Here are the postures we'll be learning in this class. They comprise about 1/3 of the form in terms of length and 1/2 of the form in terms of postures.
You can download and print off the pdf if you'd like.
1. Preparation – Also known as wuji (Undifferentiated Unity)
2. Beginning – (where you perform the opening breath) Raise hands up and then back and down
3. Ward Off, Left – Also known as peng, the foundation of Yang Tai Chi. This is also a great stance to
practice rooting in.
4. Ward Off, Right
5. Roll Back
6. Press
7. Push
Postures 3 through 7 are collectively known as “Grasping the Sparrow’s Tail”, which gives the
impression of lightness, like playing a game with a bird. Your motions should move forward and
backward, like waves lapping at the seashore.
8. Single Whip – An excellent posture for qi circulation
9. Raise Hands
10. Shoulder Stroke
11. White Crane Cools Wings
12. Brush Knee, Left
13. Play Guitar – Also known as Play “Pipa”
Repeat Brush Knee, Left
14. Step Up and Block
15. Parry and Punch – a neutralization is hidden here
16. Apparent Closure – Also called “Withdraw and Push”
17. Cross Hands
Posture 17 marks the end of the first section of the “Short Half.” This is because it contains
approximately half of the total postures in the form and lacks some of the repetitions we find in the
second half (thus requiring less time for its performance).