Tai Chi Movements

 

		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