24-form tai chi
The 24-posture Simplified Form of tai chi, sometimes called the Beijing form due to its place of origin, is a shortened and modified sequence of movements based on traditional tai chi, developed by a group of tai chi masters organized by a government committee in the People's Republic of China with the goal of creating an exercise routine for the general public.
History
[edit]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 impove 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.[1]
Characteristics
[edit]Based on traditional Yang-style tai chi, the simplified form contains 24 unique postures and requires about six minutes to perform, offering an introduction to the essential elements of tai chi. The sequence retains many postures from the longer traditional form but with the most difficult postures removed, no postures repeated, and other modifications to ease an introduction to the practice while exercising the left and right sides of the body evenly.[1][2]
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-movement form[2] or its successor the 42-movement competition form, which include postures from other 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,[3][4] and partner work including pushing hands and applications.[2]
Postures
[edit]Sequence of the 24-posture Simplified Tai Chi Form[1][2]
|
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Luo, Shiwen (Autumn 2023). "The 24-Posture Simplified Taijiquan". Qi: The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Fitness. Vol. 33, no. 3. Insight Publishers. ISSN 1056-4004.
- ^ a b c d Liang, Shou-Yu; Wu, Wen-Ching (2014). Simplified Tai Chi Chuan: 24 Postures with Applications & Standard 48 Postures, 2nd Edition. YMAA Publication Center. ISBN 978-1594392788.
- ^ Li, Deyin (2018). Tàijíquán. Singing Dragon. ISBN 978-0857014030. (First published 2004 by Foreign Languages Press, China, ISBN 978-7119037080.)
- ^ Zhang, Wengang (1991). Competition Routines for Four Styles of Taijiquan: Examined and Approved by the Chinese Wushu Association. Translated by Xie, Shoude. People's Sports Publishing House. ISBN 978-7500904359.
- ^ "CC-EDICT definition: 掤". MDBG. Retrieved March 3, 2025.