I've been interested in tai chi for many years now and in my study of itI've collected a number of books and a few videos on the subject. In orderto help out people looking for some information, I thought I'd list thepostures in different forms. Descriptions of the moves will not be givenbecause this page is not meant to teach you the forms. If you're interestedin something, I have referenced the books I copied them from so try to findthose books or a video of the form (I know at least some of these are on VHSand/or DVD) for more information. And of course, it's best to learn froma good teacher. I will however try to include a few notes about the forms,primarily paraphrased from the books referenced. There are probably otherforms on the web, but I'm not going to list everything I can possibly find.For now, I plan to stick to the forms in books and videos I own. I've alsotried to stick with what appear to be either traditional or standardizedforms. I do have some other forms in my books though, so if you're lookingfor something in particular, feel free to write and ask. I don't havea huge tai chi library though, so I can't guarantee anything.

37 Form Tai Chi
37 Form Tai Chi
Tai Chi 37 Form Back View
37 Form Tai Chi Chuan

Oh, and before you ask, no, I cannot do all of these forms. So far, theonly one I was actually taught is a Yang style long form which appears to beessentially the same as the 88 posture form listed here, but with somegenerally minor changes. I originally tried to teach myself the Cheng ManChing form from a book, then the simplified 24 posture form froma combination of TV programs and books, and the 48 posture form from a videoand books, but after taking real martial arts classes and learning the Yanglong form, I've basically focused only on that. I might try to pick up oneof the shorter forms again just to have something quick to practice whenI don't feel like doing my usual long form. Since I've now had instructionin the Yang long form, picking up another form that is primarily based in itmight not be so difficult. I haven't really tried yet. However, I amtaking a look into learning a sword form or two -- having something new topractice may encourage me to practice more often (I have a tendency topractice on and off in phases).

Being an ancient Chinese martial art form, Tai chi chuan was originally developed as a fighting art. Wu Style Tai Chi Fast Form. Quite the same Wikipedia.

Quick Links:Simplified 24 Posture Form,Competition 42 Posture Form,Combined 48 Posture Form,88 Posture Form,Cheng Man Ching 37 Posture Form,Yang Style Competition Form,Chen Style Competition Form,Wu Style Competition Form,Sun Style Competition Form,Chen's First Lu,Chen's Second Lu,Wu/Hao Style Form,Taiji Fighting Set,Taiji Sword

The 24 Posture Form

Copied from Simplified 'Taijiquan' revised edition, compiled andtranslated by China Sports Magazine, published by People's Sports PublishingHouse of China. Also in Tai Chi Chuan, 24 & 48 Postures withMartial Applications by Liang, Shou-Yu and Wu, Wen-Ching, published byYMAA Publication Center.

This apparently goes by many names including Peking/Beijing Form, SimplifiedTai Chi, Chinese National 24 Form Taiji, and probably other similar names.It was developed in 1956 and is based on the most popular sequences of theYang style, arranged in increasing difficulty. As one ofDr. Paul Lam's articlesnotes (I forget which and the link changed, sorry!), the four sections (mybook has eight, so I guess he paired them up) are arranged very logically --the first has gentle stretching of the limbs, the second has more stretchingand turning with Grasp the Bird's Tail as the theme of the form, the thirdhas the climax with the most difficult moves like heel kicks, and the fourthhas technically difficult but less physically demanding moves and slower,winding down movements to finish. It is performed at a slow, even pace andcan be completed in approximately 4-6 minutes.

Section 1

Commencing Form
Part Wild Horse's Mane on Both Sides
White Crane Flashes Its Wings

Section 2

Brush Knee on Both Sides
Strum the Lute
Curve Back Arms on Both Sides

Section 3

Grasp the Bird's Tail -- Left Style
Grasp the Bird's Tail -- Right Style

Section 4

Single Whip
Wave Hands Like Clouds -- Left Style
Single Whip

Section 5

High Pat on Horse
Kick with Right Heel
Strike Opponent's Ears with Both Fists
Turn and Kick with Left Heel

37 Form Tai Chi

Section 6

Push Down and Stand on One Leg -- Left Style
Push Down and Stand on One Leg -- Right Style

Section 7

Work at Shuttles on Both Sides
Needle at Sea Bottom
Flash Arm

Section 8

Turn to Deflect Downward, Parry and Punch
Apparent Close-up
Cross Hands
Closing Form

The 42 Posture Competition Form

Copied from The Dao of Taijiquan, Way to Rejuvenationby Jou, Tsung Hwa, published by Tai Chi Foundation.

This form was developed in 1989 and is based on the Yang style, but alsoincludes moves and components from the other major styles (Chen, Wu, Sun)as well as techniques from Push Hands practice.For more information about this form, try the articles byDr. Paul Lam,Siu-Fong Evans, and Simon Watson (in two parts --part 1 [PDF] andpart 2).The first section shows technique and style by opening with Grasp the Sparrow'sTail while again gently stretching the limbs as in the 24 posture form, thesecond opens with the Sun style's classic Opening and Closing posture and endswith the first climax using the Chen style's Cover with Hand and Punch withFist and Parting Wild Horse's Mane, the third starts with easier movesimmediately following the first climax then more difficult movements, thefourth contains the second climax with moves like Body Thrust with Half HorseStance, Turn Body with Full Roll Back and Hold and Punch in Crossed SquattingStance using some easier moves to wind down and finish.

Section 1

Commencing
Right Grasp Sparrow's Tail
Left Single Whip
Lift Hand
White Crane Spreads Wings
Brush Knee and Step Forward (2)
Sidle and Punch
Roll-back and Press Posture
Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Intercept and Punch
Withdraw and Push

Section 2

Open and Close Hands
Right Single Whip
Fist Under Elbow
Turn Body and Push (2)
Fair Lady Works at Shuttles (2)
Right and Left Heel Kicks
Hidden Hand Upper Arm Rolls Punch
Mustang Ruffles Its Mane (2)

Section 3

Cloud Hands (3)
Stand Up and Hit Tiger
Separate Right Foot
Strike Ears with Both Hands
Separate Left Foot
Turn Around and Tap Right Foot
Step Up and Punch Downward
Diagonal Flying Posture
Single Whip Downward Posture
Golden Pheasant Stands with One Leg (2)
Withdraw Step and Thrust Left Palm

Section 4

Empty Step and Pressing Palm
Lift Right Leg and Right Palm Up
Left Shoulder Strike with Horse Stance
Turn Body and Strike with Hand
Capture and Punch in an Empty Step
Thrust Palm and Sweep Down
Step Up to Form the Seven Stars of the Dipper
Step Back to Ride the Tiger
Turn Around and Sweep Lotus with One Leg
Shoot Tiger with Bow
Left Grasp Sparrow's Tail
Cross Hands
Conclusion of the Form

The (Combined) 48 Posture Form

Copied from Taiji Boxing in 48 Forms, by China Sports, published byHai Feng Publishing Company. Also in Tai Chi Chuan, 24 & 48 Postureswith Martial Applications by Liang, Shou-Yu and Wu, Wen-Ching, publishedby YMAA Publication Center.

This form was developed in 1976 and is based on the Yang style, but alsoincludes moves and components from the other major styles (Chen, Wu, Sun)as well as techniques from Push Hands practice. Generally peformed slowlyin the usual Yang style, some moves are performed quickly. The first sectionstresses basic hand and foot movements particularly in Stroke and Push, thesecond involves flexible changes in movements of body and legs with Turn toPush Palms as the focus, the third has the first climax with many rises andfalls and body turns with Pat Foot to Subdue the Tiger as the focus, the fourthcenters around Kick with Right Heel, the fifth focuses on Work at Shuttles onBoth Side