Simplified Pictures of Tai Chi Chuan Movements 2

Directions are given in terms of the 12 hours of the clovk. Begin by facing 12 o'clock , with 6 o'clock behind you, 9 o'clock at your left and 3 o'clock at your right. Thus a turn to 1 o'clock is one of 30o to the right and a turn to 1-2 o'clock is one of 45 du.

Series II

Form 4 Brush Knee and Twist Step on Both Sides

1. Turn torso slightly to the left (8 o'clock); right hand moves downward while left hand moves upward. Turn torso to the right (11 o'clock), right hand circles past abdomen and then upward to ear level with arm lightly bent and palm facing obliquely upward, while left hand moves first in an upward, while left hand mvoes first in an upward and then in a down-ward curve, stopping before right part of chest, palm facing obliquely downwar. Look at right hand. (Figs. 23-25)
2. Turn torso to the left (9 o'clock). Left foot takes a step forward towards 8 o'clock to form a left"bow step". At the same time, right hand draws leftward past right ear and, following body turn, pushes forward at nose level with palm facing forward, while left hand drops and circles around left knee to stop beside left hip with palm facing downward. Look at fingers of right hand (Figs. 26-27)
3. Sit back bending right knee slowly, shifting weight onto right leg. Raise toes of left foot and turn them slightly outward before placing foot flat on floor. Then bend the leg slowly. Turn body to the left (7 o'clock ) and shift weight onto left foot and rest the toes on floor. At the same time, turn left palm up and , with elbow slightly bent, move left and sideways and up to shoulder level, palm turning obliquely upward , while right hand , following body turn, makes an arc upward and then downward to the left, pausing in front of left part of chest , palm facing obliquely downward look at left hand . ( Figs. 28-30)
4. Repeat movements in 2), reversing "right" and "left". (Figs. 31-32)
5. Repeat movements in 3). reversing "right" and "left". (Figs.33-35)
6. Repeat movements in 2). (Figs, 36-37)
    

Points to remember: keep torso erect while pushing hands forward. Waist and hips should be relaxed, when pushing palm forward, hold shoulders and elbows down and keep waist relaxed. Movements of palm should be coordinated with those of waist and leg. Distance between heels should not be less than 30cm. Face 9 o'clock in the final position.

Form 5 Hand Strums the Lute

Move right foot a half-step forwar towards left heel. Sit back and turn torso slightly to the right (10-22 o'clock), shifting weight onto right leg. Raise left foot and place it slightly forward , heel coming down on floor and knee ben a little to form a left "empty step." Meanwhile, raise left hand in a curve to nose level, with palm facing towards the right and elbow slightly bent. Right hand moves downward until it reaches the inside of left elbow, palm facing to the left. Look at forefinger of left hand. (Figs. 38-40)

Points to remember: Body position should remain steady and natural , chest relaxed and shoulders and elbows held down. Movement in raising left hand should be more or less circular. In moving right foot a half-step forward, place it slowly in position, toes coming down first. Weight transfer must be coordinated with the raising of left hand. Face 9 o'clock in the final positon.

Form6 Step Back and Whirl Arms on Both Sides

1. Turn torso slightly to the right (11-12 o'clock). Right hand makes a semicircle past abdomen and upward to shoulder level with palm facing upward and arm slightly bent. Turn left palm up and place toes of left foot on floor. First look to the right as body turns in that direction, then turn around to look ahead at left hand. (Figs. 41-42)
2. Bend right arm and draw hand past the ear before pushing it ahead with palm facing forward. Pull left hand back until it is beside waist, palm facing upward. At the sam4e time, raise left ffot lightly and take a step backward towars 3-4 o'clock , placing it slowly on the floor toes first. Turn body to the left (8 o'clock") and shift weight onto left leg to form a right " empty step", with right foot pivoting on toes until foot points forward. Look at right hand (Figs. 43-44)
3. Turn torso slightly to the left (6-7 o'clock). At the same time , carry left hand sideways and up to shoulder level, palm facing upward, while right palm is turned up. Eyes first llk to the left as body turns in that direction, then turn around to look ahead at right hand. (Fig . 45)
4. Repeat movements in 2) , reversing "right " and "left". (Figs 46-47)
5. Repeat movements in 3), reversing " right" and "left". (Figs. 48)
6. Repeat movements in 2) . (Figs 49-50)
7. Repeat movement in 3). (Fig. 51)
8. Repeat movement in 2), reversing "right and "left" (Fig. 52-53)

Points to remember: In pushing out or drawing back, hands should not go straight but shold mvoe in an arc. While pushing out hands, keep waist and hips relaxed. The turning of waist should be coordinated with hand movements. When stepping back, place toes down first and then slowly set the whole foot on floor. As body turns, pivot on toes of front foot until it comes in line with body. Move left leg slightly towards the left (or right leg slightly towards the right ) when taking a step backward, taking care to prevent the feet from ending up in a straight line. Depending on the direction of body turn, look first to the side and then turn to look at the hand in front . Face9 o'clock in the final position.