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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 List
• 37 Form Tai Chi Chuan
• 37 Form Tai Chi
• Tai Chi 37 Form With Step Names
• Yang 37 Form Tai Chi

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).

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

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• Me practising Tai Chi 24 form, at the beach during a Tai Chi Camp 1998, in Hundested (Denmark)Enjoy:-)No copyright infringement intended! Content owner: WMG Type: Audio content.Thank you WMG:-).
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Wu style 45 form Tai Chi Competition routine tutorial 3145. Comments Off on Cheng Man-ch’ing’s 37 form application.

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

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

Section 2

4. Brush Knee on Both Sides
5. Strum the Lute
6. Curve Back Arms on Both Sides

Section 3

7. Grasp the Bird's Tail -- Left Style
8. Grasp the Bird's Tail -- Right Style

Section 4

9. Single Whip
10. Wave Hands Like Clouds -- Left Style
11. Single Whip

Section 5

12. High Pat on Horse
13. Kick with Right Heel
14. Strike Opponent's Ears with Both Fists
15. Turn and Kick with Left Heel

Section 6

16. Push Down and Stand on One Leg -- Left Style
17. Push Down and Stand on One Leg -- Right Style

Section 7

18. Work at Shuttles on Both Sides
19. Needle at Sea Bottom
20. Flash Arm

Section 8

21. Turn to Deflect Downward, Parry and Punch
22. Apparent Close-up
23. Cross Hands
24. 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

1. Commencing
2. Right Grasp Sparrow's Tail
3. Left Single Whip
4. Lift Hand
5. White Crane Spreads Wings
6. Brush Knee and Step Forward (2)
7. Sidle and Punch
8. Roll-back and Press Posture
9. Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Intercept and Punch
10. Withdraw and Push

Section 2

11. Open and Close Hands
12. Right Single Whip
13. Fist Under Elbow
14. Turn Body and Push (2)
15. Fair Lady Works at Shuttles (2)
16. Right and Left Heel Kicks
17. Hidden Hand Upper Arm Rolls Punch
18. Mustang Ruffles Its Mane (2)

Section 3

19. Cloud Hands (3)
20. Stand Up and Hit Tiger
21. Separate Right Foot
22. Strike Ears with Both Hands
23. Separate Left Foot
24. Turn Around and Tap Right Foot
25. Step Up and Punch Downward
26. Diagonal Flying Posture
27. Single Whip Downward Posture
28. Golden Pheasant Stands with One Leg (2)
29. Withdraw Step and Thrust Left Palm

Section 4

30. Empty Step and Pressing Palm
31. Lift Right Leg and Right Palm Up
32. Left Shoulder Strike with Horse Stance
33. Turn Body and Strike with Hand
34. Capture and Punch in an Empty Step
35. Thrust Palm and Sweep Down
36. Step Up to Form the Seven Stars of the Dipper
37. Step Back to Ride the Tiger
38. Turn Around and Sweep Lotus with One Leg
39. Shoot Tiger with Bow
40. Left Grasp Sparrow's Tail
41. Cross Hands
42. 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 Sides, both of the last two moves requiring balance, suppleness, andcoordination, the sixth contains the second climax and a great variety ofhand forms, stances, and body movements focusing on the two forms of TurnBody with Big Strokes and Turn Body for a Lotus Leg Swing.It is a development of the simplified 24 posture form and retains all themovments of that form (some with slight modifications) while maintaining agood balance between left and right style postures. The form can be completedin approximately 8-10 minutes.

• Commencing Form

Section 1

1. The White Crane Flashes Its Wings
2. Brush Knee and Twist Step on Left
3. Single Whip -- Left Style
4. Hand Strums the Lute -- Left Style
5. Stroke and Push
6. Turn to Strike, Parry and Punch -- Left Style
7. Fend Off, Stroke, Push and Press -- Left Style

Section 2

8. Lean Obliquely
9. Punch Under Elbow
10. Step Back and Whirl Arms on Both Sides
11. Turn in Push Palms
12. Hand Strums the Lute -- Right Style
13. Brush Knee and Punch Downward

Section 3

14. The White Snake Puts Out Its Tongue
15. Pat Foot to Subdue the Tiger
16. Turn to Left to Strike
17. Thread Palm on Crouch Step
18. Fend Off on One Leg
19. Single Whip -- Right Style

Section 4

20. Wave Hands Like Clouds -- Right Style
21. Part the Horse's Mand on Both Sides
22. High Pat on Horse
23. Kick with Right Heel
24. Strike Opponent's Ears with Both Fists
25. Kick with Left Heel
26. Strike with Hidden Fist
27. Needle at Sea Bottom
28. Flash the Arm

Section 5

29. Kick with Right and Left Feet
30. Brush Knee on Left and Right Bow Steps
31. Step Forward to Strike
32. Apparent Close-Up
33. Wave Hands Like Clouds -- Left Style
34. Turn to the Right to Strike
35. Work at Shuttles on Both Sides
36. Step Back and Thread Palm

Section 6

37. Press Down Palms on Empty Step
38. Stand on One Leg and Hold Out Palm
39. Push Forearm on Horse-riding Step
40. Turn Body with Big Strokes
41. Swing Palm on Crouch Step
42. Step Forward to Cross Fists
43. Stand on One Leg to Mount the Tiger
44. Turn Body for a Lotus Leg Swing
45. Draw a Bow to Shoot the Tiger
46. Turn to Strike, Parry and Punch -- Right Style
47. Fend Off, Stroke, Push and Press -- Right Style
48. Cross Hands

• Closing Form

The 88 Posture Form

Copied from Taijiquan in 88 Forms revised edition, Chinese Kung-FuSeries 2, compiled by Victor Wu, translated by Huang Jun, published byHai Feng Publishing Company.

Apparently this is a standardized version of the traditional Yang style longform. Other books I own contain essentially the same form:The Dao of Taijiquan by Jou, Tsung Hwa andTaijiquan, Classical Yang Style by Yang, Jwing-Ming. It seems that it'sessentially just the grouping of postures that changes the number of themin the form. The form I learned in classes is slightly different, but isalso essentially the same. This form can be completed in approximately20 minutes.

Section 1

1. Pre-Opening Stance
2. Opening Form
3. Grasp Peacock's Tail
4. Single Whip
5. Raise Hands
6. White Crane Spreading Wings
7. Brush Knee and Twist Step -- Left
8. Hands Strumming the Lute
9. Brush Knee and Twist Step -- Left and Right
10. Hands Strumming the Lute
11. Step Up, Parry, and Punch
12. Apparent Close-Up
13. Cross Hands
14. Return to Mountain with Tiger

Section 2

15. Obliquely Grasp Peacock's Tail
16. Fist Under Elbow
17. Slip Back Forearm -- Left and Right
18. Oblique Flying
19. Raise Hands
20. White Crane Spreading Wings
21. Brush Knee and Twist Step
22. Needle at Sea Bottom
23. Flash Out Arms
24. Turn, Sidle, and Punch
25. Step Up, Parry, and Punch
26. Step Up and Grasp Peacock's Tail
27. Single Whip
28. Wave Hands Like Clouds
29. Single Whip
30. High Pat on Horse
31. Right Kick
32. Left Kick
33. Turn and Left Kick
34. Brush Knee and Twist Step
35. Step Up and Punch Down
36. White Snake Showing Tongue
37. Step Up, Parry, and Punch
38. Kick with Right Heel
39. Sidle Left to Tame Tiger
40. Sidle Right to Tame Tiger
41. About Turn and Kick with Right Heel
42. Strike Opponent's Ears with Both Fists
43. Kick with Left Heel
44. Turn and Kick with Right Heel
45. Step Up, Parry, and Punch
46. Apparent Close-Up
47. Cross Hands
48. Return to Mountain with Tiger

Section 3

49. Obliquely Grasp Peacock's Tail
50. Side-Step Single Whip
51. Parting Wild Horse's Mane -- Left and Right
52. Step Up and Grasp Peacock's Tail
53. Single Whip
54. Working at Shuttles (at 4 Angles)
55. Step Up and Grasp Peacock's Tail
56. Single Whip
57. Wave Hands Like Moving Clouds
58. Single Whip
59. Sweep Down
60. Golden Cock on One Leg -- Left and Right
61. Slip Back Arm -- Left and Right
62. Oblique Flying
63. Raise Hands
64. White Crane Spreading Wings
65. Brush Knee and Twist Step -- Left
66. Needle at Sea Bottom
67. Flash Out Arms
68. Turn, Sidle, and Punch
69. Step Up, Parry, and Punch
70. Step Up and Grasp Peacock's Tail
71. Single Whip
72. Wave Hands Like Moving Clouds
73. Single Whip
74. High Pat on Horse
75. Cross Palms (Back to Back) -- Left
76. Turn, Cross Hands, and Kick
77. Brush Knee and Punch
78. Step Up and Grasp Peacock's Tail
79. Single Whip
80. Sweep Down
81. Step Up to Form Seven Stars
82. Retreat to Mount Tiger
83. Turn and Swing up Lotus-Leg
84. Archer Shooting Tiger
85. Step Up, Parry, and Punch
86. Apparent Close-Up
87. Cross Hands
88. Closing Form

Cheng Man Ching's 37 Posture Form

First source: The Complete Book of T'ai Chi by Stewart McFarland,consultant Tan Mew Hong, published by DK Publishing (I own this book.)
Second source: T'Ai-Chi: The Supreme Ultimate Exercise for Healthby Cheng Man-ch'ing and Robert W. Smith (I do not own this book.)

Cheng Man Ching created this form from the original Yang long form,simplifying the form and modifying the dynamics and skills involved.The book I own doesn't number the postures, so I wasn't sure how to get37 (the typical number) from the list. While searching for information, Ifound the second source at Amazon.com where I could look inside it and viewthe table of contents. It gives all the postures and numbers them, so I'veadjusted the form list here to match the numbering scheme from this secondbook (which I don't own). Given that the creator of the form is one of theauthors of the book, I think it's a pretty reliable source. But what'sdifferent about the numbering scheme here is that only unique postures arenumbered, repetitions of previous moves are not. That's probably what causedmy confusion before, but hopefully things will make sense when you look atthe form list.

• 1. Preparation
• 2. Beginning
• 3. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Left Ward-off
• 4. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Right Ward-off
• 5. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Rollback
• 6. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Press
• 7. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Push
• Turn the Body and Lower the Hands [1]
• 8. Single Whip
• 9. Lift Hands
• 10. Shoulder Strike / Lean Forward
• 11. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
• 12. Brush (Left) Knee, Twist Step
• 13. Strum the Lute / Play the Guitar
• 13A. Brush (Left) Knee, Twist Step [repeat 12]
• 14. Step Forward, Move / Deflect (Downward), Parry, and Punch
• 15. Apparent Close-Up / Withdraw and Push
• 16. Cross Hands
• 17. Embrace Tiger and Return to Mountain
• Ward-off [2]
• 17A. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Rollback [repeat 5]
• 17B. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Press [repeat 6]
• 17C. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Push [repeat 7]
• Turn the Body and Lower the Hands [1]
• 17D. (Diagonal) Single Whip [repeat 8]
• 18. Fist/Punch Under Elbow
• 19. Step Back to Repulse the Monkey, Right
• 20. Step Back to Repulse the Monkey, Left
• 20A. Step Back to Repulse the Monkey, Right [repeat 19]
• 21. Diagonal Flying
• 22. Cloud Hands, Right / Wave Hands in Clouds, Right
• 23. Cloud Hands, Left / Wave Hands in Clouds, Left
• 23A. Cloud Hands, Right / Wave Hands in Clouds, Right [repeat 22]
• 23B. Cloud Hands, Left / Wave Hands in Clouds, Left [repeat 23]
• 23C. Single Whip [repeat 8] [3]
• 24. Descending/Squatting Single Whip
• 25. Golden Rooster/Cock Stands on One Leg, Right
• 26. Golden Rooster/Cock Stands on One Leg, Left
• 27. Right Toe Kick / Separate Right Foot
• 28. Left Toe Kick / Separate Left Foot
• 29. Turn Body, Heel Kick / Turn and Strike with Heel
• 29A. Brush (Left) Knee, Twist Step [repeat 12]
• 30. Brush (Right) Knee, Twist Step [4]
• 31. Step Forward and Plant a Punch (Strike with Fist)
• 31A. Step Forward to Right Ward-off / Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Right Ward-off [repeat 4]
• 31B. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Rollback [repeat 5]
• 31C. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Press [repeat 6]
• 31D. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Push [repeat 7]
• Turn the Body and Lower the Hands [1]
• 31E. Single Whip [repeat 8]
• 32. Fair Lady Works Shuttles, Right
• 33. Fair Lady Works Shuttles, Left
• 33A. Fair Lady Works Shuttles, Right [repeat 32]
• 33B. Fair Lady Works Shuttles, Left [repeat 33]
• 33C. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Left Ward-off [repeat 3]
• 33D. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Right Ward-off [repeat 4]
• 33E. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Rollback [repeat 5]
• 33F. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Press [repeat 6]
• 33G. Grasp Sparrow's Tail: Push [repeat 7]
• Turn the Body and Lower the Hands [1]
• 33H. Single Whip [repeat 8] [3]
• 33I. Descending/Squatting Single Whip [repeat 24]
• 34. Step Up/Forward to Seven Stars
• 35. Step Back to Ride the Tiger
• 36. Turn Body, Lotus Kick / Turn Body and Sweep Lotus with Leg
• 37. Draw/Draw a Bow to Shoot the Tiger
• 37A. Step Forward, Move / Deflect (Downward), Parry, and Punch [repeat 14]
• 37B. Apparent Close-Up [repeat 15]
• 37C. Cross Hands [repeat 16]
• 37D. Close T'ai Chi

Footnotes:
[1]: quoting the book I own, 'Turn the Body, andLower the Hands may have been added to Master Cheng's original form tofacilitate a difficult change of postures from the Push stance to the variousSingle Whip sequences.' My book (first source) lists it as a posture in theform, but the other book (second source) that I'm using to group and numberthe postures doesn't. So I've left it in where my book has it, but not givenit a number in the form.

[2]: This Ward-off is not listed in the secondsource, but since I don't own it, I don't know for sure if it's not includedor just combined with an adjacent move.

[3]: In the book I own (first source), thisSingle Whip is listed under the Descending/Squatting Single Whip posture,basically as a sort precede to it.

[4]: In the book I own (first source), thisBrush (Right) Knee, Twist Step is listed under the previous Brush Knee,Twist Step, basically as a follow to it.

Yang Style Taijiquan Competition Routine

Copied from Competition Routines for Four Styles Taijiquan,translated by Xie Shoude, published by People's Sports Publishing House.

This form is mainly based on Yang Chengfu's writings, but has some minormodifications. The Pat Foot movement is new and the form's difficulty isincreased for example in Kick with Heel and Kick to Both Sides where thefoot must be higher than the waist. The routine is 'reasonably arrangedaccording to practical needs of attack and defense, while bringing out thesoft, flowing style characteristic of the Yang school.'

As with the other three standardized competition routines, this form was basedon traditional routines and meant to retain traditional characteristicfeatures while having a higher degree of difficulty in technical executionsuitable for sport and competition. The movements are also 'more reasonablyarranged and structured', including more symmetrical movements rather than thetraditional emphasis on one side of the body.

• Ready Position

Section 1

1. Commencing Form
2. Grasp the Peacock's Tail
3. Single Whip
4. Raise Hands and Step Up
5. The White Crane Spreads Its Wings
6. Brush Knee and Twist Step
7. Hand Strums the Lute
8. Parry and Punch
9. Apparent Close-Up

Section 2

10. Oblique Flying
11. Punch Under Elbow
12. Step Back and Whirl Arms
13. Work at Shuttle on Both Sides
14. Part the Horse's Mane on Both Sides

Section 3

15. Wave Hands Like Clouds
16. Single Whip
17. Pat High on the Horse
18. Kick with Right Heel
19. Strike Opponent's Ears with Both Fists
20. Separate with Left Foot
21. Turn Body and Kick with Heel
22. Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
23. Push Through the Back

Section 4

24. White Snake Spits Its Tongue
25. Slap Right Foot
26. Tame Tiger on Both Sides
27. Push Down -- Right Style
28. Stand on One Leg -- on Both Sides
29. Strike Groin with Fist
30. Grasp the Peacock's Tail
31. Single Whip
32. Push Down -- Left Style
33. Step Forward with Seven-Star
34. Step Backward and Straddle Tiger
35. Turn Body and Lotus Kick
36. Curved Bow Shoots Tiger
37. Parry and Punch
38. Apparent Close-Up
39. Cross Hands
40. Closing Form

Chen Style Taijiquan Competition Routine

Copied from Competition Routines for Four Styles Taijiquan,translated by Xie Shoude, published by People's Sports Publishing House.

This form is 'a merger of the traditional Routine No. I and No. II of thisstyle.' Symmetry of the major moves is emphasized, for exampleThe Buddha's Warrior Attendent Pounds Rice in a Mortar, Single Whip,Cover Hands and Strike with Arm, and Firing in Rapid Successionare all done on both sides 'to promote a balanced development of the body.The whole routine consists of circular, rhythmically paced, outwardly gentle,but inwardly strong movements as are the charcteristic of the Chen style.'

As with the other three standardized competition routines, this form was basedon traditional routines and meant to retain traditional characteristicfeatures while having a higher degree of difficulty in technical executionsuitable for sport and competition. The movements are also 'more reasonablyarranged and structured', including more symmetrical movements rather than thetraditional emphasis on one side of the body.

Section 1

1. Commencing Form
2. Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar -- Right Style
3. Tuck in Robes
4. Six Sealings and Four Closings -- Right Style
5. Single Whip -- Left Style
6. Parry and Punch with Elbows
7. Protect Heart with Fists
8. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
9. Walk Obliquely and Twist Step
10. Lift Knee, Push and Press Palms
11. Wade Forward and Twist Step
12. Cover Hands and Strike with Arm -- Left Style
13. Parry with Fist
14. Lean and Break with Back
15. Black Dragon Rises from the Water
16. Slice with Palm
17. Turn and Press with Palms
18. Turn Flowers Out from the Bottom of the Sea
19. Cover Hands and Strike with Arm -- Right Style
20. Six Sealings and Four Closings
21. Single Whip -- Right Style

Section 2

22. Wave Hands Like Clouds (rightward)
23. Wave Hands Like Clouds (leftward)
24. Pat High on the Horse
25. Combined Cannons -- Right Style
26. Combined Cannons -- Left Style
27. Deflect Through the Back

Section 3

28. Strike Groin with Fist
29. White Ape Presents Fruit
30. Push with Both Hands
31. Middle Winding
32. Forward Trick
33. Backward Trick
34. Part the Wild Horse's Mane -- Right Style
35. Part the Wild Horse's Mane -- Left Style
36. Lotus Kick and Drop into the Splits
37. Golden Cock Stands on One Leg -- on Both Sides

Section 4

38. Step Backward and Whirl Arms
39. Step Backward and Press Elbow
40. Slap Foot
41. Kick with Outer Edge of Foot
42. Turn Flower Out from the Bottom of the Sea
43. Punch Ground with Fist
44. Turn Body and Front Jump Kick
45. Stamp with Both Feet
46. Kick with Heel
47. Fair Lady Works at the Shuttle
48. Smooth Elbowing
49. Wrap Firecrackers
50. Dragon Dives to the Ground
51. Step Forward with Seven-Star
52. Step Backward and Straddle the Tiger
53. Turn Body and Lotus Kick
54. Strike Face Like Cannon
55. Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar -- Left Style
56. Closing Form

Wu Style Taijiquan Competition Routine

Copied from Competition Routines for Four Styles Taijiquan,translated by Xie Shoude, published by People's Sports Publishing House.

This form is primarily based on forms created by Wu Jianquan who founded thestyle while incorporating strong points from the exercises developed byWang Maozhai and other well-known exponents. A characteristic is 'well-knit,lithe movements.'

As with the other three standardized competition routines, this form was basedon traditional routines and meant to retain traditional characteristicfeatures while having a higher degree of difficulty in technical executionsuitable for sport and competition. The movements are also 'more reasonablyarranged and structured', including more symmetrical movements rather than thetraditional emphasis on one side of the body.

Section 1

1. Commencing Form
2. Grasp the Peacock's Tail -- Right Style
3. Single Whip -- Left Style
4. Step Up and Raise Hand
5. The White Crane Flashes Its Wings
6. Brush Knee and Twist Step on Both Sides
7. Hand Strums the Lute
8. Step Forward, Parry and Punch
9. Apparent Close-Up
10. Cross Hands
11. Grasp the Peacock's Tail -- Left Style
12. Single Whip -- Right Style
13. Push Down -- Right Style
14. Golden Cock Stands on One Leg

Section 2

15. Step Back and Whirl Arms on Both Sides
16. Needle at the Bottom of the Sea -- Right Style
17. Flash the Arm -- Left Style
18. Turn Body and Throw Fist
19. Punch Fist Under the Elbow
20. Part the Wild Horse's Mane on Both Sides
21. Fair Lady Works and the Shuttle

Section 3

22. Wave Hands Like Clouds -- Left Style
23. Pat High on the Horse -- Right Style
24. Kick with Toes of Right Foot
25. Kick with Toes of Left Foot
26. Strike the Tiger on Both Sides
27. Kick with Right Heel
28. Strike Opponent's Ears with Both Fists
29. Oblique Flying
30. Push Palm in Bow Step -- Right Style

Section 4

31. Slap Crossed-Kick
32. Brush Knee and Punch Down
33. Needle at the Bottom of the Sea -- Left Style
34. Flash the Arm -- Right Style
35. Wave Hands Like Clouds -- Right Style
36. Pat High on the Horse -- Left Style
37. Turn Body Back and Strike Groin with Fist
38. Push Down -- Left Style
39. Step Forward with Seven-Star
40. Step Backward and Straddle the Tiger
41. Push Palm in Bow Step -- Left Style
42. Turn Body and Lotus Kick
43. Curved Bow Shoots Tiger
44. Step Backward, Parry and Punch
45. Closing Form

Sun Style Taijiquan Competition Routine

Copied from Competition Routines for Four Styles Taijiquan,translated by Xie Shoude, published by People's Sports Publishing House.

'The Sun-style routine is characterized by quick, nimble movements, goodcoordination between the opening and closing of the arms, rigorous methodof performance, graceful bearing.'

As with the other three standardized competition routines, this form was basedon traditional routines and meant to retain traditional characteristicfeatures while having a higher degree of difficulty in technical executionsuitable for sport and competition. The movements are also 'more reasonablyarranged and structured', including more symmetrical movements rather than thetraditional emphasis on one side of the body.

Section 1

1. Ready Position
2. Tuck in Robes
3. Open Hands
4. Close Hands
5. Single Whip
6. Raise Hand
7. The White Crane Flashes Its Wings
8. Open Hands
9. Close Hands
10. Brush Knee and Twist Step on the Left Side
11. Hand Strums the Lute
12. Step Up, Parry and Punch
13. Apparent Close-Up
14. Embrace Tiger and Push Mountain
15. Open Hands (Turn to the Right)
16. Close Hands
17. Brush Knee and Twist Step (Turn to the Right)
18. Tuck in Robes -- Right Style
19. Open Hands
20. Close Hands
21. Single Whip -- Left Style
22. Punch Fist Under Elbow

Section 2

23. Turn Body, Brush and Push Hand -- Left Style
24. Turn Body, Brush and Push Hand -- Right Style
25. Brush Knee and Twist Step -- Left Style
26. Tuck in Robes -- Left Style
27. Open Hands
28. Close Hands
29. Single Whip -- Right Style
30. Wave Hands Like Clouds -- Right Style
31. Pat High on the Horse
32. Separate Legs -- Left Style
33. Separate Legs -- Right Style
34. Step Forward and Punch Down

Section 3

35. Turn Over with Flying Front Kick
36. Turn Body and Tame Tiger
37. Lift Foot -- Left Style
38. Turn Body and Kick with Right Heel
39. Step Up, Parry and Punch
40. Apparent Close-Up
41. Embrace Tiger and Push Mountain

Section 4

42. Open Hands (Turn to the Left)
43. Close Hands
44. Brush Knee and Twist Step
45. Tuck in Robes
46. Open Hands
47. Close Hands
48. Oblique Single Whip
49. Part the Horse's Mane
50. Tuck in Robes
51. Open Hands
52. Close Hands
53. Single Whip -- Left Style

Section 5

54. Wave Hands Like Clouds -- Left Style
55. Wave Hands and Push Down
56. Golden Cock Stands on One Leg
57. Flash Through the Back

Section 6

58. Fair Lady Works at the Shuttle
59. Pat High on the Horse
60. Cross Slap Kick
61. Step (Forward) and Strike Groin with Fist
62. Tuck in Robes in Moving Steps
63. Open Hands
64. Close Hands
65. Single Whip -- Left Style
66. Single Whip and Push Down
67. Step Up to Form Seven Stars
68. Step Backward and Mount the Tiger
69. Turn Body and Lotus Kick
70. Curved Bow Shoots Tiger
71. Clout with Both Fists
72. Combine 'Yin' and 'Yang' Into One
73. Closing Form

Chen's First Lu

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

This form has simple movements, more softness, and less firmness. Ward off,roll back, press, and push (the four directions) are emphasized, elbow, split,pull down, and shoulder strike (the four corners) are secondary. 'For thestudent, the routine is like a self-teaching encyclopedia of the science ofmovement, of martial arts techniques, and of qigong.' Frequent shifts fromvigorous to soft help train transitions between yin and yang. The bodyleads the hands in this form. The form ends facing the opposite directionit started so it is intended to be performed twice in a row.

1. Beginning of Taiji
2. King Kong Nailed Fist
3. Grasp Sparrow's Tail
4. 60% Open and 40% Closed
5. Single Whip
6. King Kong Nailed Fist
7. White Crane Spreads Wings
8. First Side Walk and Twist Step
9. First Conclusion
10. Kick Forward and Twist Step
11. Second Side Walk and Twist Step
12. Second Conclusion
13. Kick Forward and Twist Step
14. Hidden Hand Punch
15. King Kong Nailed Fist
16. Chop Opponent with Fist
17. Bending Back and Shoulder Strike
18. Blue Dragon Flies Up from Water
19. Push with Both Hands
20. Three Changes of Palm
21. Fist Under Elbow
22. Upper Arm Rolls
23. Backward and Press Elbow
24. Middle Stage
25. White Crane Spreads Wings
26. Side Walk and Twist Step
27. Fan Through the Back
28. Hidden Hand Punch
29. 60% Open and 40% Closed
30. Single Whip
31. Cloud Hands
32. High Pat on Horse
33. Rub Right Foot
34. Rub Left Foot
35. Turn Body and Kick
36. Kick Forward and Twist Step
37. Hit Ground with Fist
38. Jump and Kick Twice
39. Animal Head Posture
40. Hurricane Kick
41. Turn Body and Kick
42. Hidden Hand Punch
43. Samll Grasp and Hit
44. Embrace Head and Push Mountain
45. Three Changes of Palm
46. 60% Open and 40% Closed
47. Single Whip
48. Front Posture
49. Back Posture
50. Mustang Ruffling Its Main
51. 60% Open and 40% Closed
52. Single Whip
53. Shake Foot Twice
54. Fair Lady Works At Shuttles
55. Grasp Sparrow's Tail
56. 60% Open and 40% Closed
57. Single Whip
58. Cloud Hands
59. Sweep Leg and Cross Kick
60. Golden Pheasant Stands on One Leg
61. Upper Arm Rolls
62. Withdraw and Press Elbow
63. Middle Stage
64. White Crane Spreads Wings
65. Side Walk and Twist Step
66. Fan Through the Back
67. Hidden Hand Punch
68. 60% Open and 40% Closed
69. Single Whip
70. Cloud Hands
71. High Pat on Horse
72. Cross Hands and Sweep Lotus with One Leg
73. Punch Opponent's Groin
74. White Ape Offers Fruits
75. 60% Open and 40% Closed
76. Single Whip
77. Sparrow Ground Dragon
78. Step Up to Form Seven Stars of the Dipper
79. Step Back to Ride Tiger
80. Turn Around and Sweep Lotus
81. Face Opponent Cannon
82. King Kong Nailed Fist
83. Conclusion of Taiji

Chen's Second Lu, Paochui

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

This form has more complicated movements, more firmness, and less softness.Elbow, split, pull down, and shoulder strike (the four corners) areemphasized, ward off, roll back, press, and push (the four directions) aresecondary; this is the opposite of the first lu. Fast action is importantand in this form the hands lead the body. For an attack to have real fajingthe whole body must act as a single unit and the energy must be internal;external, physical force should not be used.

1. Beginning of Paochui
2. King Kong Nailed Fist
3. Grasp Sparrow's Tail
4. 60% Open and 40% Closed
5. Single Whip
6. Deflect Downward, Intercept and Punch
7. Guard the Heart Punch
8. Side Walk and Twist Step
9. Sink Waist with Elbow and Fist Down
10. Punch Down the Well
11. Plum Flowers Swept by Wind
12. King Kong Nailed Fist
13. Hidden Body Punch
14. Drape Over Body and Punch
15. Cut Hand
16. Sleeves Dance Like Turning Flowers
17. Hidden Hand Punch
18. Flying Step and Elbow
19. Cloud Hands
20. High Pat on Horse
21. Cloud Hands
22. High Pat on Horse
23. Machine Cannon 1
24. Machine Cannon 2
25. Machine Cannon 3
26. Ride Unicorn in Reverse
27. White Snake Sticks Out Tongue 1
28. White Snake Sticks Out Tongue 2
29. White Snake Sticks Out Tongue 3
30. Turn Flower Under Sea Bottom
31. Hidden Hand Punch
32. Turn Body and Six Coincides
33. Left Firecracker 1
34. Left Firecracker 2
35. Right Firecracker 1
36. Right Firecracker 2
37. Animal Head Posture
38. Cut Frame
39. Sleeves Dance Like Turning Flowers
40. Hidden Hand Posture
41. Subdued Tiger
42. Color Eyebrow Red
43. Yellow Dragon Plays Water (Right)
44. Yellow Dragon Plays Water (Left)
45. Turn Body and Kick Left
46. Turn Body and Kick Right
47. Turn Flower Under Sea Bottom
48. Hidden Hand Punch
49. Sweep Ground with Leg
50. Hidden Hand Punch
51. Left Rush
52. Right Rush
53. Insert on Opposite Direction
54. Turn Flower Under Sea Bottom
55. Hidden Hand Punch
56. Seize Upper Arm 1
57. Seize Upper Arm 2
58. Machine Cannon
59. Fair Lady Works at Shuttles
60. Turn Head and Cannon Forward
61. Fair Lady Works at Shuttles
62. Turn Head and Cannon Forward
63. Chop Opponent with Fist
64. Twist Elbow
65. Submissive Elbow
66. Elbow Through Heart
67. Embraced Cannon
68. Punch Down the Well
69. Plum Flowers Swept by Wind
70. King Kong Nailed Fist
71. Conclusion of Paochui

Wu's/Hao's Taijiquan

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

Note that this is sometimes called the Hao form because Haoweizhen was apopular master of the Wu style and had many students. This is not the same Wuas the Wu style of Wujianquan; that style is basically a modification of theYang style.

1. Beginning of Taiji
2. Left Grasp Sparrow's Tail
3. Right Grasp Sparrow's Tail
4. Single Whip
5. Lift Hand
6. White Goose Spreads Wings
7. Brush Knee and Twist Step
8. Playing Guitar
9. Brush Knee and Twist Step
10. Playing Guitar
11. Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Intercept and Punch
12. Withdraw and Push
13. Embrace Tiger and Push Mountain
14. Playing Guitar
15. Right Grasp Sparrow's Tail
16. Single Whip
17. Lift Hand
18. Fist Under Elbow
19. Step Back to Repulse Monkey, Right
20. Step Back to Repulse Monkey, Left
21. Step Back to Repulse Monkey, Right
22. Step Back to Repulse Monkey, Left
23. Playing Guitar
24. White Goose Spreads Wings
25. Brush Knee and Twist Step
26. Playing Guitar
27. Push Posture
28. Blue Dragon Flies Out from Water
29. Drape Over the Body
30. Three Changes of the Back
31. Single Whip
32. Downward Posture
33. Cloud Hands
34. Single Whip
35. Lift Hand
36. High Pat on Horse
37. Submissive Tiger Posture, Left
38. Separate Right Foot
39. Submissive Tiger Posture, Right
40. Separate Left Foot
41. Turn Body and Kick Right Foot
42. Single Whip
43. Jump Forward and Punch Downward
44. Jump High and Kick Twice
45. Turn Body Posture
46. Withdraw and Kick
47. Turn Body and Kick with Right Heel
48. Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Intercept and Punch
49. Withdraw and Push
50. Embrace Tiger and Push Mountain
51. Playing Guitar
52. Grasp Sparrow's Tail, Right
53. Diagonal Single Whip
54. Downward Posture
55. Mustang Ruffling Its Mane
56. Single Whip
57. Fair Lady Works at Shuttles
58. Playing Guitar
59. Grasp Sparrow's Tail, Right
60. Single Whip
61. Downward Posture
62. Cloud Hands
63. Single Whip
64. Downward Posture
65. Golden Pheasant Stands with One Leg
66. Step Back to Repulse Monkey, Left
67. Step Back to Repulse Monkey, Right
68. Step Back to Repulse Monkey, Left
69. Step Back to Repulse Monkey, Right
70. Playing Guitar
71. White Goose Spreads Wings
72. Brush Knee and Twist Step
73. Playing Guitar
74. Push Posture
75. Blue Dragon Flies Out from Water
76. Turn Body Posture
77. Three Changes of the Back
78. Single Whip
79. Downward Posture
80. Cloud Hands
81. Single Whip
82. Lift Hand
83. High Pat on Horse
84. Palm Strike to Opponent's Heart
85. Turn Around and Sweep Lotus with One Leg
86. Step Forward and Punch Opponent's Groin
87. Grasp Sparrow's Tail, Right
88. Single Whip
89. Downward Posture
90. Step Up to Form Seven Stars of the Dipper
91. Step Back to Ride Tiger
92. Sweep Lotus with One Leg
93. Shoot Tiger with Bow
94. Double Cannon Punch
95. Playing Guitar
96. Conclusion of Taiji

Taiji Fighting Set

Copied from Tai Chi Chuan Martial Applications by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming,published by YMAA Publication Center.

This is an interesting form and apparently a rather advanced one. In thesame author's book Taijiquan, Classical Yang Style, the fighting setis number 21 of 22 in the training sequence provided. This book has apretty good description of this form though and includes 'other options',other ways each of the moves could be used in combat practice, but are notused in the form.

As a fighting set, this is performed by two people alternating moves.However, moves 28 and 29 are both performed by the same person (the one whodid move 2) and moves 78 and 79 are both performed by the same person (theone who did move 1). So in a sense, the roles switch twice during the form.

1. Step Forward for Punch
2. Raise Hands to the Up Posture
3. Step Forward, Intercept and Punch
4. Deflect and Punch
5. Step Forward and Left Shoulder-Stroke
6. Strike the Tiger (Right)
7. Left Elbow Strike
8. Push to the Left and Right Elbow-Stroke
9. Withdraw the Step and Strike the Tiger (Left)
10. Right Downward Strike
11. Raise Hands to the Up Posture
12. Turn the Body and Push
13. Right Swinging-Body Strike
14. Intercept and Punch, One
15. Intercept and Punch, Two
16. Wild Horses Shear the Mane (Left)
17. Strike the Tiger (Right)
18. Turn the Body, Withdraw the Step, and Rollback
19. Step Forward and Press (Left)
20. Turn the Body and Press (Left)
21. Double Dividing and Heel Kick
22. Punch the Groin
23. Step Forward to Pluck and Rend
24. Fair Lady Weaves with Shuttle, One
25. Fair Lady Weaves with Shuttle, Two
26. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
27. Left Shoulder-Stroke
28. Rollback the Shoulder
29. Turn the Body to Rend the Shoulder
30. Turn the Body to Rollback
31. Two Winds Pass Through the Ears
32. Double Push
33. Single Whip
34. Right Push
35. File the Shoulder (Right)
36. Follow the Posture and Push
37. Neutralize and Strike with Right Palm
38. Neutralize and Push
39. Neutralize and Strike with Right Elbow
40. Pluck and Rend
41. Exchange Steps and Rollback
42. Step Forward and Press
43. Exchange Steps and Rollback
44. Strike the Tiger (Right)
45. Turn the Body, Step Backward, and Rollback
46. Step Forward and Press to the Left
47. Return with Press
48. Exchange Steps and Shoulder-Stroke
49. Turn the Body to Fly Diagonally
50. Right Elbow-Strike
51. Turn the Body for Rooster Standing on One Leg
52. Downward-Neutralization
53. Heel Kick
54. Turn the Body, Step Forward, and Strike
55. Rollback Left Arm
56. Turn the Body and Right Kick
57. Double Dividing and Embrace the Knee (Right)
58. Turn the Body and Left Kick
59. Double Dividing and Embrace the Knee (Left)
60. Change Hands and Right Shoulder-Stroke
61. Return Right Elbow-Stroke
62. Step Forward and Grasp the Sparrow's Tail (Left)
63. Wave Hands In Clouds (Right)
64. Step Forward and Grasp the Sparrow's Tail (Right)
65. Wave Hands In Clouds (Left)
66. Divide Upward, Press, and Downward Heel Kick
67. Low Hook Kick
68. Turn the Body to Sweep Lotus
69. Left Elbow-Stroke
70. Hook Hand and Snake Creeps Down
71. Diagonal Flying (Right)
72. Strike the Tiger (Left)
73. Double Dividing and Push Down
74. Step Back and Repulse Monkey
75. Left Push
76. Step Back and Repulse Monkey
77. Right Push
78. Repulse Monkey
79. Right Palm Strike
80. Step Forward to Seven Stars
81. Pick Up Needle from Sea Bottom
82. Fan Back
83. Pluck Right
84. Draw the Bow and Shoot the Tiger
85. Neutralize Up and Press Forward
86. Punch Under the Elbow
87. Cross Hands
88. Embrace Tiger and Return to the Mountain

Taiji Sword

Copied from Taiji Sword, Classical Yang Style by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming,published by YMAA Publication Center.

I recently purchased this book and haven't had a chance to read it and gothrough the sword form described in it. This is for straight sword, by theway -- the long, thin, double-edged kind of sword. From what I've seen sofar, the form in this book is not the 32-posture sword form, which I thinkis considered a standardized/simplified form. The book calls this thetraditional Yang form and counts 54 postures for it (if you know this form,your count may vary slightly). The only other comment I have now is that Ifound it interesting how many of the posture names involve animals and howmany different animals are named. I'll try to add some more notes later,after I've had a chance to go through it in more detail.

1. Beginning
2. Step Forward and Close with Sword
3. The Fairy Shows the Way -- 1
4. Three Rings Envelop the Moon
5. Big Chief Star
6. The Swallow Dips Its Beak in the Water
7. Left Sweep, Right Sweep
8. Little Chief Star
9. The Yellow Bee Enters the Hole
10. The Spirit Cat Catches the Mouse
11. The Dragonfly Touches the Water
12. The Swallow Enters the Nest
13. The Phoenix Spreads Its Wings
14. Right Whirlwind
15. Little Chief Star
16. Left Whirlwind
17. Waiting for a Fish
18. Part the Grass in Search of Snake
19. Hold the Moon against the Chest
20. Send the Bird to the Woods
21. Black Dragon Waves Its Tail
22. The Wind Blows the Lotus Leaf
23. The Lion Shakes Its Head
24. The Tiger Holds Its Head
25. The Wild Horse Jumps the Stream
26. Turn Body and Rein In the Horse
27. Compass
28. Clean Up Dust In the Wind
29. Push the Boat With the Current
30. The Shooting Star Chasing the Moon
31. The Bird Flying Over the Waterfall
32. Raise the Screen
33. Left and Right Wheel Sword
34. The Swallow Picks Up Mud with Its Beak
35. The Roc Spreads Its Wings
36. Pick Up the Moon from the Sea Bottom
37. Hold the Moon against the Chest
38. The Night Demon Gauges the Depth of the Sea
39. The Rhino Looks at the Moon
40. Shoot the Geese
41. The Blue Dragon Waves Its Claws
42. The Phoenix Spreads Its Wings
43. Left and Right Step Over Obstacle
44. Shoot the Geese
45. The White Ape Offers Fruit
46. Falling Flowers Posture
47. The Fair Lady Weaves with the Shuttle
48. The White Tiger Waves Its Tail
49. The Fish Jumps Into the Dragon Gate
50. The Black Dragon Wraps around the Post
51. Fairy Shows the Way -- 2
52. Wind Blows Away the Plum Flowers
53. To Hold a Tablet
54. Hold the Sword and Return to the Original Stance

Some Closing Notes

One of my books mentions a 66 posture form as another standardized form, butnothing else about it. While web searching, I happened to run across thisCombined Tai Chi Chuenform with 67 postures. I thought it was probably the same form, but didn'tknow why it had one more posture than the official version. But the author ofthat page wrote to me after finding my link and explained it --the form was originally 67 postures, but later the last High Pat the Horsewas removed to make the 66 posture 'official' version; his teacher stickswith the original form. Thanks to P.K. Shiu for the information and form list.

I recently added this link to my hobbies page, but if you'd like to seevideos of some forms being performed, visitTaiji.de (here's theEnglish starting page).I don't think all of the forms I listed here are on video there and I knowthat they have videos of forms I do not list here.For some additional tai chi related links, head over to themartial arts section of my sports page.

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Bibliography and Links

Regarding Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing (1902 - 1975)

Anatomy of Movement. By Blandine Calais-Germain. Seattle, Washington, Eastland Press, 1985, 1993. Translated from the French by Nicole Commarmond. Index, 289 pages. ISBN: 0939616173. VSCL.

Bibliography By David Swarbrick.

Biographical Timeline of Professor Cheng Man-Ch'ing

Biography of Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing by Tam Gibbs

Body Mechanics of Tai Chi Chuan: For the Art of Self-Defense. By WilliamC.C. Chen. New York, 1973.

Breathing and Taijiquan: Bibliography, links, quotes,notes.

Chang San Feng: Bibliography, links, quotes, notes,history, legends.

Cheng Man-ch'ing Chronology


1902 Birthday: 29 July 1902. Born in Yungchia, in the Province ofChekiang.
1916 Began studies in painting, poetry and calligraphy inHangchou
1916 Began a lifetime success at selling his paintings
1919 Published poetry in Peking
1920 Went to Peking with Lo Fu-kan and LoYing-kung
1923 Teacher of Chinese Painting at Peking Academy of FineArts
1926 Began study of Chinese Medicine with Dr. Song You-an
1930 Established College of Chinese Culture and Art
1930 Began study of Tai Chi Chuan with Yang Cheng-Fu (1930-1936)
1932 Began three year study of Classics with Master Ch'ien Ming-shan in Yang-hu in Chiangsu Province
1935 'Tai Chi Form and Applications'published. By Yang Cheng-Fuand Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing.
1936 Practicing medicine and herbalism/pharmacy full-time or part-time successfully for the rest of his life.
1938 Created the 37 Posture Short Form while in Hunan
1939 Teaching Tai Chi Chuan professionally
1941 Married Ms. Yi-Tu. Took the name'Man-ch'ing.' The couple had two sons and three daughters.
1946 Member of National Assembly for Republic of China
1949 Moved to Taiwan
1950 'Cheng Tzu's Thirteen Treatises on Tai Chi'published
1951 He started the Shih Chung T'ai Chi Association in Taipei, where many former and current accomplished students and teachers like Benjamin Lo, Liu Hsi-heng, Hsu I-chung, Dr. Qi Jiang Tao, Robert W. Smith, T. T. Liang, William C. C. Chen, Huang Sheng Shyan and others trained with Professor Cheng.

1961 'Essence of Gynecology' published
1963 'New Method of Taichi Ch'uan Self-Development' written
1964 Established the Tai Chi Institute in New York where many former and current accomplished students and teachers like (Robert Ante, Pat Benton, Victor Chin, Y. Y. Chin, Robert Chuckrow, Lawrence Galante, John Gaines, Tam Gibbs, Natasha Gorky, Michael and Lora Howard, Stanley Israel, Herman Kauz, Saul Krotki, Lou Kleinsmith, Wold Lowenthal, Lisa Marcusson, Maggie Newman, Min Pai, William C. Phillis, Mort Raphael, Lucjan Shila, Ken VanSickle, Patrick Watson, Judith Weaver, Carol Yamasaki, Frank Young, Ed Young) and others trained with Professor Cheng. The Bix Six, the Top student leaders were: Tam Gibbs, Lou Kleinsmith, Ed Young, Mort Raphael, Maggie Newman, and Stanley Israel.
1975 Died on March 26th, Midnight

The following English language authors studied Taijiquan with Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing: William C. C. Chen, Robert Chuckrow, Lawrence Galante, Tam Gibbs, Herman Kauz, T. T. Liang, Wolfe Lowenthal, Benjamin Low, and Robert W. Smith. All have written books in English about Taijiquan. Important translators of Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing's writing include Mark Hennessy with related Yang Style Taijiquan translations by Louis Swaim, Yang Jwing-Ming and Douglas Wile.

.

ChengMan-ch'ing Advanced T'ai-Chi Form Instructions. With selected writings on Meditation, the I Ching, Medicine and the Arts. Compiled and translated by Douglas Wile. Brooklyn, New York, Sweet Chi Press,1985. 162 pages. ISBN: 0912059036. VSCL.

Cheng Man-ch'ing and T'ai Chi: Echoes in the Hall of Happiness. Edited by Michael DeMarco. Authors: Barbara Davis, Benjamin Lo, Russ Mason, Robert W. Smith, Nigel Sutton, Yizhong Xi, Weiming Yuan. Via Media Pub. Co., 2015. 204 pages. ISBN: 978-1893765061.

Cheng Man-ch'ing Enterprise Website

ChengMan-ch'ing Essays on Man and Culture. By Cheng Man-ch'ing. Translatedby Mark Hennessy. Berkeley, California, Frog Ltd., North Atlantic Books,1997.
200 pages. ISBN: 1883319269.

ChengMan-ch'ing: Master of Five Excellences. Translation and commentary byMark Hennessy. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, Frog, Ltd., 1995. 166 pages. ISBN: 188331903X. Discussion of Master Cheng's work in calligraphy,poetry, painting, medicine and tai chi chuan. VSCL.

Chen Man Ching: The Official Family Run Website They offer a 4 DVD set of Dr. Cheng at work in Tai Chi.

Cheng Man-ch'ing Simplified Yang Style Tai Chi From Soft Answer Tai Chi Chuan.

This webpage work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Created by Michael P. Garofalo, GreenWay Research, Valley Spirit Center, Gushen Grove Notebooks, Red Bluff, California, © 2016 CCA 4.0

ChengMan-ch'ing T'ai Chi Ch'uan: A Simplified Method of CalisthenicsforHealth and Self Defense. By Cheng Man-ch'ing. Team translation reviewed by Dr., Beauson Tseng. Berkeley, California,North Atlantic Books, 1981. 135 pages. ISBN: 0913028851. VSCL.

Cheng Man-ch'ing T'ai ChiCh'uan. Patience Tai Chi Association. Instructional DVD, 63 minutes. The complete and authentic 37posture form. Limited supplies in VHS format.

Cheng Man-ch'ing T'ai-Chi Short Form. Instructional DVD. As taught by Robert Chuckrow, Ph.D.. NTSC DVD, color, 63 minutes. ASIN: B00BMAVIVC. 'This DVD has three parts: (1) Demonstration of Cheng Man-ch'in's Short Form by Robert Chuckrow, (2) Form instruction, and (3) Rear view of form (student view). The instruction part is clear and detailed, and all the movements are taught in succession with different camera views and repetitions.' Dr. Chuckrow was a student of Cheng Man-ch'ing. VSCL.

Cheng Man-ch'ing - Google Search

Cheng Man-ch'ing Yang Style Taijiquan 37 Postures Form: List of Postures/Movements, with directions. By Mike Garofalo, 2008.

Cheng Tzu: Master of the Five Excellences. A Life Biography of Cheng Man Ching by Tam Gibbs, 1978.

ChengTzu's Thirteen Treatises on Tai Chi Chuan. By ChengMan-ch'ing. Translated by Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo and Martin Inn. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 1985. 223 pages. ISBN: 0938190458. VSCL.
Review by David Wade Smith in 2005,'This book is my constant companion. I've carried my original 1985 copy with me everywhere since it was first published. I should declare my bias: I was a student at Professor Cheng's school in New York starting in 1974, the year before he passed, and studied and eventually taught there until 1986. All of his senior students considered this the Bible of Professor Cheng's form long before it was ever published in English. We had classes in which Ed Young, one of the Professor's senior students, translated it for us chapter by chapter, his forehead breaking out in a fine sweat with the effort of attempting to adequately convey the Professor's meaning. I still have my notes from those sessions, and Ben Lo's translation compares very favorably with Ed's. I often quote or read from the Thirteen Treatises to my students, and always recommend it as an indispensable work. In short, if there is one single most essential volume on Professor Cheng's Tai Chi Chuan, this is it--and I believe it can prove equally valuable to students of other styles and forms. I especially recommend it in combination with 'Master Cheng's New Method of Taichi Chuan Self-Cultivation,' translated by Mark Hennessy (Frog Ltd., 1999).'

Chen Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Chen, William C. C. - Tai Chi Chuan

Classics of Tai Ch Chuan: Principles, Theory, Philosophy, Teaching, Publications. By Mike Garofalo.

ChineseBoxing: Masters and Methods. By Robert W. Smith. Berkeley, CA,North Atlantic Books, 1974, 1990. ISBN: 155643085X.

Cloud Hands T'ai Chi Ch'uan Subject Index

The Complete Book of T'ai Chi. By Stewart McFarlane. New York,DK Publishing,1997, 1999. Index, 119 pages. ISBN: 0789442590. Detailedinstruction in theCheng Man-ch'ing Short form, 37 movements. VSCL.

The Development ofTaijiquan Styles - Lineage Charts. Al Duncan.

Daodejing by Laozi Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. Over 25 translations of the 81 Chapters of the Daodejing, resources, extensive indexing in English, Spanish, and Romanized Wade-Giles Chinese.

Daoism (Taoism) Extensive information, bibliography, links, resources, Tao Te Ching.

Eight Section Brocade Qigong

TheElements of Tai Chi. By Paul Crompton. Longmead, ElementBooks, 1990. Index, glossary, notes, 125 pages. ISBN: 1852301570. Introductorysurvey.

Essays on Man and Culture. By Cheng Man-ch'ing. Translated by Mark Hennessy. Frog Books, 1997. 136 pages.

TheEssence and Applications of Taijiquan. By Yang, Chengfu (1883-1936). Translated by Louis Swaim. The original publication date was in 1934. The original book was edited by Professor Cheng Man-Chi'ng. Berkeley,California, North Atlantic Books, 2005. Introduction, appendices, bibliography, 124pages. ISBN: 1556435452. In this book, the entire sequence of the specialized and named martial movements/postures/sections/forms is numbered from Section 1 up to Section 94; thus, the popular long taijiquan from, the Yang 94 Form. VSCL.

TheEssence of T'ai Chi Ch'uan: The Literary Tradition. Translated andedited byBenjamin Pang Jeng Lo; Martin Inn, Robert Amacker, and Susan Foe. Berkeley,California, North Atlantic Books, 1979, 1985. 100 pages. ISBN:0913028630.

Faigao Batann and Jane Faigao. In New York, Bataan had served as Cheng Man-ching’s personal assistant and chauffeur. Professor Cheng was a master of Chinese medicine, martial arts, calligraphy, painting and poetry; but apparently did not drive. The Faigao's went on to lead Tai Chi in Colorado, and at the Naropa Institute.

Five Animal Frolics

Five Principles of T'ai Chi Ch'uan for Master Cheng Man-ch'ing

Gatewayto the Miraculous: Further Explorations in the Tao of Cheng Man-ch'ing. By Wolfe Lowenthal. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, Frog Ltd., 1994. 124pages. ISBN: 1883319137. Wolfe Lowenthal was a student of Cheng Man-ch'ing. VSCL.

Tam Gibbs, As I Knew Him By M.T. Steven Rose.

Green Way Research Subject Index Taijiquan and Qigong research and practices by Mike Garofalo.

The Hall of Happiness By David Kaufman. Reminiscences about the Professor's Shih Jung School of Tai Chi in New York in 1974.

Images of Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing

Lao-Tzu: My Words are Very Easy to Understand. Lectures on the Tao Teh Ching by Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing. Translated from the Chinese by Tam C. Gibbs, 1981. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 1981, 1971. 240 pages, Chinese characters for each of the 81 Chapters. Brief biography of Professor Cheng. ISBN: 9780913028919. VSCL.

Lao Tzu, author of the Tao Te Ching Daodejing by Laozi. Over 25 translations of the 81 Chapters of the Daodejing, resources, extensive indexing in English, Spanish, and Romanized Wade-Giles Chinese.

List of Movements in the Yang Style Tai Chi 37 Postures Form created by Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing A Valley Spirit Taijiquan Guide by Mike Garofalo. This list, in English, of the postures in the 37 Yang Short Form by Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing also includes the Wade-Giles transliteration of the Mandarin Chinese phrases used to identify each posture, directions for what direction to face for each posture, and a list of the books and webpages used as references when preparing this guide. Published by Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California. First published online in September, 2008. Revised on March 10, 2016. PDF Format, Print Only.

Long River Tai Chi School. The Taijiquan school of Wolfe Lowenthal, student of Cheng Man-ch'ing and author of There Are No Secrets, Gateway to the Miraculous, and Like a Long River.

TheMartial Spirit: An Introduction to the Origin, Philosophy and Psychology ofthe Martial Arts. By Herman Kauz. Woodstock, New York, The Overlook Press, 1977. 141pages. ISBN: 0879513276. VSCL.

MasterCheng's New Method of T'ai Chi Chuan Self-Cultivation. By ChengMan-ch'ing. Translated by Mark Hennessy. Berkeley, California, North AtlanticBooks, Frog, Ltd., 1999. 128 pages. ISBN: 1883319927. Originally written in Chinese in 1963. VSCL.

Master Cheng's Thirteen Chapters On Tai Chi Ch'uan. By Cheng Man-ch'ing. Translated by Douglas Wile. 101 pages. Sweet Chi Press, 1982. 101 pages. ISBN: 978-0912059006. Originally written in Chinese in 1949. VSCL.

Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan By Fu Zhongwen. Translated by Louis Swaim. Berkeley, California, Blue Snake Books, c 1999, 2006. Bibliography, glossary, 226 pages. ISBN: 9781583941522. VSCL. Fu Zongwen (1919-1994) was a student of Yang Cheng Fu. Translations of many Tai Chi classics are included. A list of 85 movements are provided. 251 movement analysis illustrations. Over 76 of the illustrations are traced and drawn from photographs of Yang Chengfu. Detailed descriptions of the long form, pp. 26-162. Push hands information. Yang Tai Chi essentials.

Master of Five Excellences. By Cheng Man-ch'ing. Translated by Mark Hennessy. Frog Books, 1996. 184 pages. ISBN: 978-1883319038. 'Professor Cheng Man-Ch’ing regarded a set of five disciplines—the 'five excellences'—to be the mark of a well-rounded person: calligraphy, painting, poetry, t’ai chi, and medicine. Although he is best known for his teachings on the martial arts (in particular, his highly influential adaptation of t’ai chi), versatility was central to Cheng’s philosophy of life, and he encourage his students to combine artistry with scholarship. This inspiring book is a commentary on and working compendium of Cheng’s literary and pictorial interpretations of these subjects. Of interest to aficionados of Chinese art, culture, and history, Master of Five Excellences also offers internal techniques for practitioners of the martial arts, as Hennessy provides an insight into the rarely-glimpsed creative side of Cheng Man-Ch’ing.'

A Master Passes: A Tribute to Cheng Man-ch'ing. By Robert W. Smith, 1979.

Patience T'ai Chi Association. Sifu William C. Phillips.

Performance Time: Cheng Man-ch'ing = 9:03 minutes. Simo Mildred = 9:39 minutes. Paul Crompton = 5:36 minutes.

Photographs - Archives Provided by Hsu Fun Yuen. Cheng Man-ch'ing Images

Portraits: Cheng Man-ch'ing Images

Principles of T'ai Chi Ch'uan for Master Cheng Man-ch'ing

Professor Cheng. TheOffical Website of Professor Cheng Man-Ch'ing. Painting, calligraphy, medicine, poetry and tai chi chuan.

Professor Cheng Man-Ch'ing's Simplified T'ai Chi Ch'uan (37 Postures). Instructional videotape by Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo. San Francisco, Universal T'ai Chi Ch'uan Association, 1991. Benjamin Pang Jeng Lostudied under Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing from 1949 untill 1975.

Push Hands, Sensing Hands, Tui Shou, Qigong Hand Routines

When Chen Man-ch'ing was teaching Tai Chi Chuan in New York, he also practiced as a Chinese Medical Doctor. You get the impression of a talented, energetic, and very busy man. In the English language reports about the Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan that Professor Cheng taught and popularized in New York from 1964-1975, you read a lot about Form Practice, Swordplay, Push Hands, and Interacting as Human Beings.

Push Hands involves two person interactive physical movements, drills, routines, practices, experiments. Push Hands practices can be stationary or moving. Push Hands (Tui Shou, Dalu) is a regular taijiquan practice for developing and improving sensitivity, tactile skills, inter-active responsiveness, and martial skills.

Both Fu Zhongwen (1903-1994) and Cheng Man-ch'ing (1902-1975) studied in their youth with Grandmaster Yang Cheng Fu (1883-1936). Cheng Man-ch'ing helped Yang Chen Fu edit, write and publish some Chinese language Tai Chi books in the 1930's.

Push Hands (Tui Shou, Dalu): Bibliography, Resources, Links, Quotations, Practices. Research by Mike Garofalo.

The Push Hands Workbook: T'ai Chi Partner Movements (Tui Shou) for Sport and Personal Development. By Nando Raynolds. Create Space independent Publishing Platform, 2006. 168 pages. ISBN: 978-1440428579. Nando Raynolds has practiced Yang style T'ai Chi since 1978 and taught since 1988. He is a licensed psychotherapist and provides professional counseling, supervision and life coaching. He has studied bodywork, yoga and the martial arts. His professional practice is in Ashland, Oregon. He has taught the Cheng Man-ch'ing 37 Taijiquan Form at Southern Oregon University in Ashland. He holds his 3rd dan in Daimon Ryu Kenpo Karate. He wrote the instructional section for 'The Everything Book of T'ai Chi and Qigong' and is a frequent contributor of articles to the Tai Chi Magazine. 'This workbook is a step-by-step guide to push hands (t'ui shou). These T'ai Chi Chuan two person exercises are the foundation of the self-defense skills of the art. Written for the beginner through advanced practitioner and teachers, this book presents fun exercises and games that train sensitivity and responsiveness. Specific component skills of push hands (eg. sticking, listening, neutralizing, pushing, rooting etc) are systematically developed through sequential drills presented in the workbook. Important topics that are often poorly addressed in the English literature are explained in clear language and paired with activities.' VSCL.

Yang Style Taijiquan Push Hands. Chapter Three, pp. 163-177, found in MasteringYang Style Taijiquan. Bu Fu Zhongwen (1903-1994). Translated by Louis Swaim. Berkeley,California, North Atlantic Books, 1999. Glossary, bibliography, 226pages. ISBN: 1556433182. Translationsof many Tai Chi classics are included. A list of the 85 movement long formand detailed notes and descriptions of each movement are provided. 251 movementanalysis illustrations. Over 76 of the illustrations are traced and drawnfrom photographs ofYang Cheng-Fu. Detailed descriptions of the long form, pp. 26-162. Push hands information. Yang Tai Chi essentials. I have found this to bean excellent book! This book was first published in 1963 in China as 'Yang ShiTaijiquan'. An informativeintroduction and good translation by Louis Swaim. VSCL. Three Push Hands Methods: 1. Fixed Step Push Hands (Ding Bu Tuishou), p.165. 2. Active-Step Push Hands (Hou Bu Tuishou), p.167. 3. Dalu, p.170-177.

Tai Ji Tui Shou: Mastering the Eight Styles and Four Skills of Sensing Hands. By Stuart Alve Olson. Patrick Gross, Chen Kung Series Editor. Original author: Chen Kung. Create Space Independent Publishing, 2015. 160 pages. Volume 4 of the Chen Kung Series. ISBN: 978-1506039961. VSCL.

Push Hands, Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing. Found on pp. 189-205, in the book:Cheng Tzu's Thirteen Treatises on Tai Chi Chuan. By Cheng Man-ch'ing. Translated by Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo and Martin Inn. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 1985. 223 pages. ISBN: 0938190458.

'The fundamental movements of Push Hands are contained in Grasp the Sparrow's Tail. The Heavenly Level is the function of feeling. Listen to Strength [t'ing chin], Interpreting Strength [tung chin], and Omnipotence are all based on push hands. It is an orderly progression from T'ing Chin to Omnipotence, which is the pinnacle. The practitioner should begin from push hands and practice until mastery is achieved. Then you can gain something.'
- Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing,Cheng Tzu's Thirteen Treatises on Tai Chi Chuan, 1985, p. 190.

TheIntrinsic Energies of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Compiled and translated byStuart Alve Olson. Chen Kung Series, Volume Two. Saint Paul, Minnesota, Dragon DoorPublications, 1994. Index, 194 pages. ISBN: 093804513X. VSCL.

Push Hands and Dalu Sections, pp. 103-112, found in:The Essence and Applications of Taijiquan (Taijiquan Tiyong Quanshu). By Yang, Cheng-Fu (1883-1936). Translated by Louis Swaim. The original publication date in Chinese was in 1934. The original Chinese book was edited by Professor Cheng Man-Chi'ng. It follows closely the 1931 publication title 'Taijiquan Shiyongfa' (Application Methods of Taijiquan). Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 2005. Introduction, appendices, bibliography, 124 pages. ISBN: 1556435452.

Questions and Answers about the Tai Chi Classics. Interview with Professor Cheng Man-ching.

Relaxation and Taijiquan: Bibliography, links, quotes,notes.

Return to Stillness: Twenty Years with a Tai Chi Master. By Trevor Carolan. De Capo Press, 2003. 256 pages. ISBN: 978-15692444876. VSCL.

Rooting, Grounding, and Centering in Taijiquan: Bibliography, links, quotes, notes.

37 Form Tai Chi List

Short Form, Beijing, Simplified 24 Movements, Tai ChiChuan, Yang Style. By Michael P. Garofalo. 269KB. List of the movements(.html and .pdf), detailed descriptions with illustrations, links,bibliography, quotations, and notes.

Short YangForm. Produced by Mark Allen.

Silk Reeling and Spiral Energies in Taijiquan:Bibliography, links, quotes, notes.

Simplified Taijiquan, 37 Movements Form, Yang Style, of Master Cheng Man-ch'ing

Somaesthetics, Mind-Body Movement Arts: Theory and Practices

Standard Simplified 24 Form Taijiquan in the Yang Style. Beijing, Simplified 24 Movements, Tai ChiChuan, Yang Style. By Michael P. Garofalo. 269KB. List of the movements(.html and .pdf), detailed descriptions with illustrations, links,bibliography, quotations, and notes.

Subject Index to the Cloud Hands: Taijiquan and Qigong Website

Sun Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Sword (Jian)

Sword - Standard 32 Sword Form in the Yang Style 32 Movements Taijiquan Sword Form.

Sword - Taijiquan Swordsmanship and traditions, Taijiquan Sword, Lore, Traditions, Bibliography, Notes, Quotations, Resources

Sword - Yang Family Style 55 Movements Taijiquan Sword Form.

T'ai Chi. Instructional videotape by Tricia Yu. 90 minutes, VHS andDVD formats. Detailed instruction in the Cheng Man-ch'ing short form.

T'ai Chi: The 'Supreme Ultimate' Exercise for Health, Sport and Self-Defense. By Cheng Man-ch'ing and Robert W. Smith. Tuttle Pub., 2004. 128 pages. ISBN: 978-0804805605.

The Tai Chi Book: Refining and Enjoying a Lifetime of Practice. By Robert Chuckrow, Ph.D..Including the Teachings of Cheng Man-ch'ing, William C. C. Chen, and Harvey I. Sober. Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, YMAAPublicationCenter, c 1998. Index, 209 pages.ISBN:1886969647. Dr.Chuckrow was a student of Cheng Man-ch'ing. TheCheng 37 Posture form is described and illustrated with photographs on pages177-204. VSCL.

Tai Chi Chuan: Embracing the Pearl. Including the teachings of Cheng Man-ch'ing, William C. C. Chen, and Harvey I. Sober. By Robert Chuckrow. Rising Mist Publications, 1995. 151 pages. ISBN: 978-0964591905.

T'aiChi Ch'uan For Health and Self-Defense: Philosophy and Practice. ByT.T. Liang. New York, Vintage Books, 1977. 137 pages. ISBN: 0394724615. T.T. Liang studiedwith over 15 teachers, including Cheng Man-ch'ing. VSCL.

T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Links, Bibliography, Quotes, Notes

T'aiChi Ch'uan Ta Wen: Questions and Answers on T'ai Chi Ch'uan. By ChenWei-Ming. Translated by Benjamin Pan Jeng Lo and Robert W. Smith. Berkeley,California, North Atlantic Books, 1986. 61 pages. ISBN: 0938190679.

Tai Chi Chuan Yang Style Tai Chi 37 Postures Form created by Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing: List of Postures/Movements in this Form

TaiChi Classics. By Waysun Liao. New translations of threeessential texts of T'ai Chi Ch'uan with commentary and practical instruction by Waysun Liao. Illustrated by the author. Boston, Shambhala, 1990. 210 pages. ISBN: 087773531X. VSCL. A slightly modified version of Cheng Man-ch'ing's Short Yang Form is found in this book on pages 128-210; with line drawings and detailed descriptions.

Tai Chi Classics: Principles, Theory, Philosophy, Teaching, Publications. By Mike Garofalo.

Tai Chi Dynamics: Principles of Natural Movement, Health and Self-Development. By Robert Chuckrow, Ph.D. Boston, Massachusetts, YMAA Pub. Center, 2008. Index, 252 pages. ISBN: 978-1594391163. Dr. Chuckrow was a student of Cheng Man-ch'ing, William C. C. Chen, and Harvey I Sober. VSCL.

T'ai Chi Dynamics: Insights into Chen Man-ch'ing's Style. Instructionalvideotape byRobert Chuckrow, Ph.D.. 65 minutes, VHS. A good discussion andillustration ofkey concepts such as: yin and yang, li, jin, circularity, body mechanics, sung, peng,qi, alignment, and footwork. Dr.Chuckrow was a student of Cheng Man-ch'ing.

Tai Chi for Health. Instructional DVD. By Terrence Dunn. NTSC DVD, 120 minutes, 2004. Tai Chi for Health. Instructional videotape by Terry Dunn. 120minutes, VHS. The Cheng Man-ch'ing 37 posture form is taught by Terry Dunn, a student ofAbraham Liu. Includes an introduction to Tai Chi, breathing exercises,warmup suggestions, and step-by-step instructions in the form. DVD:B0002ZDR7Q,and VHS. VSCL - DVD version.

Tai Chifor Health and Vitality: A Comprehensive Guide to the Short Yang Form. By Robert Parry. Hamlyn, 2005. 144 pages. ISBN: 060061090X.

Tai ChiHandbook: Exercise, Meditation and Self-Defense. By HermanKauz. Doubleday, 1974. 192 pages. ISBN: 0385093705. A student ofMaster Cheng,with a high level background in judo and karate, provides a fine introduction to both Tai Chi and Cheng's short form.

37 Form Tai Chi Chuan

Tai ChiMade Easy. A Step-by-Step Guide to Health and Relaxation. By Robert Parry. Photography by Laura Wickenden. London, ThePeople's Medical Society, 1997. Index, 144 pages. ISBN:1882606256. Excellent,detailed instructions in the Cheng Man-ch'ing 37 posture short form.

Tai ChiSecrets of the Yang Style. Translated with commentary by YangJwing-ming. Translations and commentary on Chinese Classics. Boston, MA, YMAAPublications, 2001. Index, glossary, 192 pages. ISBN: 1886969094. A translation of 49 documents by Yang, Ban-Hou (1837-1892) and by afew other Yang family members. VSCL.

Tai Chi Sword (Jian) Professor Cheng loved to playwith the Tai Chi Sword.

Tai Chi Sword, Yang Style. Bibliography, Links, Form List, Resources. 55 Movements Form. By Mike Garofalo.

TaiChi: The Supreme Ultimate. By Lawrence Galante. Edited by Betsy Selman. York Beach, Maine, Samuel Weiser, 1981. 208 pages. ISBN:0877284970.

Tai-Chi:The 'Supreme Ultimate' Exercise for Health, Sport and Self-Defense. ByCheng Man-ch'ing and Robert W. Smith. Tuttle, 1967, 2004. 128 pages. ISBN: 978-0804805605.

T'ai Chi Touchstones: Yang Family Secret Transmissions. Translated byDouglas Wile. 153 pages.

Taijiquan,Classical Yang Style - The Complete Form and Qigong. By Yang, Jwing-Ming. Boston, MA, YMAA Publications Center, 1999. Index, glossary, 333 pages, 562 illustrations. ISBN:188696968X. VSCL.

Taiji Sword, Classical Yang Style: The Complete Form, Qigong and Applications. By Yang, Jwing-Ming. Edited by James C. O'Leary. Boston, Mass., YMAA Publications, 1999. Index, glossary, list of form postures, 205 pages. ISBN: 1886969744. VSCL. The standard 54 Yang sword form.

Taiji Sword, Yang Style. Bibliography, Links, Form List, Resources. 55 Movements Form. By Mike Garofalo.

Tao of Tai Chi Chuan. Words of Professor Chen. Translated by David Chen.

37 Form Tai Chi

Taoism (Daoism) Extensive information, bibliography, links, resources, Tao Te Ching.

Tao Te Ching by Lao TzuOver 25 translations of the 81 Chapters of the Daodejing, resources, extensive indexing in English, Spanish, and Romanized Wade-Giles Chinese.

Tao Te Ching Translation by Tam Gibbs

ThereAre No Secrets: Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing and His Tai Chi Chuan. ByWolfe Lowenthal, 1939-. Berkeley, California, North Atlantic Books, 1991. 142 pages. ISBN: 1556431120. Wolfe Lowenthal was a student of ChengMan-ch'ing. VSCL.

Thirteen Postures of Taijiquan: Bibliography, links,quotes, notes, instructions.

37 Movements/Postures Form Taijiquan of Master Cheng Man-ch'ing

Valley Spirit Center Taijiquan Red Bluff, California. Chief Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.

VSCL = Valley Spirit Center Library. Personal library of Mike Garofalo.

Video Online of Cheng Man-ch'ing or his style of Tai Chi

Cheng Man-ch'ing Performing the 37 Short Form 9:03 Minutes

Cheng Man-ch'ing Video 7 minutes. Some Yang form, push hands, and sword form.

Cheng Man-ch'ings Yang Form Performed by Master Cheng Man-ch'ing. Utube, b&w, 7:45 minutes

The WebThat Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine. By Ted J.Kaptchuk,O.M.D.. Chicago, McGraw Hill Contemporary Books, 2nd Edition, 2000. Index, bibliography,appendices, notes, 500 pages. Foreword by Margaret Caudill, M.D., and byAndrewWeil, M.D. ISBN:0809228408. An excellent introduction to traditionalChinese medicine and modern research on the topic. VSCL.

Wisdom of Taiji Masters: Insights into Cheng Man Ching's Art. By Nigel Sutton. Tambuli Media, 2014. 176 pages. ISBN: 978-0692250914.

Yang Form of TaiChi Chuan List of 37 movements and trainingprinciples.

Yang Style 24 Movement Simplified Beijing Short Form

Yang Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Short Form. By Bill Helm. Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego, 1996. Edited by Flow Technical Educational Specialists. Spiral-bound manual. 65 pages. VSCL.

Yang Style Tai Chi 37 Postures Form created by Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing: List of Postures/Movements in the Form

Yang Style Tai-Chi Chuan 37. An videotape by Master Yu Cheng Hsiang. 45 minutes, VHS. A demonstration of the Cheng Man-ch'ing form and
some applications.

Yang Style Traditional Long 108 Form

Young, Ed He was a top assistant instructor for Master Cheng Man-ch'ing. Ed was somewhat fluent in both Chinese and English, and frequently explained Master Cheng's instructions and lessons. Master Cheng spoke only Chinese. Ed has published many children's and art books.

Quotations
Regarding Master Cheng Man-ch'ing (1902 - 1975)

'Without doubt, the most influential of these new forms in the West isthe 37 posture shortened Yang form of Zheng Man Qing. Zheng was a disciple of the greatmaster Yang Cheng Fu. Zheng developed the short form to enable the art to be learntmore quickly and to be less time consuming so that it can be practiced easily with modernday hectic schedules. Zheng's great skill in Taijiquan made his form verypopular. Today it is one of the predominant forms practiced in the West. Many of Zheng'sstudents are today noted masters of the art and continue to promote his short form for bothhealth and self-defence. The shortened form is still Yang style Taijiquan butwith the repetitions and some postures removed. The theories and techniques remain unchanged.Almost all of Zheng's works on Taijiquan have been translated into English and theirinfluenceis substantial.'
- ThePopular Modern Styles of Tai Chi Chuan, By Peter Lim Tian Tek

'I have been practicing Tai-Chi Chuan for over fifty years. Only two years ago that I started to understand the word “relax”. I remember my Tai-Chi Chuan teacher Yang Cheng-Fu who did not like to talk much and he used to sit all day without saying a word if no one asked him questions. However, in our T’ai-chi class he would tell us to “relax” repeatedly. Sometimes it seemed like he would say the word hundreds of times during the practice so that the word could fill up my ears. Strangely enough he also said that if he did not tell me of this word that I would not be able to learn T’ai-chi in three life-times (meaning never). I doubted his words then. Now that I think back, I truly believe that if he did not keep reminding me of the word “relax”, I doubt if I could have learned T’ai-chi Chuan in six life-times.

What is the meaning of “relax” in T’ai-chi? Here is an example to help you understand the word. When we go visit a Buddhist temple we usually see a statue of Me-Lo Buddha. The one who has a big rounded stomach with a big smile on his face. He carries a large bag on his shoulder. On top of this statue we see a motto: “Sit with a bag. Walk with a bag. It would be such a relief to drop the bag.” What does all this mean? To me, a person himself or herself is a bag. Everything he or she owns is baggage, including one’s children, family, position and wealth. It is difficult to drop any of one’s baggage, especially the “self” bag.

T’ai-chi Chuan is difficult to learn. To relax in practicing T’ai-chi Chuan is the most difficult phase to go through. To relax a person’s mind is the most significant obstacle to overcome in practicing T’ai-Chi. It takes a great effort to train and exercise one’s mind to relax (or drop one’s “self” bag).'
- Cheng Man-ch'ing

'Yinis passive, yielding, earthy and supportive; whereas Yangis expansive, active, upward, and outward. When your weight is all on one leg, that leg isYin(supportive, earthy, inactive, yielding), and the stepping leg isYang(active, upward, outward, expansive).'
- Robert Chuckrow,Tai Chi Dynamics, p.40

'Cheng Man-ch'ing (鄭曼青/ 郑曼青), a painter, poet, calligrapher, doctor, and t'ai chi ch'uan master, was born in 1902 in Yong-chia (Yongjia 永嘉), present-day Wenzhou 溫州), Zhejiang province. Cheng gained fame as an artist in his early years, and in his thirties, took up t'ai chi ch'uan study with the famed Yang Ch'eng-fu. In his later years, Cheng was instrumental in helping spread t'ai chi ch'uan to Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States.
Cheng's name is also spelled Zheng Manqing, and he also went by the names Cheng Yueh (Zheng Yue), Cheng Man-jan (Zheng Manran), Hermit of the Jade Well (Yu-chin shan-jen; Yujin shanren), and other artistic names. He was commonly known as a master of 'Five Excellences' (五絕) for his many talents.'
- Cheng Man-ch'ing Biography Project

'The Taichi Classics say that the proper root is in the foot. A beginner can develop root by simply spending three to five minutes, morning and night, standing fully on a single leg. Alternate legs and gradually increase the time as you sink lower. This 'bitter work' not only develops a root, it stimulates the cardiovascular system, with benefits the brain. It is essential that your ch'i sinks to the tan-t'ien, both feet adhere to the floor, and you exert absolutely no force. When practicing this Standing Posture, you may assist your balance by lightly touching a chair or table with the middle and index fingers. After a while us only the middle finger. When you can stand unassisted, you my choose either the Lift Hands Posture or Playing the Guitar Posture to continue your practice. Do not fear bitter work. If you do you will never progress.'
- Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing,New Method of Taichi Ch'uan Self-Cultivation, 1965, 1999, p. 11 [Practitioners might also do Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg Posture or White Stork Spreads Its Wings.] Standing on one leg, holding static poses, is also a common practice in Hatha Yoga, e.g., Tree Pose, Vriksasana.

Rooting, Sinking, Vertical Forces, Balanced in Taijiquan

'T'ai Chi Ch'uan, the great ultimate, strengthens the weak, raises the sick, invigorates the debilitated, and encourages the timid.'
- Dr. Cheng Man-ch'ing

'When I teach taichi today, I still cure illnesses, prolong life, and gladden the spirit, but I can also enjoy the gathering of young and old, and the sharing of goodness with others.
Resembling Old Lai's childish antics,
never retiring though aged,
Surpassing Hau Tuo's animal frolics,
always concentrating ch'i for softness.
Swallow the heaven's ch'i,
Tap the earth's strength,
Prolong life through softness.

Herein, truly, lie health and happiness.'
- Chinese Medical Doctor and Herbalist, Cheng Man-ch'ing, New Method of Taichi Ch'uan Self-Cultivation, 1963, 1999, Translated by Mark Hennessy, p.15

Cheng Man-ch'ing T'ai Chi Ch'uan Form, 37 Movements

Yang Tai Chi Chuan 37 Form of Master Cheng Man-ch'ing
One Page PDF 22Kb List of Postures
Numbering and Sections by Mike Garofalo
Published by Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California on April 15, 2016. A Valley Spirit Taijiquan Guide.

Yang Tai Chi Chuan 37 Form of Master Cheng Man-ch'ing
Eight Pages PDF 113Kb List of Postures
Numbering, Names, Notes, Directional Orientation, Codes, English Only, References, and Introduction all by Mike Garofalo
Published by Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California on April 15, 2016. A Valley Spirit Taijiquan Guide.

Yang Tai Chi Chuan 37 Form of Master Cheng Man-ch'ing
Four Pages PDF 98Kb
Numbering by Robert Chuckrow, Chinese Posture Names from Cheng Man-ch'ing, Notes, Directional Orientation, English and Chinese Names of Postures
Published by Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California. First published online in September, 2008. Revised on April 13, 2016.
A Valley Spirit Taijiquan Guide by Mike Garofalo. This list, in English, of the postures in the 37 Yang Short Form by Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing also includes the Wade-Giles transliteration of the Mandarin Chinese phrases used to identify each posture, directions for what direction to face for each posture, and a list of the books and webpages used as references when preparing this guide.

There are, of course, many more movement sequences, postures, dingdian, and repetitions of some sequences/postures than just 37. There are 54 numbered movements in the Cheng Man-ch'ing Yang Style Taijiquan 37 Form according to Bill Helm's account in a Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego publication in 1996. Helm's was the 37 Form taught by Master Abraham Liu, a former student of Cheng Man-ch'ing in Taiwan. Any numbering of postures/movements involves making choices, sometimes arbirtrary, about how to do the counting, e.g., Grasping Sparrow's Tail as one movement or four movements, Fair Lady Works her Shuttles as one movement or four movements, how to count repetitions, etc.. Cheng Man-ch'ing himself was not consistent with his counting/naming/grouping in his books although most movement sequences totaled up to 37, maybe for symbolic or mythical numerological reasons. In 'Master Cheng's New Method of Taichi Chuan Self-Cultivation' (1963, 1999: p 116-122), for example, numbered Movement 37 includes: Bend the Bow, Shoot the Arrow; Step Forward, Block, Parry, and Punch; Cross Hands; Return to Origin. So, Movement 37 has four parts, and considerably different movement parts.

Of course, we are not thinking about counting when we are playing, practicing, training in Taijiquan. We are trying to move gracefully, cultivate softness, and stay rooted amidst the yin-yang flow of the movements. We can have true experiential acquaintance with jins, li, yin, yang, chi, hsing, and shen with or without perfection in the performance of a single Taijiquan or Qigong Form; but, practicing a Form is a crucial and and very useful training tool in Taijiquan.

How someone learns the Cheng Man-ch'ing Taijiquan 37 Short Yang Form

Learn from a teacher and practice daily. Your teacher might be an author whose publications you study, a competent instructor teaching you by means of DVD lessons, a live in person teacher, a group you practice with, your daily practice on your own, Internet teachers, liveworkshop teachers, private lessons .... all of these methods and more.

Practicing daily on your own is how you learn.

Learn by Listening, Learn by Seeing, Learn by Practicing, Learn by Reading, Learn by Doing, Learn by Remembering, Learn by Taking Notes, Learn by Practicing, Learn by Visualizing, Learning by Imagining, Learning by Rehearsing, Learn by Practicing, Learn by Memorizing, Learn by Writing, Learn by Correcting .... all these methods and more. Overcome three obstacles: lack of perseverance, greediness, and impatience.

I studied the following books, resources and instructional DVDs:

MasterCheng's New Method of T'ai Chi Chuan Self-Cultivation. By ChengMan-ch'ing. Translated by Mark Hennessy. Berkeley, California, North AtlanticBooks, Frog, Ltd., 1999. 128 pages. ISBN: 1883319927. Originally written in Chinese in 1963. 'The Simplified Thirty-Seven Posture Form, with Explanation and Illustrations' pp. 31-122. VSCL.

The Tai Chi Book: Refining and Enjoying a Lifetime of Practice. By Robert Chuckrow, Ph.D..Including the Teachings of Cheng Man-ch'ing, William C. C. Chen, and Harvey I. Sober. Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, YMAAPublicationCenter, c 1998. Index, 209 pages.ISBN:1886969647. Dr.Chuckrow was a student of Cheng Man-ch'ing and others. TheCheng 37 Posture form is described and illustrated with photographs on pages177-204. VSCL.

Cheng Man-ch'ing T'ai-Chi Short Form. Instructional DVD. As taught by Robert Chuckrow, Ph.D.. NTSC DVD, color, 63 minutes. ASIN: B00BMAVIVC. 'This DVD has three parts: (1) Demonstration of Cheng Man-ch'in's Short Form by Robert Chuckrow, (2) Form instruction, and (3) Rear view of form (student view). The instruction part is clear and detailed, and all the movements are taught in succession with different camera views and repetitions.' VSCL.

I wrote down theList of the Movements of the Cheng Man-ch'ing Yang 37 Short Form

I studied six books by Cheng Man-ch'ing (listed above) that I own (VSCL).

Wide reading, study and practice in theYang Style of Taijiquan.

Practice, Enjoy, Practice, Rejuvenate, Practice, Refine, Practice, Relax, Practice, Pleasures, Practice, Joy, Practice, Insights, Practice, Contemplate, Practice, Blog, Practice

Tai Chi 37 Form With Step Names

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© GreenWay Research, Michael P. Garofalo,2002-2016

This webpage was last modified or updated on May 12, 2016.
This webpage was published on the Internet WWW in February of 2002.

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Yang 37 Form Tai Chi

Created by Michael P. Garofalo, GreenWay Research, Valley Spirit Center, Gushen Grove Notebooks, Red Bluff, California, © 2016 CCA 4.0

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Mirror webpage updated annually since 5/16/2014:

Cheng Man-ch'ing: Bibliography, Resources, Taijiquan 37 Postures List, Links, Biographical, Philosophy

Last updated mirror on 3/6/2016