24-form tai chi

History

In 1956 the Chinese Sports Committee of the People's Republic of China gathered a group of five tai chi masters in Beijing to create a simplified form that the general public could practice to improve health and well-being. The group included Chu Guiting, Cai Longyun (:zh:蔡龙云), Fu Zhongwen, and Zhang Yu (張玉), and was led by Li Tianji (:zh:李天骥), coach of the China national wushu team and executive member of the China National Institute of Physical Education and Sport. The routine they created, sometimes known as the "Beijing form," has been actively promoted by the Chinese government and has become one of the most popular tai chi forms worldwide.

Characteristics

Based on traditional Yang-style tai chi, the simplified form contains 24 unique movements and requires about six minutes to perform, offering an introduction to the essential elements of tai chi. The sequence retains many movements from the longer traditional form but with the most difficult movements removed, no movements repeated, and other modifications to ease an introduction to the practice while exercising the left and right sides of the body evenly.

The 24-posture form is a self-contained exercise, but can also serve as a foundation for students wishing to progress further in tai chi. They may then be introduced to the 48-posture form or its successor the 42-posture competition form (which include movements from four tai chi styles), as well as traditional forms such as the Yang-style long form and the long forms from other styles, other simplified and competition forms, advanced forms, weapons forms like tai chi sword, and partner work including pushing hands and applications.

Postures

Sequence of the 24-posture Simplified Tai Chi Form

Notes

References

References

1. Luo, Shiwen. (Autumn 2023). "The 24-Posture Simplified Taijiquan". Insight Publishers.
2. (2014). "Simplified Tai Chi Chuan: 24 Postures with Applications & Standard 48 Postures, 2nd Edition". YMAA Publication Center.
3. Li, Deyin. (2018). "Tàijíquán". Singing Dragon.
4. Zhang, Wengang. (1991). "Competition Routines for Four Styles of Taijiquan: Examined and Approved by the Chinese Wushu Association". People's Sports Publishing House.
5. "CC-EDICT definition: 掤".