Tai Chi Forms



Yang Style Tai Chi 10 Form (aka 8 Form):
(Note: I am currently in the planning stages of a video series for this form.  However, I did an hour-long instruction video for this form on World Tai Chi Day 2020. You can view that video here.)


  1. Begin Taiji
  2. (1) Repulse Monkey (Right and Left)
  3. (2) Brush Knee and Push (Left and Right)
  4. (3) Part the Horse's Mane (Left and Right)
  5. (4) Cloud Hands (Left and Right)
  6. (5) Rooster Stands on One Leg (Right and Left)
  7. (6) Heel Kick (Right and Left)
  8. (7) Grasp the Sparrow's Tail (Right and Left)
  9. (8) Cross Hands
  10. Close Taiji



Yang Style Tai Chi Simplified 24 Form
This is a short form that is used frequently for competitions and by practitioners who do not have a lot of time to practice the long form.  It does not contain all of the postures that are found in the long form, but gives a good general sampling of the most prominent moves of the long form.

The names of these moves are as follows:
  1. Begin Taiji
  2. Parting the Horse's Mane: 3x
  3. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
  4. Brush Knee and Push: 3x
  5. Playing the Lute
  6. Step Back and Repulse the Monkey
  7. Grasp Sparrow's Tail, Ward off, Rollback, Press, Push: Left
  8. Grasp Sparrow's Tail, Ward off, Rollback, Press, Push: Right
  9. Single Whip
  10. Wave Hands Like Clouds
  11. Single Whip
  12. High Pat on The Horse
  13. Right Heel Kick
  14. Twin Fists Strike Opponent's Ears
  15. Left Heel Kick
  16. Snake Creeps Down and Rooster Stands on One Leg  ~ Left
  17. Snake Creeps Down and  Rooster Stands on One Leg ~ Right
  18. Fair maiden Weaves with Shuttles: Left and Right
  19. Needle and Sea Bottom
  20. Fan Through the Back
  21. Turn Body, Parry, Punch
  22. Seal Tight (Apparent Close Up)
  23. Cross Hands
  24. Close Taiji


Yang Style Tai Chi 103 Long Form:
This form is the same as the 108 form in the postures that are present within the form. However, the way the movements are counted is different and the way they are performed is strikingly different between these two forms.  There are many ways to count the number of movements in the Yang style long form including 103, 105, 108, and others. This version of the Yang style long form more closely matches the version of the long form that is most commonly practiced around the world. 

The Yang Style Tai Chi 103 Long From is split into 3 sections and each section can be practiced individually or they can be combined and practiced as one long form with no pauses.  When practiced slowly and continuously, this form usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete

Part 1 includes movements 1-16.
Part 2 includes movements 17-54.
Part 3 includes movements 55-103.
  1. Preparation Form  (yu bei) 预 备
  2. Beginning (qi shi) 起式  
  3. Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail (lan que wei) 拦雀尾 
  4. Single Whip (dan bian) 单鞭
  5. Raise Hands and Step Forward (ti shou shang shi) 提手上势
  6. White Crane Spreads its Wings (bai he liang chi) 白鹤凉翅
  7. Left Brush Knee and Push (zuo lou xi ao bu) 左搂膝拗步
  8. Hand Strums the Lute (shou hui pi pa) 手挥琵琶
  9. Left Brush Knee and Push (zuo lou xi ao bu) 左搂膝拗步
  10. Right Brush Knee and Push (you lou xi ao bu) 右搂膝拗步
  11. Left Brush Knee and Push (zuo lou xi ao bu) 左搂膝拗步
  12. Hand Strums the Lute (shou hui pi pa) 手挥琵琶
  13. Left Brush Knee and Push (zuo lou xi ao bu) 左搂膝拗步
  14. Step Forward, Parry and Punch (jin bu ban lan chui) 进步搬拦捶
  15. Apparent Close Up (ru feng si bi) 如封似闭
  16. Cross Hands (shi zi shou) 十字手
  17. Embrace the Tiger and Return to Mountain (bao hu gui shan) 抱虎归山
  18. Fist Under Elbow (zhou di (kan) chui) 肘底捶
  19. Step Back and Repulse the Monkey, Left (zuo dao nian hou) 左倒撵猴
  20. Step Back and Repulse the Monkey, Right (you dao nian hou) 右倒撵猴
  21. Step Back and Repulse the Monkey, Left (zuo dao nian hou) 左倒撵猴
  22. Diagonal Flying (xie fei shi) 斜飞式
  23. Raise Hands and Step Forward (ti shou shang shi) 提手上势
  24. White Crane Spreads its Wings (bai he liang chi) 白鹤凉翅
  25. Left Brush Knee and Push (zuo lou xi ao bu) 左搂膝拗步
  26. Needle at Sea Bottom (hai di zhen) 海底针
  27. Fan Through the Back (shan tong bei) 扇通背
  28. Turn Body and Chop with Fist (zhuan shen pie shen chui) 转身撇身捶 
  29. Step Forward, Parry and Punch (jin bu ban lan chui) 进步搬拦捶
  30. Step Forward and Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail (shang bu lan que wei) 上步拦雀尾
  31. Single Whip (dan bian) 单鞭
  32. Cloud Hands (1) (zuo you yun shou (1)) 云手
  33. Cloud Hands (2) (zuo you yun shou (2)) 云手
  34. Cloud Hands (3) (zuo you yun shou (3)) 云手
  35. Single Whip (dan bian) 单鞭
  36. High Pat on Horse (gao tan ma) 高探马
  37. Right Separation Kick (you fen jiao) 右分脚
  38. Left Separation Kick (zuo fen jiao) 左分脚
  39. Turn Body and Left Heel Kick (zhuan shen zuo deng jiao) 转身左蹬脚
  40. Left Brush Knee and Push (zuo lou xi ao bu) 左搂膝拗步
  41. Right Brush Knee and Push (you lou xi ao bu) 右搂膝拗步
  42. Step Forward and Punch Down (jin bu zai chui) 进步栽锤
  43. Turn Body and Chop with Fist (zhuan shen pie shen chui) 转身撇身锤
  44. Step Forward, Parry and Punch (jin bu ban lan chui) 进步搬拦锤
  45. Right Heel Kick (you deng jiao) 右蹬脚
  46. Left Strike Tiger (zuo da hu shi) 左打虎式
  47. Right Strike Tiger (you da hu shi) 右打虎式
  48. Turn Body and Right Heel Kick (hui shen you deng jiao) 回身右蹬脚
  49. Twin Fists Strike Opponents Ears (shuang feng guan er) 双峰灌耳
  50. Left Heel Kick (zuo deng jiao) 左蹬脚
  51. Turn Body and Right Heel Kick (zhuan shen you deng jiao) 转身右蹬脚
  52. Step Forward, Parry and Punch (jin bu ban lan chui) 进步搬拦锤
  53. Apparent Close Up (ru feng si bi) 如封似闭
  54. Cross Hands (shi zi shou) 十字手
  55. Embrace the Tiger and Return to Mountain (bao hu gui shan) 抱虎归山
  56. Diagonal Single Whip (xie dan bian) 斜单鞭
  57. Parting Wild Horse’s Mane, Right (you ye ma fen zong) 右野马分鬃
  58. Parting Wild Horse’s Mane, Left (zuo ye ma fen zong) 左野马分鬃
  59. Parting Wild Horse’s Mane, Right (you ye ma fen zong) 右野马分鬃
  60. Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail (lan que wei) 拦雀尾
  61. Single Whip (dan bian) 单鞭
  62. Fair Lady Works at Shuttles (yu nu chuan suo) 玉女穿梭
  63. Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail (lan que wei) 拦雀尾
  64. Single Whip (dan bian) 单鞭
  65. Cloud Hands (1) (zuo you yun shou (1)) 云手
  66. Cloud Hands (2) (zuo you yun shou (2)) 云手
  67. Cloud Hands (3) (zuo you yun shou (3)) 云手
  68. Single Whip (dan bian) 单鞭
  69. Snake Creeps Down (xia shi) 下势
  70. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Left (zuo jin ji du li) 左金鸡独立
  71. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Right (you jin ji du li) 右金鸡独立
  72. Step Back and Repulse the Monkey, Left (you dao nian hou) 左倒撵猴
  73. Step Back and Repulse the Monkey, Right (zuo dao nian hou) 右倒撵猴
  74. Step Back and Repulse the Monkey, Left (you dao nian hou) 左倒撵猴
  75. Diagonal Flying (xie fei shi) 斜飞势
  76. Raise Hands and Step Forward (ti shou shang shi) 提手上势
  77. White Crane Spreads its Wings (bai he liang chi) 白鹤凉翅
  78. Left Brush Knee and Push (zuo lou xi ao bu) 左搂膝拗步
  79. Needle at Sea Bottom (hai di zhen) 海底针
  80. Fan Through the Back (shan tong bei) 扇通背
  81. Turn Body and White Snake Spits out Tongue (zhuan shen bai she tu xin) 转身白蛇吐信
  82. Step Forward, Parry and Punch (jin bu ban lan chui) 进步搬拦捶
  83. Step Forward and Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail (shang bu lan que wei) 上步拦雀尾
  84. Single Whip (dan bian) 单鞭
  85. Cloud Hands (1) (zuo you yun shou (1)) 云手
  86. Cloud Hands (2) (zuo you yun shou (2)) 云手
  87. Cloud Hands (3) (zuo you yun shou (3)) 云手
  88. Single Whip (dan bian) 单鞭
  89. High Pat On Horse with Palm Thrust (gao tan ma chuan zhang) 高探马穿掌
  90. Cross Kick (shi zi tui) 十字腿
  91. Step Forward and Punch Groin (jin bu zhi dang chui) 进步指裆锤
  92. Step Forward and Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail (shang bu lan que wei) 上步拦雀尾
  93. Single Whip (dan bian) 单鞭
  94. Snake Creeps Down (xia shi) 下势
  95. Step Forward Seven Stars (shang bu qi xing) 上步七星
  96. Step Back and Ride the Tiger (tui bu kua hu) 退步跨虎
  97. Turn Body and Swing Over Lotus (zhuan shen bai lian) 转身摆莲
  98. Bend the Bow and Shoot the Tiger (wan gong she hu) 弯弓射虎
  99. Step Forward, Parry and Punch (jin bu ban lan chui) 进步搬拦捶
  100. Apparent Close Up如封似闭 (ru feng si bi) 
  101. Cross Hands (shi zi shou) 十字手
  102. Closing (shou shi) 收式
  103. Return to Normal (huan yuan) 还原

Yang Style Tai Chi 108 Long Form:
The Yang Style Tai Chi 108 Long From is split into 3 sections and each section can be practiced individually or they can be combined and practiced as one long form with no pauses.  When practiced slowly and continuously, this form usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete

It is important to note that there are several different ways to count the moves in the long form which causes some people to call this a 103 movement form, others 108, others 113, etc.  The way we count this version of the Yang style long form yields 108 movements.

It is important to note that this version of the Yang Style Long form has the same postures as the other versions, but the postures are performed in a way that is quite different, in most cases, than what you will encounter most places where the Yang style long form is practiced.  This unique version of this form offers additional insight into the applications of the movements of the Yang style long form. 

The names of those moves are as follows:



  1. Begin Taiji
  2. Grasp Sparrow’s Tail: Ward off, Rollback, Press, Push
    1. Video 1
    2. Video 2
  3. Single Whip
  4. Raise Hands and Step Forward
  5. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
  6. Left Brush Knee and Push
  7. Playing the Lute
  8. Left Brush Knee and Push
  9. Right Brush Knee and Push
  10. Left Brush Knee and Push
  11. Playing the Lute
  12. Left Brush Knee and Push
  13. Turn Body and Chop with Fist
  14. Step Forward, Parry, and Punch
  15. Apparent Close Up
  16. Embrace the Tiger and Carry it to the Mountain
  17. Close form/Transition form (Cross Hands) (End of 1st part of form/ beginning of 2nd part)
  18. Grasp Sparrow’s Tail: Ward off,Rollback, Press, Push
  19. Single Whip
  20. Fist Under Elbow
  21. Step Back and Repulse Monkey: Left
  22. Step Back and Repulse Monkey: Right
  23. Step Back and Repulse Monkey: Left
  24. Diagonal Flying
  25. Raise Hands and Step Forward
  26. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
  27. Left Brush Knee and Push
  28. Needle at Sea Bottom
  29. Fan Through the Back
  30. Turn Body and Chop with Fist
  31. Step Forward, Parry, and Punch
  32. Step Forward, Grasp Sparrow’s Tail: Wardoff, Rollback, Press, Push
  33. Single Whip
  34. Wave Hands Like Clouds: Right
  35. Wave Hands Like Clouds: Left
  36. Wave Hands Like Clouds: Right
  37. Single Whip
  38. High Pat on the Horse
  39. Right Separation Kick
  40. Left Separation Kick
  41. Turn Body and Left Heel Kick
  42. Left Brush Knee and Push
  43. Right Brush Knee and Push
  44. Step Forward and Punch Down
  45. Turn Body and Chop with Fist
  46. Step Forward, Parry, and Punch
  47. Right Heel Kick
  48. Right Strike Tiger
  49. Left Strike Tiger
  50. Right Heel Kick
  51. Twin Fists Strike Opponent’s Ears
  52. Left Heel Kick
  53. Turn Body and Right Heel Kick
  54. Turn Body and Chop with Fist
  55. Step Forward, Parry, and Punch
  56. Apparent Close Up
  57. Embrace the Tiger and Carry it to the Mountain
  58. Close Form/Transition Form (Cross Hands) (End of 2nd part of form/ beginning of 3rd part)
    1. Movements 55-58 are covered in this video.
  59. Grasp Sparrow’s Tail: Ward off, Rollback, Press, Push
  60. Single Whip
    1. Movements 59-60 are covered in this video.
  61. Parting Wild Horse’s Mane: Right
  62. Parting Wild Horse’s Mane: Left
  63. Parting Wild Horse’s Mane: Right
  64. Grasp Sparrow’s Tail: Ward off, Rollback, Press, and Push
  65. Single Whip
  66. Fair Maiden Weaves with Shuttles: Left
  67. Fair Maiden Weaves with Shuttles: Right
  68. Fair Maiden Weaves with Shuttles: Left
  69. Fair Maiden Weaves with Shuttles: Right
  70. Grasp Sparrow’s Tail: Ward off, Rollback, Press, and Push
  71. Single Whip
  72. Wave Hands Like Clouds: Right
  73. Single Whip
  74. Snake Creeps Down: Left
  75. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg: Left
  76. Snake Creeps Down: Right
  77. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg: Right
  78. Step Back and Repulse the Monkey: Left
  79. Step Back and Repulse the Monkey: Right
  80. Step Back and Repulse the monkey: Left
  81. Diagonal Flying
  82. Raise Hands and Step Forward
  83. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
  84. Left Brush Knee and Push
  85. Needle and Sea Bottom
  86. Fan Through the Back
    1. Moves 79-86 are covered in this video
  87. Turn Body and White Snake Spits Out Its Tongue
  88. Step Forward, Parry, and Punch
  89. Grasp Sparrow’s Tail: Step Forward, Ward off, Rollback, Press, Push
  90. Single Whip
  91. Wave Hands Like Clouds: Right
  92. Single Whip
    1. Moves 90-92 are covered in this video
  93. High Pat On the Horse
  94. Palm Thrust
  95. Turn Body and Right Heel Kick
  96. Step Forward and Punch Down
  97. Grasp Sparrow’s Tail: Step Forward, Ward off, Rollback, Press, Push
  98. Single Whip
  99. Snake Creeps Down: Left
  100. Step Forward Seven Stars
  101. Step Back and Ride the Tiger
  102. Turn Body and Swing Over Lotus
  103. Bend the Bow and Shoot the Tiger
  104. Turn Body and Chop with Fist
  105. Step Forward, Parry, and Punch
  106. Apparent Close Up
  107. Embrace the Tiger and Carry it to the Mountain
  108. Cross Hands; Close Taiji


Yang Style Tai Chi 13 Saber Form
This is traditionally the first short weapon form that is taught in Yang Style Tai Chi and is usually practices with a Yang Tai Chi Saber, although it can also be practiced with a Chinese broadsword (Dao).  This form is not described in a series of postures like most forms, but instead is described by a poem that is meant to convey the feeling or spirit of the moves contained in the form.  The poem is given in 13 lines of poetry (thus it is called the 13 Saber Form) and each line of the poem corresponds to several postures of the form.

In this series I have split of the 13 lines of the form into smaller segments and I have tried to separate movements that stand alone well, to make it easier to learn.  The movements and sequence have not been altered, they have simply been split into about 25 lessons plus an intro lesson.  Each video covers one of the segments of this form and shows the movements from several different angles.  The movements in the video are labeled by the line of the poem from which they came and a number indicating the posture in that line.  For example, the first move of the form will be called, "Line 1: Move 1." The second move of the form will be called, "Line 1: Move 2."  The second move of the third line will be called, "Line 3: Move 2" etc.





For your reference, below, I have copied the Yang Tai Chi 13 Saber Poem as found on the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association's website.  (Excluding the pinyin version of each line) (http://www.yangfamilytaichi.com/about/forms/saber-13)  And I have inserted links under each line of poetry to the videos that correspond to that line.


  1. Seven stars to Mount the tiger, Wielding saber forms. (七星跨虎交刀势)
  2. Spring-and-clear to Daze-and-strike with Will and spirit raised. (腾挪闪展意气扬)
  3. Looking leftward, Gazing right, the Two components spread. (左顾右盼两分张)
  4. White crane displays its wings to Palm the five-fold states. (白鹤亮翅五行掌)
  5. Breezes turn the lotus bloom to Hide it in the leaves. (风卷荷花叶里藏)
  6. Treasured maidens work their shuttles facing eight-fold ways. (玉女穿梭八方势)
  7. Triple stars open, close, Extending to their will. (三星开合自主张)
  8. Double legs arising come and Strike the tiger pose. (二起脚来打虎势)
  9. Drape the body, hang aslant, and Kick like doting ducks (披身斜挂鸳鸯脚)
  10. With the current, push the boat, the Whip can be a pole. (顺水推舟鞭做篙)
  11. Lower posture, Thrice combining, freedom calls to roll. (下势三合自由招)
  12. Leftward, rightward cleaving streams, the Dragon gate to crest. (左右分水龙门跳)
  13. Old Bian-He retrieves his stone and Phoenix returns to nest. (卞和携石凤还巢)


Yang Tai Chi Jian (Straight Sword) Form:
This form, like many other Taiji forms, can have its movements counted a number of different ways. The most common seem to be as a 67 movement form (as numbered below) and as a 54 movement form. This is considered the traditional straight sword form of Yang style Tai Chi (Taiji). 
  1. Preparation (Yu bei shi) 预备势
  2. Begin Form (Qi shi) 起势
  3. Circle the Moon with Three Rings (San huan tao yue) 三环套月
  4. Big Dipper (Kui xing shi) 魁星势
  5. Swallow Skims the Water (Yan zi chao shui) 燕子抄水
  6. Block and Sweep, Right (You bian lan sao) 右边拦扫
  7. Block and Sweep, Left (Zuo bian lan sao) 左边拦扫
  8. Little Dipper (Xiao kui xing) 小魁星
  9. Swallow Returns to its Nest (Yan zi ru cao) 燕子入巢
  10. Agile Cat Seizes the Mouse (Ling mao bu shu) 灵猫捕鼠
  11. Phoenix Lifts its Head (Feng huang tai tou) 凤凰抬头
  12. Wasp Enters the Cave (Huang feng ru dong) 黄蜂入洞
  13. Phoenix Opens its Right Wing (Feng huang you zhan chi) 凤凰右展翅
  14. Little Dipper (Xiao kui xing) 小魁星
  15. Phoenix Opens its Left Wing (Feng huang zuo zhan chi) 凤凰左展翅
  16. Casting the Fishing Rod (Deng yu shi) 等鱼势
  17. Poking the Grass to Find the Snake, One (You long xing shi) 右龙行势
  18. Poking the Grass to Find the Snake, Two (Zuo long xing shi) 左龙行势
  19. Poking the Grass to Find the Snake, Three (You long xing shi) 右龙行势
  20. Embracing the Moon (Huai zhong bao yue) 怀中抱月
  21. Birds Lodging in the Forest (Su niao tou lin) 宿鸟投林
  22. Black Dragon Swings its Tail (Wu long bai wei) 乌龙摆尾
  23. Green Dragon comes out of the Water (Qing long chu shui) 青龙出水
  24. Lotus Swirls Around in the Wind (Feng juan he ye) 风卷荷叶
  25. Lion Shakes its Head, Left (Zuo shi zi yao tou) 左狮子摇头
  26. Lion Shakes its Head, Right (You shi zi yao tou) 右狮子摇头
  27. Tiger Covers its Head (Hu bao tou) 虎抱头
  28. Mustang Jumps the Ravine (Ye ma tiao jian) 野马跳涧
  29. Reining in the Stallion (Le ma shi) 勒马势
  30. Compass (Zhi nan zhen) 指南针
  31. Dusting in the Wind, One (Zuo ying feng dan chen) 左迎风掸尘
  32. Dusting in the Wind, Two (You ying feng dan chen) 右迎风掸尘
  33. Dusting in the Wind, Three (Zuo ying feng dan chen) 左迎风掸尘
  34. Pushing the Canoe with the Current (Shun shui tui zhou) 顺水推舟
  35. Shooting Star Chases the Moon (Liu xing gan yue) 流星赶月
  36. Heavenly Steed Flies Over the Waterfall (Tian ma fei pu) 天马飞瀑
  37. Lifting up the Curtain (Tiao lian shi) 挑帘势
  38. Left Cart Wheel (Zuo che lun) 左车轮
  39. Right Cart Wheel (You che lun) 右车轮
  40. Swallow Carries Pieces of Earth in its Beak (Yan zi xian ni) 燕子衔泥
  41. Roc Extends its Wings (Da peng zhan chi) 大鹏展翅
  42. Fishing for the Moon at the Sea Bottom (Hai di lao yue) 海底捞月
  43. Naza Explores the Sea Bottom (Ne zha tan hai) 哪吒探海
  44. Rhinoceros Looks at the Moon (Xi niu wang yue) 犀牛望月
  45. Shooting the Wild Goose (She yan shi) 射雁势
  46. Green Dragon Shows its Claws (Qing long xian zhua) 青龙现爪
  47. Phoenix Opens Both its Wings (Feng huang shuang zhan chi) 凤凰双展翅
  48. Step Over and Block Up, Left (Zuo kua lan) 左跨拦
  49. Step Over and Block Up, Right (You kua lan) 右跨拦
  50. Shooting the Wild Goose (She yan shi) 射雁势
  51. White Ape Presents the Fruit (Bai yuan xian guo) 白猿献果
  52. Falling Flowers, One (You luo hua shi) 右落花势
  53. Falling Flowers, Two (Zuo luo hua shi) 左落花势
  54. Falling Flowers, Three (You luo hua shi) 右落花势
  55. Falling Flowers, Four (Zuo luo hua shi) 左落花势
  56. Falling Flowers, Five (You luo hua shi) 右落花势
  57. Fair Lady Works at Shuttles (Yu nu chuan suo) 玉女穿梭
  58. White Tiger Swings its Tail (Bai hu jiao wei) 白虎搅尾
  59. Tiger Covers its Head (Hu bao tou) 虎抱头
  60. Fish Jumps Over the Dragon Gate (Yu tiao long men) 鱼跳龙门
  61. Black Dragon Twists Around the Pole, Left (Zuo wu long jiao zhu) 左乌龙搅柱
  62. Black Dragon Twists Around the Pole, Right (You wo long jiao zhu) 右乌龙搅柱
  63. Fairy Points the Way (Xian ren shi lu) 仙人指路
  64. An Incense for Heaven (Chao tian yi zhu xiang) 朝天一柱香
  65. Plum Flowers Being Swept by the Wind (Feng sao mei hua) 凤扫梅花
  66. Presenting the Tablet (Ya hu shi) 牙笏势
  67. Return the Sword to its Original Position (Bao jian gui yuan) 抱剑归原



Chen Syle Tai Chi 27 Postures form:
This is a short form that can be used as in introduction to Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) for beginners or by practitioners who do not have a lot of time to practice the old frame long form (Lao Jia Yi Lu).  It is based on old frame Chen style and does not contain all of the postures that are found in the old frame long form, but it does gives a good general sampling of the most prominent moves of the long form.  This form was created by my master and the head master of the academy, at which I trained in China.  Therefore, it is a special form that you will not see performed often in competitions.
  1. Begin Taiji (Tai Ji Qi Shi)
  2. Buddha's Warrior Attendant Leaves the Temple (Jin Gang Chu Miao)
  3. Lazily Tying Coat (Lan Zha Yi)
  4. Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar (Jin Gang Dao Dui)
  5. White Crane Spreads Wings (Bai He Liang Chi) (In Chen style this is often called "White Goose Spreads Its Wings" [Bai E Liang Chi])
  6. Diagonal Posture (Xie Xing)
  7. Brushing Knees (Lou Xi)
  8. Step to Both Sides (Ao Bu)
  9. Cover Hand Thrust Punch: Left (Yan Shou GongQuan)
  10. Double Pushing Hands (Shuang Tui Shou)
  11. Stepping Back and Wrapping Upper Arms (Dao JuanGong)
  12. Turn Back Quickly (Shan Tong Bei) (Flashing Turnto Back)
  13. Cover Hand Thrust Punch (Yan Shou Gong Quan)
  14. Six Sealing Four Closing (Liu Feng Si Bi)
  15. Single Whip (Dan Bian)
  16. Cloud Hands (Yun Shou)
  17. High Pat on Horse (Gao Tan Ma)
  18. Right Heel Kick (Zuo Deng Yi Gen)
  19. Left Heel Kick (You Deng Yi Gen)
  20. Parting the Horse’s Mane (Ye Ma Fen Zong)
  21. Dragon Rolling Downward (Que Di Long)
  22. Step Forward to Seven Stars (Shang Bu Qi Xing)
  23. Step Back to Ride the Tiger (Xia Bu Kua Hu)
  24. Turn Back and Wave Double Lotus (Zhuan ShenShuang Bai Lian)
  25. Cannon Right in Front (Dang Tou Pao)
  26. Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar(Jin Gang Dao Dui)
  27. Close Taji Form (Tai Ji Shou Shi)


Chen Style Tai Chi Old Frame First Routine (Lao Jia Yi Lu) (陈式太极拳老架一路):
This is the oldest known Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) form still in practice today and is the long form for the "Old Frame" of Chen Style Taiji.  It is said that correct, persistent practice of this form is the foundation for developing good Tai Chi skills.  The following list are the names of each posture of the form as given to me by my master.

1. Begin Taiji (Tai Ji Qi Shi) 起式
2. Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar (Jin Gang Dao Dui) 金刚捣碓
3. Lazily Tying Coat (Lan Zha Yi) 揽扎衣
4. Six Sealing Four Closing (Liu Feng Si Bi) 六封四闭
5. Single Whip (Dan Bian) 单鞭
6. Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar (Jin Gang Dao Dui) 金刚捣碓
7. White Crane Spreading Its Wings (Bai He Liang Chi) 白鹤亮翅 (In Chen style this is often called "White Goose Spreads Its Wings" [Bai E Liang Chi])
8. Diagonal Posture (Xie Xing) 斜行
9. Holding Up the Knee (Lou Xi) 搂膝
10. Stepping To Both Sides (Ao Bu) 坳步
11. Diagonal Posture (Xie Xing) 斜行
12. Holding Up the Knee (Lou Xi) 搂膝
13. Stepping To Both Sides (Ao Bu) 坳步 
14. Cover Fist and Punch (Yan Shou Gong Quan) 掩手肱拳
15. Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar (Jin Gang Dao Dui) 金刚捣碓
16. Hit and Drape Fist Over Body (Pie Shen Quan) 撇身拳
17. Blue Dragon Flying Out of the Water (Qin Long Chu Shui) 青龙出水
18. Double Pushing Hands (Shuang Tui Shou) 双推手
19. Striking with Fist Under Elbow (Zhou Di Kan Quan) 肘底看拳
20. Stepping Back and Wrapping Upper Arms (Dao Juan Hong) 倒卷肱
21. White Crane Spreads Wings (Bai He Liang Chi) 白鹤亮翅 (In Chen style this is often called "White Goose Spreads Its Wings" [Bai E Liang Chi])
22. Diagonal Posture (Xie Xing) 斜行
23. Turning Back With Arms Twining (Shan Tong Bei) 闪通背
24. Cover Fist and Punch (Yan Shou Gong Quan) 掩手肱拳
25. Six Sealing Four Closing (Liu Feng Si Bi) 六封四闭
26. Single Whip (Dan Bian) 单鞭
27. Cloud Hands (Yun Shou) 云手
28. Patting the Horse’s Back (Gao Tan Ma) 高探马
29. Slapping the Right Foot (You Ca Jiao) 右擦脚
30. Slapping the Left Foot (Zuo Ca Jiao) 左擦脚
31. Kicking With the Left Heel (Zuo Deng Yi Gen) 左蹬一跟
32. Walking Forward By Stepping To Both Sides (Ao Bu) 坳步
33. Punching Toward the Ground (Ji Di Chui) 击地捶
34. Turning and Kicking Twice in the Air (Fan Shen Er Qi Jiao) 翻身二起脚
35. Protect the Heart with the Fist (Hu Xing Quan) 护心拳
36. Tornado Kick (Xuan Feng Jiao) 旋风脚
37. Kicking with the Right Heel (You Deng Yi Gen) 右蹬一跟
38. Cover Fist and Punch (Yan Shou Gong Quan) 掩手肱拳
39. Grab and Hit (Xiao Qin Da) 小擒打
40. Protecting the Head and Pushing Mountain (Bao Tou Tui Shan) 抱头推山
41. Six Sealing Four Closing (Liu Feng Si Bi) 六封四闭
42. Single Whip (Dan Bian) 单鞭
43. Forward Technique (Qian Zhao) 前招
44. Backward Technique (Hou Zhao) 后招
45. Parting the Wild Horse's Mane (Ye Ma Fen Zong) 野马分鬃
46. Six Sealing Four Closing (Liu Feng Si Bi) 六封四闭
47. Single Whip (Dan Bian) 单鞭
48. Jade Maiden Working Her Loom (Yu Nu Chuan Suo) 玉女穿梭
49. Lazily Tying Coat (Lan Zha Yi) 懒扎衣
50. Six Sealing Four Closing (Liu Feng Si Bi) 六封四闭
51. Single Whip (Dan Bian) 单鞭
52. Cloud Hands (Yun Shou) 云手
53. Swing the Foot and Drop Down (Bai Jiao Die Cha) 摆脚跌叉
54. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg (Jin Ji Du Li) 金鸡独立
55. Stepping Back and Whirling the Arms (Dao Juan Hong) 倒卷肱
56. White Crane Spreads Its Wings (Bai He Liang Chi) 白鹤亮翅 (In Chen style this is often called "White Goose Spreads Its Wings" [Bai E Liang Chi])
57. Diagonal Posture (Xie Xing) 斜行
58. Turning Back With Arms Twining (Shan Tong Bei) 闪通背
59. Cover Fist and Punch (Yan Shou Gong Quan) 掩手肱拳
60. Six Sealing Four Closing (Liu Feng Si Bi) 六封四闭
61. Single Whip (Dan Bian) 单鞭
62. Cloud Hands (Yun Shou) 云手
63. Patting the Horse’s Back (Gao Tan Ma) 高探马
64. Reverse Sweep With Right Leg Crossing (Shi Zi Jiao) 十字脚
65. Punch the Groin (Zhi Dang Chui) 指裆捶
66. White Ape Dedicate Fruit (Bai Yuan Xian Guo) 白猿献果
67. Single Whip (Dan Bian) 单鞭
68. Dragon Rolling Downward (Que Di Long) 雀地龙
69. Stepping Forward to Form the Seven Stars (Shang Bu Qi Xing) 上步七星
70. Stepping Back to Ride the Tiger (Xia Bu Kua Hu) 下步跨虎
71. Sweeping leg and slapping both hands ( Shuang Bai Lian) 双摆莲
72. Cannon Right Over Head (Dang Tou Pao) 当头炮
73. Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar (Jing Gang Dao Dui) 金刚捣碓
74. Finish Posture of Taijiquan Form (Tai Ji Shou Shi) 太极收势


Chen Style Tai Chi Old Frame Second Routine (Lao Jia Er Lu)
aka: Cannon Fist (Pao Cui)

  1. Begin Taiji
  2. Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar 
  3. Lazily Tying Coat 
  4. Six Sealing Four Closing 
  5. Single Whip 
  6. Protect Heart Fist 
  7. Step up to Diagonal Posture 
  8. Turn Around with Buddha's Warrior Pounds the Mortar  
  9. Leaning Body Punch 
  10. Strike the Groin 
  11. Chopping Hand 
  12. Dance with the Sleeves
  13. Covering Hand Punch
  14. Turn Around with Cross Elbow Strike
  15. Upper and Lower Arm Strikes (aka Waving Hands) 
  16. Fair Maiden Weaves Shuttle 
  17. Riding Dragon Backwards 
  18. Covering Hand Punch
  19. Wrapping Cannon Punches (aka wrapping fire crackers) 
  20. Beast Head Posture 
  21. Chopping Posture
  22. Covering Hand Punch
  23. Tame the Tiger
  24. Brush the Eyebrows 
  25. Yellow Dragon Stirs Up Water
  26. Left and Right Thrust Kick (aka Dash to the Left and Right)
  27. Covering Hand Punch
  28. Sweep Kick 
  29. Covering Hand Punch
  30. Full Cannon Fist
  31. Covering Hand Punch
  32. Pound and Split
  33. Left and Right Continuous Strikes
  34. Turn Around with Cannon Fist
  35. Switch Position with Cannon Fist
  36. Cross Elbow Strike
  37. Straight Elbow Strike
  38. Lower Side Punch (aka Cannon into the Nest)
  39. Turn Around and Double Forward Elbows
  40. Buddha's Warrior Pounds Mortar
  41. Close Taiji 


Chen Style Saber Form:
  1. Begin Taiji
  2. Protecting the Heart
  3. Blue Dragon Emerges from the Water
  4. Wind Blows Away Fallen Blossoms
  5. White Clouds Cover Overhead
  6. Black Tiger Searches the Mountain
  7. Su Qin Carries the Sword on his Back
  8. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg
  9. Roll and Jam the Oncoming Blade
  10. Sever the White Snake with Horizontal Chop
  11. Three Rings Around the Sun
  12. Brush Away Clouds to Look at the Sun
  13. Brush Grass Away and Search for the Snake - Left
  14. Brush Grass Away and Search for the Snake - Right 
  15. Blue Dragon Emerges from the Water
  16. Wind Blows Away Fallen Blossoms
  17. Wild Goose Tucks in Golden Wings
  18. Sea Monster Explores the Sun
  19. Wheel Over and Chop - Left
  20. Wheel Over and Chop - Right
  21. White Snake Spits Its Tongue
  22. Hold the Moon in the Arms
  23. Close Taiji

Chen Style Taiji Jian (Straight Sword) Form:
  1. Begin Taiji
  2. Present the Sword to the Sun
  3. Immortal Points the Way
  4. Black Dragon Emerges From the Water
  5. Protecting the Knee
  6. Closing the Door 
  7. Black Dragon Emerges from the Water
  8. Flip the Body and Chop the Sword
  9. Black Dragon Turns Around
  10. Diagonal Flying Posture
  11. Spread Wings and Point the Head
  12. Brush the Grass to Search for Snakes
  13. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg
  14. Immortal Points the Way
  15. Covering and Blocking Posture
  16. Coiling Roots of Ancient Trees
  17. Hungry Tiger Jumps to Its Prey
  18. Black Dragon Sweeps Its Tail
  19. Roll the Forearms Backward
  20. Wild Horse Leaps Over the Gorge
  21. White Snake Spits Its Tongue
  22. Black Dragon Sweeps Its Tail
  23. Zhong Kui Holds Up the Sword
  24. Arhat Tames the Drgaon
  25. Black Bear Wheels Over
  26. Swallow Pecks Mud
  27. White Snake Spits Its Tongue
  28. Diagonal Flying Posture
  29. Eagle and Bear's Battle of Wits
  30. Swallow Pecks Mud
  31. Rearrange the Stars
  32. Fish the Moon From the Bottom of the Sea
  33. Immortal Points the Way
  34. Phoenix Nods Its Head
  35. Swallow Pecks Mud
  36. White Snake Spits Its Tongue
  37. Diagonal Flying Posture
  38. Uplift a Thousand Pounds - Left
  39. Uplift a Thousand Pounds - Right
  40. Swallow Pecks Mud
  41. White Ape Presents Fruit
  42. Falling Blossoms Posture
  43. Up and Down Diagonal Pierces 
  44. Diagonal Flying Posture
  45. Ne Zha Explores the Sea
  46. Monster Python Flips Over
  47. Wei Tuo Presents the Pole
  48. Grinding Mill Sword
  49. Close Taiji

2 comments:

Marcella said...

Grazie mille,
erano tanti anni che cercavo un sito attraverso il quale imparare il Tai Chi nelle sue varie forme, ma soprattutto la forma dei 108 movimenti.
Ed ora anche la 24 mi interessa.
È un grande stimolo e l'elenco dei nomi delle posizioni secondo le diverse sequenze é un grande contributo.
Ti auguro buon lavoro e ti ringrazio ancora
Marcella

Andrew Plitt said...

Glad to hear this is helpful for you. The following link would take you to my new web page which I update more regularly. https://sites.google.com/view/andrewplitt/tai-chi-forms