manner (10b-10f), moving the
hands like floating clouds.
From the far left position (10f) with the right hand high (10f) and the left hand low at waist level (10g), with both palms facing the body, move both arms to
the right across the body (10g-10h).Thewaistturnstomovethearmsmorethantheshouldersmovethearms(10f-10h).Turnthewaistandmovethearms
until you reach the far right side and are looking towards E3 (10h). When you reach the far right, exchange the arms by bringing the left arm up to about face
level (10i) and the right armdown to about waist level (10i-10j), and at the same time step the left leg to the left W9 (10h-10i).Nowbegintomovetheleft
armacross the body to the left side at about face height, palmfacing the body (10i-10k), at the same time as the right armdrops down to about waist level
(10i-10j) and moves across the body, palm facing inward, to the far left side (10j-10k).Whenthelefthandreachesthefarleftside(10j),liftandstepwith
the right leg towards the left leg (10j-10k).ThiscompletesthesecondpartoftheCloudHandsmovementbymovingfromthefarleft(10f)tothefarright
(10i) and then back to the far left (10k) in a gentle flowing manner, moving hands like floating clouds.
From the far left position (10k) with the right hand high (10k) and the left hand low at waist level (10l), with both palms facing the body, move both arms to
the right across the body (10k-10n).Thewaistturnstomovethearmsmorethantheshouldersmovethearms(10k-10n).Turnthewaistandmovethearms
until you reach the far right side and are looking towards E3 (10m). When you reach the far right, exchange the arms by bringing the left armup to about
face level (10n) and the right armdown to about waist level (10m-10n), and at the same time step the left leg to the left W9 (10m-10n).Nowbegintomove
the left arm across the body to the left at about face height, palm facing the body (10n-10p), at the same time as the right armdrops down to about waist level
(10m-10n) and moves across the body, palmfacing inward, to the far left side (10n-10p).Whenthelefthandreachesthefarleftside(10p),liftandstepwith
the right leg towards the left leg (10o-10p).ThiscompletesthethirdpartoftheCloudHandsmovementbymovingfromthefarleft(10k)tothefarright
(10m) and then back to the far left (10p) in a gentle flowing manner, moving hands like floating clouds.



(10l)(10o)


11.Single Whip

Variations of names for this movement include: Simple Whip, Whip, Single Whip, Holding the Whip in One Hand, : Dan Bian.

From the last posture of Cloud Hands (10p =11a), step forward with the right foot a small step (11b). Begin to rotate the arms fromthe left side to the right
side.Thearmsdrawacrossthebodyataboutchestheight(11a-11c).Afterthearmsreachtheleftside(9c),thentheyrotatebacktotherightside(11c-11e).
The waist faces N12 (11c). As the right armgets to the right side (11d) then the hand extends in the direction of NE1 (11d) and the hand is shaped into a
beak style (thumb touches the other fingers and all fingers point down) (11e). The left armis drawn up to the face level, with the palm facing the face (11d).
As the right hand forms into beak, the left leg steps to the right, bringing the left foot fairly close to the right foot (11c-11d), and the left toe touching the
ground (11d). As the left leg lifts and is placed to face W9, the left hand opens out towards W9 (11d-11e).Asthebodysettlesintoaleftbowstance(11f),
the left hand pushes forward, palmfacing out (11e-11f).WeendinSingleWhip(11f)withthewaistfacingNW11,inaleftbowstance,pushingwiththeleft
palmin the direction of W9, with the right armlifted and pointing towards NE1, beaked right hand, and looking towards W9 (11f). Inhale from 11b-11d and
exhale from 11e-11f.


(11f) & (16e) (11f)


12.Pat the Horse on the Back

Variations of names for this movement include: High Pat on Horse, Patting the Horse's Neck While Riding, Stroke the Horse From Above, Asking for
Directions While Riding a Horse, Pat the Horse's Back, Pat the Horse on the Back, :Gao Tan Ma : High Pat on Horse.

From Single Whip (12a), draw the right foot forward a half-step (12b). The right hand changes froma beaked hand into an open hand (12b). The right arm
moves forward at about face level from right to left in the direction of W9 (12b-12c), and ends with palmfacing out in front of the body at face level. The
torso turns to the left and ends facing W9 (12c-12d).Therighthandstopsatfacelevel,withthepalmfacingoutandaway(12d).Thelefthandmovesina
downward arc (12c-12d) to the Dan Tien level, and ends with the left palm facing up (12d). The left leg is in an empty toe stance (12d) The body is facing in
the direction of W9 (12d). The final position is called High Pat on Horse (12d). Inhale at 12c and exhale at 12d.


(12d)


13.Kick with Right Heel

Variations of names for this movement include: Right Heel Kick, Kicking Straight Right Mode, Kicking with the Right Heel, :You Deng Jiao:Right
Heel Kick.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 in Movement #13. Please study the recommended online videos to see how the
series of postures in this particular movement are performed.



Lift left leg and step forward (13a-13b).Circlebothhandsoutwardinacircleanddown(13b-13c).Stepwithrightlegforwardtobringtherightfootnextto
the left foot (13c-13d).Atthesametime,circlebothhandsupwardsandbringtherighthandinfrontofthelefthand,crossingthehandsinfrontoftheface
(13d-13d).Lefttherightlegasbothhandsmoveawayfromeachothertowardsthesides(13e),palmsfacingoutandfingersup(13f).Turnthebodyslightly
to the left so that instead of your waist facing W9 it faces SW7. Kick with the left heel in the direction of NW10 (13f). Inhale 13c-13d, and exhale 13e-13f.
Some persons may not be able to kick high with a straight right leg and right toe drawn back - a right heel kick (13f). Instead, substitute a toe kick, while
kicking lower if necessary, or bending the knee if necessary. Don't let the inability of executing a movement perfectly, according to a standard, prevent you
from practicing Taijiquan. Adapt accordingly to accommodate for injuries, balance problems, inflexibility, or weakness. Be practical and smart; and, make
reasonable adjustments. Keep practicing, and you will probably see steady improvements, increased strength, and greater flexibility.


(13f)(13f)(13f)


14.Hitting Your Opponent's Ears with Both Fists

Variations of names for this movement include: Box Ears, Box Opponent's Ears with Both Fists, Strike to Ears with Both Fists, Strike to Temple with Both
Fists, :Shuang Feng Quan Er : Twin Fists Strike Opponents Ears.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards NW10 in Movement #14.
.

From the Right Heel Kick position (14a =13f), draw the right knee back into the body to waist level (14a-14b).Drawbothhandsdownandbringtheelbows
to the sides of the body, closing the open hands into fists and holding the hands level with the knee (14b-14c).Stepforwardwiththerightleg(14c-14d) in
the direction of NW11. Circle the arms outward from the body (14d), and then draw both fists towards the head level of an imaginary opponent to strike the
opponent's temples with both fists (14d-14e).Settleintoarightbowstance(14e).TheimaginaryopponentisinthedirectionofNW10orNW11(14e).
Look intensely at the imaginary opponent. Inhale 14b-14d, and exhale 14d-14e.


(14e)(14e)


15.Kick with Left Heel

Variations of names for this movement include: Turn Around, and Kick with Left Heel; Left Heel Kick, Turn Around and Kick with Left Heel, :Zuo
Deng Jiao : Left Heel Kick.
The Direction of Movement is reversed.MovebackwardinastraightlinefromNW10(15a)inthedirectionofE3(15b-15g).Pleasestudy the
recommended online videos to see how the series of postures in this particular movement are performed.


Turn 270 degrees clockwise, face to NE2. Cross and separate hands at face, heel kick with left foot. Left arm in front and right arm in back at shoulder
height.Inhale15c-15e, exhale 15f-15g.


(15g)(15e-15g)


Return to Index for SectionsorProceed to Fourth Section (Movements 16 - 19)



Fourth Section of Standard 24 Form Taijiquan (Yang Style)
Movements 16 - 19


16.Snake Creeps Down, Golden Rooster Stands on Left Leg

Variations of names for this movement include: Squat Down on Right Leg, Snake Creeps Down Left Leg: Crooked Whip to Right Side: Squat on Right,
Climb Down Left; Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Left Down One-leg Stand, :Xia Shi : Snake Creeps Down, :Zuo Jin Ji Du Li :
Golden Rooster Stands on Left Leg.
The Direction of Movement is reversed.MovebackwardfrominastraightlinefromW9inthedirectionofE3(16a-16h).Pleasestudy the recommended
online videos to see how the series of postures in this particular movement are performed.



16a =15g. Squat down and balance on right leg (16d-16e).Rightarmdrawsbackinsinglewhip(16c),andrighthandmakesabeakedfist(16c).Extend
left leg low to E3 (16e). Draw the left arm down along inside of left leg towards left ankle ... the snake creeps down (16d-16e).Standuponleftleg(16f-
16h).Drawrightlegupuntillevelwithhip(16h).Rightelbowisoverrightknee,righthadpointingup(16h).Thisfinalposture,facingE3,iscalled
"Golden Rooster Stands on Left Leg, Golden Bird Standing Alone" (16h).


(16e)(16e)(16e)(16h)


17.Snake Creeps Down, Golden Rooster Stands on Right Leg

Variations of names for this movement include: Squat Down on Left Leg, Snake Creeps Down Right Leg; Crooked Whip to the Left Side: Squat on Left,
Climb Down Right; Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Right Down One-leg Stand, :Xia Shi : Snake Creeps Down, :You Jin Ji Du
Li:GoldenRoosterStandsonRightLeg.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from W9 towards E3 (17a-17h).Please study the recommended online videos to see how the series of
postures in this particular movement are performed.


17a =16h. Squat down and balance on left leg (17d-17e).Leftarmdrawsbackinsinglewhip,andlefthandmakesabeakedfist(17c).Extendrightleglow
to E3 (17d-17e).Drawtherightarmdownalonginsideofrightlegtowardsankle...thesnakecreepsdown(17d-17e).Standuponrightleg(17g-17h).
Draw left leg up until level with hip (17g-17h).Leftelbowisoverleftknee,lefthadpointingup(17h).Thisfinalposture,facingE3,iscalled"Golden
Rooster Stands on Right Leg, Golden Bird Standing Alone" (17h).


(17h)(17h)(17h)


18.Fair Lady Works the Shuttles

Variations of names for this movement include: Throwing the Loomto the Left Side and Right Side, Shuttle Back and Forth, Two Corners, Work at Shuttles
on Both Sides, J ade Maiden Works the Shuttles, :Yu Nu Chuan Suo:FairLadyWorksatShuttles.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from W9 towards E3 (18a-18m).Please study the recommended online videos to see how the series of
postures in this particular movement are performed.





18a =17h. From"Golden Rooster on Right Leg (18a) step left foot forward and diagonally (18b-18c), draw right foot to left foot (18e), step out with right
foot diagonally to right (18f-18g).Raiserightarmtoblockoutabovehead(18g-18h), palm facing out. Left palm strike (18h). Right leg bow stance (18h).
Bring left leg up by right leg (18h-18j), and bring arms to chest (18i). Step diagonally to the left side with left foot (18k-18l). Raise left armto block out
above head, palmfacing out (18k-18m).Rightpalmstrike(18m).Leftlegbowstance(18m).
Here is a description of how to perform Fair Lady Works the Shuttles ("Works at Shuttles") (#18,18a-18m) from the book 'Tai Chi for Health: The 24
Simplified Forms" by Cheng Zhao and Don Zhao, p.126:
"Form18.FairLadyWorksatShuttles(LeftandRightSides.).
(1)Stepforwardonyourleftfoot;shiftyourbodyweightontotheleftleg(18b-18c).Drawyourightfootforwardinsuchthatthetoestouchtheground
beside your left foot (18c-18d).Atthesametime,yourarmsholdalargeballinfrontofyourchestwiththelefthandabovetheright(18e).FaceNE2
(18e).
(2)Rotateyourwaisttotherightandplaceyourrightfootforwardwiththerightheeltouchingthegroundfirst(18e-18f).Thenshift70%ofyourbody
weight onto the right leg and froma right bow stance (18h). At the same time, rotate the right arm up so the hand is level with your forehead and the palm
faces out (18h). Face SE4 (18h). [Inhale 18e-18f, exhale 18g-18h.]
(3)Shiftyourbodyweightbacktotheleftleg,androtateyourwaistslightlytotheright(18i-18j).Shiftyourbodyweightbacktotherightleg,drawing
your left foot up to rest beside your right foot with the toes touching the ground (18j-18k).Atthesametime,botharmsholdalargeballinfrontofyour
chest with the right hand above the left (18k). Face SE4 (18k).
(4)Rotateyourwaisttotheleftandplaceyourleftfootforwardwiththeleftheeltouchingthegroundfirst(18l-18m).Thenshift70%ofthebodyweight
onto the front leg forming a left bow stance (18m). At the same time, rotate the left arm up so the hand is level with your forehead and the palmfaces out
(18l-18m).FaceNE2(18m)."[Inhale18j-18k, and exhale 18l-18m.]
-Dr.ChengZhao



(18h)(18h)(18m)(18m)


19.Pick Up the Needle from the Bottom of the Sea
Variations of names for this movement include: Pick Up Needle fromBottomof the Sea, Needle at Bottomof the Sea, Find the Needle at the Sea Bottom,
Reach for the Moon in the Lake, :Hai Di Zhen : Needle at Sea Bottom.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from W9 towards E3 in Movement #19.

From the last posture of "Fair Lady Works the Shuttles" (18m=19a), begin by stepping forward a half step with the right leg (19a). The right hand moves
back and up to the right (19a) until it is drawn up to around face level on the right side (19b). The left hand moves down in an arc until it comes to stop at
about waist height over the left leg (19a-19b).Liftuptheleftlegandstepforwardahalfstepintoalefttoestance(19b-19c).Settlethebodyweightinto
the right leg (19c). Reach down with the right hand, fingers pointing downward, until the right hand is below the waist. Face the body in the direction of E3
(19c).Inhale19a-19b, exhale 19c.


(19a)(19a)


Return to Index for SectionsorProceed to Fifth Section (Movements 20 - 24)




Fifth Section of Standard Simplified 24 Form Tai Chi (Yang Style)
Movements 20 - 24


20.Flashing the Arms Like a Fan

Variations of names for this movement include: Flashing the Arms, Fend Off and Push Away with Arms, Unfolding Arms Like a Fan, Fan Through the
Back, Flashing the Arms, Shunting with Both Hands Fanned, :Shan Tong Bei : Fan Through the Back.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 in Movement #20.
From the final posture of "Pick Up the Needle fromthe Bottomof the Sea" (19c =20a), begin by lifting the left leg up and then stepping forward onto the left
heel (20b-20c).LiftthelefthandandmoveitforwardtowardsE3,fingersupward,palmfacingS6(20b-20c).Therighthandmovesupandbacktotheleft,
finishing above head level, palmfacing S6, fingers pointing upward (20c-20d).Sinkthebodyweightintotheleftleg,andtakealeftbowstance(20c-20d).
Inhale 20a-20c, and exhale 20c-20d.




(20d)(20d)(20d)


21.Deflect, Parry and Punch

Variations of names for this movement include: Turing Around, Warding Off, Punching; Turn, Intercept and Punch; Turn Body, Shoulder Strike, Back Fist,
Deflect, Parry, and Punch, Turn to Deflect Block and Strike, :Jin Bu Ban Lan Chui : Step Forward, Parry Block and Punch.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 (21a-21h).Exhaleonthepunch(21g-21h).Please study the recommended
online videos to see how the series of postures in this particular movement are performed.



21a =20d.
Here is a detailed description of how to performDeflect, Parry and Punch (#21, 21a-21h) taken from the very useful narrative document by David Hann:
"Turn,Intercept,andPunch:Turntotherightonyourleftheelsothatyouarefacingtoyourrear,lookingoveryourrightshoulder(21b).Yourlefthand
is held, palm facing out, at least a hand's width from your head. Your right hand is formed into a fist, held about chest level, with the elbow below the fist
(21c).Stepoutwithyourrightfootandstrikeoutanddownwardwiththebackofyourfist(21d).Stepuptoyourrightfootwithyourleftfoot,toedown,
heel up (21e). Bring your right fist back to your right waist (21f). Bring your left armacross your body as if blocking an opponent's punch and bring your
left hand, palmopen, facing and in front of your right fist (21f). Step forward with the left foot (21g) and punch with your right fist (21g-21h), moving it
over your left hand, which is now turned flat, palmup (21h)."
-DavidHann,Yang Style Short Form Tai Chi





(21e-21f)(21h)*
*Note: In this photo, wesee moreof theWu Styleof Taijiquan realization of Punch (21h). Notice how far forward theman leans, with hisfeet rather closein aright bow stance. Notice
how theleft hand touchestheright armon theinsideof theforearmnear theelbow. In the24Form, thefinal posture (21h) is much moreupright, without leaning forward so much.


22.Apparent Close and Push

Variations of names for this movement include: Clearing Cross Block and Pushing, As if Blocking and Closing, Appears Closed, Withdraw and Push,
Closing a Door, :Ru Feng Si Bi:ApparentCloseUp.
The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 (22a-22g).



From the end of Deflect, Parry and Punch (21h =22a), begin by drawing the left hand under the right hand fromthe forearmtowards the right hand (22a-
22b).BothhandscometogetherinfrontofthebodyfacingW9(22c).Drawbotharmsbackwardstowardsthebody(22d-22e) as the weight shifts
backwards into the right leg (22d). As both hands reach the waist (22e) the weight is in the back right leg (22e) and the left toe rises (22e). Begin to move
forward again in the direction of W9, drawing the weight into the left leg and taking a left bow stance (22f-22g).BotharmsPush(An) forward, palms out,
elbows bent, pushing in the direction of W9. The waist faces W9 (22g) and the eyes gaze towards an imaginary opponent in front of you (22g). Inhale 22c-
22e, and exhale 22f-22g.


(22g)(22g)


23.Cross Hands

Variations of names for this movement include: Crossing Your Hands in Front of Chest, Close the Door, Cross Hands, Cross Your Hands, : Shi Zi
Shou : Cross Hands.



Begin fromthe Push (An) position (23a =22g. Gradually turn the front of the body to the right so as to face N12 (23a-23b).Drawtherighthandinanarc
out and across to the left (23b). Draw the weight into the right leg (23c). Open the arms wide to both sides (23c), palms facing forward, arms about shoulder
height.Steptherightfootbacktoshoulderwidthstance(23d).Drawbotharmsdowninanarc(23d)thenuptocrossthehandsinfrontofthechest,holding
the right hand in front of left hand (23e). Face in the direction of N12 (23e). Inhale at 23b-23c, and exhale at 23e.


(23e)


24.Closing Posture of Taijiquan

Variations of names for this movement include: Conclusion, Concluding Posture, Taiji Ending, Ending Posture, Closing Posture of Taijiquan, : Shou
Shi:Closing.


From the final posture of the "Cross Hands" movement (23e =24a), begin by moving both arms down and outward (24a) until they reach the waist level
(23a-24b).Thearmscontinuedownwarduntiltheyarefullyextendeddownward,handsrestingagainstthesidesofthethighs(24c).Steptotherightwith
the left leg (24c) until the left foot is immediate beside the right foot (24d). The final position is identical to posture 1a. Keep in mind all the principles
discussed for the posture 1a.YouhavenowfinishedafullperformanceoftheTaiChi24Form.Inhaleat24a,exhaleat24c.Inhaleat24c,exhaleat24d.
The body is facing in the direction of N12, as it was in posture 1a.

Standard Simplified 24 Tai Chi Form, Names of Movements 1-24, 1 Page, PDF Format, 11Kb