Short Introduction to Chen Style Taiji 26 Form

Chen Style Taiji 26 Form is an elementary level of Chen style taijiquan. It is made up of the essential movements of Chen style 83 old form. It is designed for taijiquan beginners. The whole routine is fluid, simple, mainly of soft and twining movements.

Goals of the course:

Students can attain the following through 15 lessons of the elementary course:

1. Understand the health-building and sport principles of Chen-style Taiji Quan

2. Basic Taiji Quan skills:
- Training related to the hands, the eyes, the body, rules of movements, and footwork
- Simple internal energy flow skills (twining skills)

3. The basic routine: (consisting mainly of soft, gentle, slow, relaxed and agile moves; no difficult, complicated or jumping moves)

The 26 basic forms are typical moves taken from the traditional Chen-style Taiji Quan First Routine. The workout can help relax tendons, invigorate channels of energy circulation, enhance the flexibility, sturdiness and agility of joints, strengthen the legs' ability to support the body, and reduce the body's wear-and-tear and pains.

4. Lay a good foundation for more advanced learning. It can be practised in single movements or as continuous routine. The 26 form course will provide you a solid foundation on which you can proceed to the next level of Taiji learning.

Chinese Reference (Illustrated): How to learn Chen style Taiji better <怎樣練好陳式太極拳> with DVD, by Susan Gu. (Book is sold out, but available from public libraries. DVD is available for sale.)

The 26 Form Names

1. Commencing Form
2. Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar
3. Tuck in Robes
4. Six Seals & Four Closings
5. Single Whip
6. White Crane Spreads Wings
7. Walk Obliquely & Twist Step
8. Lift & Withdraw
9. Wade Forward
10. Hide Hand & Strike Fist
11. Body Defending Punches
12. Back Fold Strike
13. Black Dragon Comes Out of Sea
14. White Ape Presents Fruit
15. Double Push Palms
16. Step Back & Whirl Arms On Both Sides
17. Search High On The Horse
18. Deflect Through The Back
19. Strike Groin with Fist
20. Dragon Dives To The Ground
21. Golden Rooster Stands On One Leg
22. Step Back & Straddle A Tiger
23. Turn Body & Lotus Kick
24. Strike Head Like Cannons
25. Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds The Mortar
26. Closing Form

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