The Hand Forms of Tai Chi

CORRECT PALM POSITION

GUIDANCE NOTES

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.

INCORRECT PALM POSITION


CORRECT FIST POSITION

GUIDANCE NOTES

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.

INCORRECT FIST POSITION


CORRECT HOOK POSITION

GUIDANCE NOTES

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.

INCORRECT HOOK POSITION




The Step Forms of Tai Chi

Bow Stance

Bow Stance Left

Bow Stance Front

Bow Stance Right

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.


Empty Stance

Empty Stance Front

Empty Stance Left

Empty Stance Back

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


T-Step

T-Step Front

T-Step Left

T-Step Back

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


SQUAT STANCE

Squat Stance Left

Squat Stance Right

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


Stand Alone Stance

Stand Alone Stance Left

Stand Alone Stance Front

Stand Alone Stance Right

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.