Tai Chi form notes

Yang Cheng Fu 108 form first section

Raise hands

Circle hands left

Hold the ball

Single hand Ward off

Ward off

Roll back

Press

Push

Chop left and right

Single whip

Lift hands

Roll back

Shoulder brush

Stork cools wings

Brush knee

Play guitar

Brush knee right

Brush knee step left

Brush knee step right

Play guitar

Brush knee right

Parry down

Step through deflect and punch

Withdraw

Push

Cross hands

Raise hands.

The first Tai Chi form that we practice and study at Movements is the Yang Cheng Fu 108 form as taught by our senior Instructor Sifu Steve Rowe chief instructor and founder of Shi Kon martial arts. The Yang Cheng Fu form is one of the most widely practised forms within Tai Chi and is practiced daily by practitioners all over the world.

In this section we are going to learn the first of three sections broken down in to 6 individual lessons. Each lesson gives a step by step breakdown of each movement or ‘posture’ and then shows you how to put them together to slowly build up the form.

As with all aspects of our Tai Chi training the great thing is it can be practised anywhere without the need for equipment or huge amounts of space. Practising the Tai Chi form outside is a perfect way not only to exercise our bodies but also to calm and settle the mind whilst reconnecting with nature.

Training tip Try and resist the temptation to move too quickly through the lessons.

By spending sufficient time on each section of movements this will help you to learn and remember the sequence and postures before progressing to the next lesson.

So maybe try spending a week or so practising each lesson before you move on to the next.

Also don’t worry about the movements looking or feeling perfect, Tai Chi is a life long study that never stops improving and revealing more depth and hidden gems as we progress in our practice. 

So don’t be too hard on yourselves, remember to smile as you practice (inside and out) and enjoy learning at your own pace, as my teacher always says if your standing tall, breathing deep with an aware and focused mind, then your doing Tai Chi.

The reward for patience and perseverance is a beautiful art that will enhance all aspects of your physical and mental health and well being that you can practice for the rest of your life.

So stand tall, breathe deep, focus the mind and enjoy learning the Tai Chi form ;)