Taiji (Tai Chi) 24 Forms: Action Names and Techniques
Queshì: (Note): Avoid forceful intention; maintain a relaxed body, focus the spirit.
1. Qishi (Rising Dragon Form)
Taiji qishi should be natural, with chest uplifted, back arched, head suspended at the crown of the head.
Bend the knees, relax the waist, move forward, shoulders relaxed, elbows lowered (to gather energy) in the abdomen.
2. Left and Right Horse Stealing Mane
Horse stealing mane: start with a ball, one forward, one pressing upwards diagonally.
Assume a bow stance, moving forward like a crouching cat, shifting between emptiness and fullness, clearly defined.
3. White Crane Spreads Wings
White crane spreading wings: stretch out your arms gracefully, press with the right hand, raise with the left hand to the eyebrow.
Solidify the right hand, relax the left hand, feet point to the ground, shoulders drop, elbows bend – remember this firmly.
4. Hug Knees Twist Step
Hug knees twist step: move diagonally through the midline, one hand pressing the knee, the other hand embracing,
Slightly bend the wrists, open the palms facing forward, clearly distinguish between emptiness and fullness, transform flexibly.
5. Wave Like a Lyre
Wave like a lyre: hold the arms close to the chest, left forward, right backward, facing forward, receiving with the front,
Solidify the right hand, relax the left hand, feet point to the ground, shoulders drop, elbows bend – remember this clearly.
6. Left and Right Bent Arm Roll
Bent arm roll: backward step, bending the body and rolling arms,
Step backward, with feet pointing to the ground, retreat, then turn the waist, relax the hips, and hold hands in front.
7. 8 Left and Right Sparrow Tail Clutch
Sparrow tail clutch: hold the hands in front and spread them out to stretch, use the palms to manipulate,
Use the hands to exert force, the force originates in the waist,
8. Single Whip
Single whip: left hand pushes out to pull a single whip, right hand hooks back,
Assume a bow stance, with feet pointing forward, shift between emptiness and fullness, remember this in your heart.
9. Eleven & Twelve Left Cloud Hand Single Whip
Cloud hand: three moves up and down, turning over, one left, one right in front of you,
Take one left step, cross the body twice, then pull a single whip, then complete a full circle.
12. High Horse Stealing Mane
High horse stealing mane: hold hands up to block, cut through, left block right through on horseback,
Feet point to the ground, left is empty, right is full, shoulders drop, elbows bend – remember this fully.
13. Right Leg Extend
Right leg extend: exert force from the waist,
Left foot stands firm, the right leg extends forward to push out,
14 & 15 Right and Left Double Peaks Penetrate Ear, Left Extend Leg
Double peaks penetrate ear: two fists in a clamping shape in front of you,
Raise the knees, move forward in a bow stance, turn left leg extend,
16 & 17 Left & Right Independent, Following Peak
Independent: follow the peak, one hook one palm forward,
18. Left & Right Shuttle
Shuttle: move up like a hand, one pushing one guiding the hand,
Assume a bow stance, moving to the left and right in parallel,
19. Subterranean Golden Needle
Subterranean golden needle: insert the hands, press with the right hand, insert with the left hand to the top, do not slant,
Left empty, right full, feet point to the ground, relax the waist and hips,
20. Flash Through Arms
Flash through arms: hold arms up to support, right hand pushes forward, embracing the left,
Hold the knees, move forward in a bow stance, relax the hips,
21. Turn Around to Block and Intercept Fist
Turn around to block and intercept fist: turn around, move forward to block, intercept with the right hand, protect the elbows,
22. Like a Shield, Like Closure
Like a shield, like closure: backward down press with the feet, forward with both hands to embrace, do not move in any direction,
23. Cross Hands
Cross hands: constantly changing, embrace the arms and hold them in the chest,
24. Gather Force
Gather force: do not press down hastily, complete the Taiji circular hand formation,
Practice the nine cold months diligently, and you will see wonderful effects in daily life,
