The last time we discussed the Tai Chi 8 Form/10 Form we discussed how these two forms are really the same form that has had its movements counted differently. In that post I promised to discuss why anyone would count moves differently and cause confusion by doing so. A person who is new to the world of Tai Chi would probably think that the 8 Form and the 10 Form are two separate forms based on their names and that is not helping anyone.
Unfortunately, the practice of calling the same form by more than one name is quite common in the world of Tai Chi. If you look at the Yang style long form, for example, you will find people who say it has 85 moves, the Yang family counts it at 103 movements, and many people list 108 movements in the form. It is important to note, however, that all of these forms are essentially the same.
There are two main driving factors that play into the numbering of a form. One is Chinese numerology. Certain numbers are considered more auspicious than others. Thus a form's movements will be counted in a way that adds up to a more auspicious number. The number eight for example is considered to be a lucky number, therefore, counting the postures of the 10 Form in such a way that it comes out to 8 movements is more stylish than simply counting the movements.
The other approach to counting the movements of a form is to consider practically what each move is and count it accordingly. Very straight-forward and practical, but not as much fun and certainly less thought-provoking.
Since there is no consensus about exactly how to count the moves of a Tai Chi form, the current practice of calling a single form by several names will probably continue indefinitely. If you are new to Tai Chi, having an instructor that can help you navigate the wild-west of Tai Chi form names can be very helpful. In my next post I will discuss which name is better for the Tai Chi 8 Form / 10 Form. Stay tuned.
Unfortunately, the practice of calling the same form by more than one name is quite common in the world of Tai Chi. If you look at the Yang style long form, for example, you will find people who say it has 85 moves, the Yang family counts it at 103 movements, and many people list 108 movements in the form. It is important to note, however, that all of these forms are essentially the same.
There are two main driving factors that play into the numbering of a form. One is Chinese numerology. Certain numbers are considered more auspicious than others. Thus a form's movements will be counted in a way that adds up to a more auspicious number. The number eight for example is considered to be a lucky number, therefore, counting the postures of the 10 Form in such a way that it comes out to 8 movements is more stylish than simply counting the movements.
The other approach to counting the movements of a form is to consider practically what each move is and count it accordingly. Very straight-forward and practical, but not as much fun and certainly less thought-provoking.
Since there is no consensus about exactly how to count the moves of a Tai Chi form, the current practice of calling a single form by several names will probably continue indefinitely. If you are new to Tai Chi, having an instructor that can help you navigate the wild-west of Tai Chi form names can be very helpful. In my next post I will discuss which name is better for the Tai Chi 8 Form / 10 Form. Stay tuned.
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