The four fingers and the thumb should bend slightly to separate them all.
Do not force the fingers open, natural stretch, including micro-palm, and leave small space between fingers.
This should feel like a natural position without any strain.
The four fingers should grip naturally as if gripping a rope.
The thumb should apply slight pressure onto the second knuckle of the index finger and middle finger.
DO NOT grip tightly or put fist under strain.
The first knuckle of five fingers should be pinched naturally together and the finger tips joined in a kiss.
The wrist should be naturally bent downwards with the palm empty.
DO NOT force the fingers to tightly and close the palm.
The BOW STANCE is used throughout all Tai Chi forms and uses either leg as the leading leg. IMPORTANT guidance notes:
Bend the front leg, point the toes forward.
The back leg should be as straight as possible.
Both feet with the toes inclined forward and the soles on the floor.
The EMPTY STANCE can also use either leg as the leading leg. IMPORTANT guidance notes:
Bend the knees, with both feet flat on the floor.
Slide the leading leg forward slightly while bending the knee further.
Leading Left heel off the floor,
The trailing leg should have the complete foot flat on the floor
The T-Step or Dot Step can use either leg as the leading leg. IMPORTANT guidance notes:
Bend the knees.
The trailing leg flat on the floor.
Lift the leading foot up forward about 10cm
Rest the leading foot's toes on the floor, heal raised
The SQUAT STANCE can use either leg as the leading leg. IMPORTANT guidance notes:
Bend the trailing leg slowly downwards to the squat position.
The whole foot on the floor toes pointing inwards.
Extend the leading leg outwards perpendicular to the trailing leg, whole foot flat on the floor
Feet towards the parallel, toes pointing inwards
The STANDALONE STANCE can use either leg as the leading leg. IMPORTANT guidance notes:
Raise the leading leg's knee to waist level.
Let the leg and toes hang downwards, naturally
Keep the standing leg flat on the floor to maintain balance.