Tai Chi Forms and Movements Page

Academy of Tai Chi and Wu Shu

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Yang Style

Chen Style

Wu Style

Please check out the three styles that are being taught at the Academy.

Feeling the connection between the movements. Feel the openings and closings, the contractions and expansions, the separations and joinings.
The whole body is connected as it moves through the form. Feel the connection between the hands stretch as they move apart, and condense again as they circle back together.
The movement begins in the belly, and propagates outward. If you feel the form in the abdomen, you’re on the right track.

The 13 Principles of Tai Chi:

1. Sinking of Shoulders and Dropping of Elbows

2. Relaxing of Chest and Rounding of Back

3. Sinking Chi down to Dan Tien

4. Lightly Pointing Up the Head

5. Relaxation of Waist and Hip

6. Differentiate Between Empty and Full: Yin and Yang

7. Coordination of Upper and Lower Parts of the Body

8. Using the Mind Instead of Force

9. Harmony Between Internal and External

10. Connecting the Mind and the Chi

11. Find Stillness Within Movement

12. Movement and Stillness Present at Once

13. Continuity and Evenness Throughout the Form

There are many different styles of Tai Chi, but most adhere to the same basic principles. Old masters developed different styles because of different bodies, personalities and emphasis. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages.

Yang- Wider stances, back foot at 45 degrees, overall round movements, even tempo, soft and gentle.

Chen- Lower stances, constant twisting, varying speed, soft and hard with power expression.

Wu- Higher stances, parallel feet, minimal arm movements, slow and deliberate.

Photo comparison of the different styles

Yang Style

Chen Style

Wu Style

Yang Bow Stance

Chen Bow Stance

Wu Bow Stance

Yang Palm

Chen Palm

Wu Palm

Yang Hook

Chen Hook

Wu Hook

Yang Brush Knee

Chen Brush Knee

Wu Brush Knee

Example: Yang Style-Single Whip

Stance: Left bow

Body: Upright and turned right 45°

Hands: L-open palm, R-hook down

Focus: Look over and beyond the left index finger

Feeling: Stretch the imaginary rubber band lightly

Application: Extend your opponents elbow and push

The Yang Style page has the Simplified form with names and drawings.

Yang Style

Chen Style

Wu Style

Tai Chi

Movements

Meditation

Push Hands

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Telephone: 408-836-8500

e-mail: sifuchuck@taichiacademy.com




		The 13 Principles of Tai Chi:

	1.	Sinking of Shoulders and Dropping of Elbows
	2.	Relaxing of Chest and Rounding of Back
	3.	Sinking Chi down to Dan Tien
	4.	Lightly Pointing Up the Head
	5.	Relaxation of Waist and Hip
	6.	Differentiate Between Empty and Full: Yin and Yang
	7.	Coordination of Upper and Lower Parts of the Body
	8.	Using the Mind Instead of Force
	9.	Harmony Between Internal and External
	10.	Connecting the Mind and the Chi
	11.	Find Stillness Within Movement
	12.	Movement and Stillness Present at Once
	13.	Continuity and Evenness Throughout the Form

Yang Style	Chen Style	Wu Style

Yang Bow Stance	Chen Bow Stance	Wu Bow Stance

Yang Palm	Chen Palm	Wu Palm

Yang Hook	Chen Hook	Wu Hook

Yang Brush Knee	Chen Brush Knee	Wu Brush Knee

Example: Yang Style-Single Whip
	Stance: Left bow Body: Upright and turned right 45° Hands: L-open palm, R-hook down
	Focus: Look over and beyond the left index finger Feeling: Stretch the imaginary rubber band lightly Application: Extend your opponents elbow and push