List of MovementsNational Standard T'ai Chi Ch'uan 24 Short FormStandard Simplified Version, 24 Movements, 1956, Yang Style Taijiquan

1.   Opening Posture of Taijiquan       ( Taijiquan Qi Shi)    

Commencing (Qishi)  [Liang & Wu 1996] Starting Posture  [Zhang Fuxing 1996; Chong 1981]  The Beginning  (Qi Ji)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie 1988; Metzger & Zhou 1996] Starting Form  [Zhao 2006]  Standing Quietly, Raise and Lower Hands  Reconnecting with Oneness and EmptinessQuiet Standing Mediation: Zhan Zhuang, WuJi   CommencementTaijiquan Opening MovementOpening Posture of Taijiquan  [Garofalo 2008]  Ouverture     Öffnung Lage von Taijiquan  Postura de la Abertura de Taijiquan预 备  :  Yu Bei  :  Preparation Form

 

2.   Wild Horse Shakes Its Mane       ( Ye Ma Fen Zong )   

Part the Wild Horse's Mane  (Yema Fenzong)   [Liang & Wu] Wild Horse Waves Its Mane  [Zhang Fuxing]Parting a Wild Horse's Mane  (Zuo You Ye Ma Fen Zong)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie]   Wild Horse Parts Its Mane  [Chong]  Parting the Horse's Mane  [Metzger & Zhou] Wild Horse Splits Mane  [Zhao]  Wild Horse Shakes Its Mane  Mustang Tosses Its Wild Mane 

Left (左 : Zou) Part the Wild Horse's Mane (Zou Yema Fenzong)

Right (右 : You) Part the Wild Horse's Mane (You Yema Fenzong)  Wild Horse Shakes Its Mane  [Garofalo]  Séparer la crinière du cheval. 3 fois   Wildes Pferd Rüttelt Seine MähneEl Caballo Salvaje Sacudare Su Melena

野马分鬃  : Ye Ma Fen Zong  :  Parting the Wild Horse's Mane 

 

3.   White Crane Spreads Its Wings       ( Bai E Liang Chi)    

White Crane Spreads Its Wings  (Baihe Liangchi)  [Liang & Wu, Zhang Fuxing]The Stork Spreading Its Wing  (Bai Ne Liang Chi)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie]Stork Spreading Its Wings  [Metzger & Zhou]   White Crane Spreads Out Its Wing  [Chong]  White Crane Shows Its Wings  [Zhao]  White Stork Spreading Its WingsWhite Crane Lifts Its WingsWhite Stork Cools Its WingsWhite Crane Spreads Its Wings  [Garofalo]La grue blanche étend ses ailesWeißer Kran Verbreitet Seine Flügel  La Grúa Blanca Separa Sus Alas 

白鵝亮翅  :  Bai E Liang Chi 

 4.   Brush Knee       (Lou Xi)     

Brush Knee and Step Forward  (Louxi Aobu)  [Liang & Wu]  Brush Knee and Twist Step  [Zhang Fuxing]   Brush You Knee and Step  (Zuo You Lu Xi Niu Bu)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie] Brushing Your Knees and Stepping  [Metzger & Zhou] Brushing the Knees and Taking Zigzag Steps  [Chong]  Brush Knee and Turn Steps  [Zhao]  Twist Step, Brush Knee, Palm StrikeBrush Knee [Garofalo]  Avancer et brosser le genou. 3 fois. Bürste Knie  Rodilla Del Cepillo

左搂膝拗步  :  Lou Xi Ao Bu  :  Brush Knee and Twist Step 

 5.   Playing the Lute       (Shou Hui Pi Pa )          

Play the Lute  (Shouhui Pipa)  [Liang & Wu; Chong]  Play "Pipa"  [Zhang Fuxing]  Playing the Lute  (Shou Hui Pi Pa)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie]Playing the Pipa  [Metzger & Zhou] Hand-hold the Lute  [Zhao]  Playing the GuitarStrumming the Lute  Playing the Pipa  Playing the Lute  [Garofalo]  Jouer de la guitare (ou du luth)Spielen des Dichtungskitts  Tocar el Laúd  

手挥琵琶  :  Shou Hui Pi Pa  :  Hand Strums the Lute

 

6.   Step Back and Repulse Monkey       ( Dao Nian Hou)     

Reverse Reeling Forearm (Daojuan Gong)  [Liang & Wu] Step Back to Drive the Monkey Away  [Zhang Fuxing; Chong]   Step Back and Swirl Your Arms  (Zuio You Dao Jun Hong)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie]Fending Off the Monkey  [Metzger & Zhou] Back-rolling the Forearms  [Chong]  Repulse the Monkey  [Zhao]  Repulse Monkey and Step Back  Step Back and Drive Monkey Away  Step Back and Repulse Monkey  [Garofalo]  Reculer et repousser le singe. 4 fois.Schritt Rückseitig und Repulse-Affe   Paso Trasero y Mono de la Repulsión 

倒撵猴  :  Dao Nian Hou  

 7.   Grasping the Sparrow's Tail   - Left     ( Zuo Lan Que Wei )    

Left-Grasp the Sparrow's Tail  (Zuolan Quewei)  [Liang & Wu] Grasp the Bird's Tail on the Left  [Zhang Fuxing]  Grasping the Sparrow's Tail - Left  (Zuo Lan Qiao Wei)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie: Metzger & Zhou] Grasping the Bird's Tail, Left Mode  [Chong]  Left Grasp the Peacock's Tail  [Zhao]  Grasp the Sparrow's Tail to Left SideGrasping the Peacock's Tail to Left  Four GatesGrasp the Sparrow's Tail to the Left Side (Zuo Lan Qiaowei)Grasping the Sparrow's Tail - Left  [Garofalo]  Saisir la queue de l'oiseau à gauche. Fassen der Endstück-linken Seite des Spatzen  Agarrar el Llado Izquierdo de la Cola del Gorrión拦雀尾左  :  Lan Que Wei Zou :  Grasp the Bird's Tail Left

 8.   Grasping the Sparrow's Tail   - Right   ( You Lan Que Wei )    

Right-Grasp the Sparrow's Tail  (Youlan Quewei)  [Liang & Wu] Grasp the Bird's Tail on the Right  [Zhang Fuxing]  Grasping the Sparrow's Tail - Right  (You Lan Qiao Wei)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou] Grasping the Bird's Tail, Left Mode  [Chong]  Right Grasp the Peacock's Tail  [Zhao]  Grasp the Sparrow's Tail to the Right SideGrasping the Peacock's Tail to RightGrasp the Bird's Tail to RightFour GatesGrasp the Sparrow's Tail to the Right Side (You Lan Qiaowei)Grasping the Sparrow's Tail - Right  [Garofalo]  Saisir la queue de l'oiseau à droite.Fassen der Endstück-rechten Seite des Spatzen  Agarrar el Derecho de la Cola del Gorrión拦雀尾右 : Lan Que Wei You :  Grasp the Bird's Tail Right 

 

9.   Single Whip       ( Dan Bian)     

Single Whip  (Danbian)  [Liang & Wu] Single Whip  [Zhang Fuxing, Zhao]  The Whip  (Dan Bian)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie] Simple Whip  [Metzger & Zhou]   Holding a Single Whip  [Chong]  Single Whip  [Garofalo]  Simple fouet. Single Peitsche  Escoja El Azote  单鞭  :  Dan Bian

 

10.   Waving Hands Like Clouds       ( Yun Shou)

Wave Hands Like Clouds  (Yunshou)  [Liang & Wu] Wave Hands Like Clouds  [Zhang Fuxing, Zhao]   Move Hands Like Clouds  (Yun Shou)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie]  Moving Hands Like Clouds  [Metzger & Zhou] Waving Hands Like Clouds Drifting By  [Chong]  Waving Hands Like CloudsCloud Built HandsWave Hands in CloudsWaving Hands Like Clouds  [Garofalo]   Agiter les mains comme des nuages. 3 fois. Wellenartig Bewegende Hände Mögen Wolken  Las Manos Que Agitan Tienen Gusto De las Nubes

云手  :  Yun Shou 

 11.   Single Whip       ( Dan Bian )   

Single Whip  (Danbian)  [Liang & Wu, Zhang Fuxing] The Whip  (Dan Bian)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie, Zhao]Simple Whip  [Metzger & Zhou]   Holding a Single Whip  [Chong]  Single Whip  [Garofalo]  Simple fouet.Single Peitsche  Escoja El Azote  单鞭  :  Dan Bian

 12.   Pat the Horse on the Back       ( Gao Tan Ma )    

High Pat on Horse  (Gaotan Ma)  [Liang & Wu] Stroke the Horse From Above  [Zhang Fuxing]   Asking for Directions While Riding a Horse  (Gao Tan Ma)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie]

Patting the Horse's Neck While Riding  [Metzger & Zhou]   Patting the Horse on the Back  [Chong]  High Hand Pats the Horse  [Zhao] Pat the Horse on the Back [Garofalo]  Caresser la crinière du cheval (ou Flatter l'encolure du cheval)Tappen Sie das Pferd auf der Rückseite  Acaricie al Caballo en la Parte Posteriora 

高探马  :  Gao Tan Ma  :  High Pat on Horse   

 

13.   Kick with Right Heel       ( You Deng Jiao)    

Right Heel Kick (You Dengjiao)  [Liang & Wu] Kick with Right Heel  [Zhang Fuxing, Zhao]   Right Heel Kick   (You Deng Jiao)   [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou] Kicking Straight, Right Mode  [Chong]  Kick with Right Heel  [Garofalo]Coup-de-pied Avec le Talon Droit   Stoß mit der Rechten Ferse   Retroceso con el Talón Derecho    

右蹬脚  :  You Deng Jiao :  Right Heel Kick 

 

14.   Hitting Your Opponent's Ears with Both Fists       ( Shuang Feng Quan Er)     

Strike to Ears with Both Fists  (Shuangfeng Guaner)  [Liang & Wu]   Hit the Opponent's Ears with Both Fists  [Zhang Fuxing]   Hit Your Opponent's Ears with Both Fists  (Shuang Feng Guan Er)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou] Striking the Opponent's Ears with Both Fists  [Chong]  Strike Ears with Both Fists  [Zhao]  Box Opponent's Ears with Both FistsBox Ears with Both Fists  [Garofalo]   Hitting Your Opponents Ears with Both FistsFrapper les oreilles du tigre (ou frapper aux 2 oreilles). Schlagen Ihrer Konkurrenten Ohren mit beiden Fäusten  Golpear sus Oídos de los Opositores con Ambos Puños  

双峰灌耳  :  Shuang Feng Quan Er  :  Twin Fists Strike Opponents Ears 

 

15.   Kick with Left Heel       ( Zuo Deng Jiao )    

Turn Body and Left Heel Kick  (Zhuanshen Zuo Dengjiao)  [Liang & Wu] Turn Round and Kick with Left Heel  [Zhang Fuxing]  

Left Heel Kick  (Zhuan Shen Zuo Deng Jiao)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou] Kicking Straight, Left Mode  [Chong]  Kick with Left Heel  [Zhao]Kick with Left Heel  [Garofalo]  Tourner vers la gauche et donner un coup de talon gaucheStoß mit der Linken Ferse  Retroceso con el Talón Izquierdo 

左蹬脚  :  Zuo Deng Jiao  :  Left Heel Kick 

 

16.   Snake Creeps Down, Golden Rooster Stands on Left Leg     ( Xia Shi, Jin Ji Du Li)    

Left Lower Body Then Stand on One Leg (Zuo Xiashi Duli)  [Liang & Wu]  Squat Down and Stand on Left Leg  [Zhang Fuxing]   Climb Down and Stand on Your Left Leg  (Zuo Xia Shi Du Li)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie]Stooping Down and Then Standing on One Leg, Left Mode  [Chong]  Squat Down on Right Leg, Snake Creeps Down Left Leg, Stand on One Leg  Crooked Whip Left  [Metzger & Zhou] Left Down One-leg Stand  [Zhao]  Squat on Right, Climb Down Left  Golden Rooster Stands on Left Leg  Snake Creeps Down, Golden Rooster Stands on Left Leg  [Garofalo]  Snake Creeps DownLe serpent qui rampe à gauche. Die Schlange Kriecht Unten  La Serpiente Se Arastra Abajo  Golden Rooster Stands on One LegCoq d'or sur une patte.Der Goldene Hahn Steht auf einem Bein  El Gallo de Oro Está Parado en Una Pierna

下势  :  Xia Shi  :  Snake Creeps Down

左金鸡独立  :  Zuo Jin Ji Du Li  :  Golden Rooster Stands on Left Leg 

 

17.   Snake Creeps Down, Golden Rooster Stands on Right Leg   ( Xia Shi, Jin Ji Dui Li )     

Right Lower Body Then Stand on One Leg  (You Xiashi Duli)  [Liang & Wu] Squat Down and Stand on Right Leg  [Zhang Fuxing]   Climb Down and Stand on Your Right Leg  (You Xia Shi Du Li)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie]Stooping Down and Then Standing on One Leg, Right Mode  [Chong]  Right Down One-leg Stand  [Zhao]  Crooked Whip Right  [Metzger & Zhou] Squat Down on Left LegSnake Creeps Down Right LegSquat on Left, Climb Down Right 

Golden Rooster Stands on Right Leg  Snake Creeps Down, Golden Rooster Stands on Left Leg  [Garofalo]  Snake Creeps DownLe serpent qui rampe à droite. Die Schlange Kriecht Unten  La Serpiente Se Arastra Abajo  Golden Rooster Stands on One LegCoq d'or sur une patte.      Der Goldene Hahn Steht auf einem Bein  El Gallo de Oro Está Parado en Una Pierna

下势  :  Xia Shi  :  Snake Creeps Down

右金鸡独立  :  You Jin Ji Du Li  :  Golden Rooster Stands on Right Leg

 

18.   Fair Lady Works the Shuttles       ( Yu Nu Chaun Suo)    

Shuttle Back and Forth  (Chuansuo)  [Liang & Wu] Fair Lady Works with Shuttles  [Zhang Fuxing] Throwing the Loom (Left and Right)  (Zuo You Chuan Zuo)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou] Shuttling Between Left and Right, Fair Lady Works at Shuttles  [Chong]  Works at Shuttles (LR)  [Zhao]  Jade Maiden Works at the Loom   Two CornersWaking WoodWork at Shuttles on Both Sides  Fair Lady Works the Shuttles  [Garofalo]  The Beautiful Lady Works at the Loom  La fille de jade lance la navette à droite et à gauche (ou Lancer la navette à droite et à gauche). Die schöne Dame Arbeitet am Webstuhl   La Señora Hermosa Trabaja en el Telar 

玉女穿梭  :  Yu Nu Chuan Suo  :  Fair Lady Works at Shuttles  

 

19.   Pick Up the Needle from the Bottom of the Sea     ( Hai Di Zhen)     

Needle at Sea Bottom  (Haidizhen)  [Liang & Wu]   Needle at Sea Bottom  [Zhang Fuxing]   A Needle at the Bottom of the Ocean  (Hai Di Zhen)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou] Looking for a Needle at the Sea Bottom  [Chong]  Find the Needle at Sea Bottom  [Zhao]  Pick Up Needle from the Bottom of the SeaNeedle at Bottom of the SeaScoop Up the Needle at Sea BottomPick Up Needle from the Ocean's Floor    Needle at Sea Bottom  Pick Up the Needle from the Bottom of the Sea  [Garofalo]  Chercher l'aiguille au fond de la mer. Heben Sie die Nadel von der Unterseite des Meeres auf  

Tome la Auja del Fondo del Mar   

海底针  :  Hai Di Zhen  :   Needle at Sea Bottom

 

20.   Flashing the Arms Like a Fan       ( Shan Tong Bei )     

Fan Through Back  (Shan Tong Bei)  [Liang & Wu] Fend Off and Push Away with Arms  [Zhang Fuxing] Unfolding Your Arms Like a Fan  (Shan Tong Bi)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou] Shunting with Both Hands Fanned  [Chong]  Flash Arms  [Zhao]  Fan Through the BackFlashing the Arm  Unfolding Arms Like a Fan  Flashing the Arms Like a Fan  Dos en éventail.Blitzend Mögen die Arme einen Ventilator  Destellando los Brazos Tienen Gusto de un VentiladorFan Through the Back  [Garofalo] 

扇通背  :  Shan Tong Bei  :  Fan Through the Back

 

21.   Deflect, Parry and Punch       ( Zhuan Shen Ban Lan Chui)     

Turn Body, Deflect, Parry, and Punch  (Zhuanshen Banlanchui)  [Liang & Wu] Turn, Intercept, and Punch  [Zhang Fuxing]   Turn Around, Ward Off, and Punch  (Zhuan Shen Ban Lan Chui)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie]  Deflecting Downward, Parrying and Punching  [Chong]  Turn to Deflect, Block, and Strike  [Zhao]  Turning Around, Warding Off, Punching  [Metzger & Zhou] Turn, Shoulder Strike, Back Fist, Deflect, Parry and PunchDeflect, Parry and Punch  [Garofalo]  Tourner, absorber, parer et frapper du poing en avançant.Lenken Sie ab, Whren Sie ab und Lochen Sie  Desvíe, Parry y Perfore进步搬拦捶  :  Jin Bu Ban Lan Chui  :  Step Forward, Parry Block and Punch

 

22.   Apparent Close and Push       ( Ru Feng Si Bi )    

Appears Closed  (Rufemg Sibi)  [Liang & Wu] As If Blocking and Closing  [Zhang Fuxing] Closure  (Ru Feng Si Bi)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou]

Acting to Close a Door  [Chong]  Seal as Close Up  [Zhao]  Clearing Cross Block and Pushing   Apparent Close and PushAppears Closed (Ru Feng Si Bi)Withdraw and Push (Closing a Door)Apparent Close and Push  [Garofalo]  Ramener à soi et repousser. Offensichtliches Nahes und Stoß  Cercano Evidente y Empuje

如封似闭  :  Ru Feng Si Bi  :  Apparent Close Up

 

23.   Cross Hands       ( Shi Zi Shou )     

Cross Hands  (Shizishou)  [Liang & Wu, Zhang Fuxing, Zhao] Crossing Your Hands in Front of Chest  Cross Your Hands  (Shi Zi Shou)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie]Crossing Your Hands  [Metzger & Zhou; Chong]   Close the DoorCross Hands  [Garofalo]  Turn and Cross Hands in Front of Chest    Croiser les bras et reprendre la force.Tournez et Croisez les Mains Devant le Coffre  Drehen Sie und Kreuzen Sie Hände vor Kasten  Dé Vuelta y Cruce a las Manos Delante del Pecho

十字手  :  Shi Zi Shou  :  Cross Hands

 24.   Closing Posture of Taijiquan       ( Shou Shi Tajiquan )     

Closing  (Shoushi)  [Liang & Wu] Concluding Posture  [Zhang Fuxing; Chong]   Conclusion  (Shou Shi)  [Foen Tjoeng Lie; Metzger & Zhou; Zhao] Taiji EndingClosing Posture of Taijiquan  [Garofalo]  Fermeture.Schließende Lage von Taijiquan  Postura de Cierre de Taijiquan 

收式  :  Shou Shi  :  Closing还原  :  Huan Yuan  :  Return to Normal

1. Commencing (Qǐshì), Preparation, Beginning

2. Part the Wild Horse's Mane (Yémǎ Fēnzōng)

3. White Crane Spreads Its Wings (Báihè Lìangchì), Stork/Crane Cools Its Wings

4. Brush Knee and Step Forward (Lōuxī Àobù), Brush Knee and Twist Step

5. Playing the Lute (Shǒuhūi Pípā), Strum the Lute, Play Guitar

6. Reverse Reeling Forearm (Daojuan Gong), Step Back and Drive Monkey Away

7. Left Grasp Sparrow's Tail (Zuo Lan Quewei), Grasp the Bird's Tail

1. Ward Off (Peng)

2. Rollback (Lu)

3. Press (Ji)

4. Push (An)

8. Right Grasp Sparrow's Tail (You Lan Quewei)

9. Single Whip (Danbian)

10. Wave Hands Like Clouds (Yunshou), Cloud Hands, Cloud Built Hands, Wave Hands in Clouds

11. Single Whip (Danbian)

12. High Pat on Horse (Gao Tan Ma), Step Up to Examine Horse

13. Right Heel Kick (You Dengjiao), Separate Right Foot, Kick with Right Foot

14. Strike to Ears with Both Fists (Shuangfeng Guaner)

15. Turn Body and Left Heel Kick (Zhuanshen Zuo Dengjiao)

16. Left Lower Body and Stand on One Leg (Zuo Xiashi Duli)

1. Single Whip Squatting Down, Snake Creeps Down,

2. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Golden Bird Standing Alone

17. Right Lower Body and Bird Stand on One Leg (You Xiashi Duli)

18. Shuttle Back and Forth (Yunu Chuansuo), Fair Lady Works with Shuttles, (Walking Wood), Four Corners

19. Needle at Sea Bottom (Haidi Zhen)

20. Fan Through Back (Shan Tong Bei), Fan Penetrates Back

21. Turn Body, Deflect, Parry, and Punch (Zhuanshen Banlanchui)

22. Appears Closed (Rufeng Sibi), Withdraw and Push, as if Closing a Door

23. Cross Hands (Shizishou)

24. Closing (Shoushi)

Standard simplified 24 Form Tai Chi (Yang Style) Movements 1 - 5

Before you begin your Taijiquan form practice, be sure to do some walking and/or progressive warm up exercises.  There are many sets of exercises that can be used to warm up that have been developed in Qigong practices.  Yang style Taijiquan players use many different Qigong sets for warming up the body before they begin Taijiquan form practice.  I often use an exercise set like the Eight Section Brocade, Five Animal Frolics, Wild Goose, Nine Temple, Bagua Walking, gentle Hsing Yi drills, Sun Salutations, or a brisk walk as part of my warm up exercises.  Be creative and playful in selecting your warm up practices.    

  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 预 备 : Yu Bei : Preparation Form. 

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 ).   Shoulders are down, 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.   Practitioners of Kundalini Yoga might consider correspondences of the 3rd Chakra (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.  The Chinese energetic system is quite different from the Indian energetic system, so correspondences are weak 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).  

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 野马分鬃  : 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, let the mind direct the movements, don't bounce, and maintain an upright posture.  Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, 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.  

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; 白鵝亮翅 : Bai E Liang Chi. 

The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 in Movement #3.

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 左搂膝拗步 : 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. 

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 手挥琵琶 : 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.

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, 倒撵猴 : Dao Nian Hou.    

The Direction of Movement is reversed.  Move backward in a straight line from W9 in the direction of E3.  Please study the recommended online videos to see how the series of postures in this particular movement are performed.   

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, 倒撵猴 : Dao Nian Hou.    

The Direction of Movement is reversed.  Move backward in a straight line from W9 in the direction of E3.  Please study the recommended online videos to see how the series of postures in this particular movement are performed.   

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, 拦雀尾右: 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.  This movement consists of four parts: Ward Off, Roll Back, Press and Push. 

9.  Single Whip  

Variations of names for this movement include: Simple Whip, Whip, Holding the Whip in One Hand, Holding a Single Whip, 单鞭 : 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).  After the arms reach the left side (9c), then they rotate back to the right side (9c-9d).  The waist faces N12 (9c).  As the right arm gets 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 arm is drawn up to the face level, with the palm facing 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).  As the body settles into a left bow stance (9g), the left hand pushes forward, palm facing 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 arm lifted and pointing towards NE1, beaked right hand, and looking towards W9 (9g).  Inhale 9d-9e, and exhale 9f-9g. 

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 云手 : Yun Shou.   

The whole Cloud Hands (Yun Shou) movement flow is from the 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. 

 

11.  Single Whip  

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

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, 高探马 : Gao Tan Ma : High Pat on Horse.     

13.  Kick with Right Heel  

Variations of names for this movement include: Right Heel Kick, Kicking Straight Right Mode, Kicking with the Right Heel, 右蹬脚 : 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. 

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, 双峰灌耳 : 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.

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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, 左蹬脚 : Zuo Deng Jiao : Left Heel Kick.   

The Direction of Movement is reversed.  Move backward in a straight line from NW10 (15a)  in the direction of E3 (15b-15g).  Please study the recommended online videos to see how the series of postures in this particular movement are performed. 

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, 下势 : Xia Shi : Snake Creeps Down, 左金鸡独立 : Zuo Jin Ji Du Li : Golden Rooster Stands on Left Leg. 

The Direction of Movement is reversed.  Move backward from in a straight line from W9 in the direction of E3 (16a-16h).  Please study the recommended online videos to see how the series of postures in this particular movement are performed.   

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, 势 : Xia Shi : Snake Creeps Down, 右金鸡独立 : You Jin Ji Du Li  : Golden Rooster Stands on Right Leg.

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. 

18.  Fair Lady Works the Shuttles 

Variations of names for this movement include: Throwing the Loom to the Left Side and Right Side, Shuttle Back and Forth, Two Corners, Work at Shuttles on Both Sides, Jade Maiden Works the Shuttles, 玉女穿梭 : Yu Nu Chuan Suo : Fair Lady Works at Shuttles.  

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. 

19.  Pick Up the Needle from the Bottom of the Sea  

Variations of names for this movement include: Pick Up Needle from Bottom of the Sea, Needle at Bottom of the Sea, Find the Needle at the Sea Bottom, Reach for the Moon in the Lake, 海底针 : Hai Di Zhen : Needle at Sea Bottom. 

The general direction of movement is in a straight line from W9 towards E3 in Movement #19. 

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, 扇通背 : 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 from the Bottom of the Sea" (19c = 20a), begin by lifting the left leg up and then stepping forward onto the left heel (20b-20c).  Lift the left hand and move it forward towards E3, fingers upward, palm facing S6 (20b-20c).  The right hand moves up and back to the left, finishing above head level, palm facing S6, fingers pointing upward (20c-20d).  Sink the body weight into the left leg, and take a left bow stance (20c-20d).  Inhale 20a-20c, and exhale 20c-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, 进步搬拦捶 : 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).   Exhale on the punch (21g-21h).  Please study the recommended online videos to see how the series of postures in this particular movement are performed.   

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, 如封似闭 : Ru Feng Si Bi : Apparent Close Up. 

The general direction of movement is in a straight line from E3 towards W9 (22a-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,十字手 : Shi Zi Shou : Cross Hands.

24.  Closing Posture of Taijiquan   

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