Typical Chen Style Forms

Chen style is characterized by a deeper stance, by circles and twists, and by varied pacing. The hand form has the index fingers of each hand extended at an angle from the plane of the hand, and the thumb touching the side of the hand gently. Movements  varies from almost a standstill to explosive power moves.

Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan (18) Form

            Translated by Xu Hailiang
            Supplied by the “Good Wushu Translation Studio”

Form 1 Starting Form
Form 2 Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar
Form 3 Lazy about Trying Robe
Form 4 Six Sealings and Four Closings
Form 5 Single Whip
Form 6 White Crane Spreads Its Wings
Form 7 Walk Obliquely
Form 8 Brush Knee
Form 9 Twist Step
Form 10 Cover Hands and Strike with Arm
Form 11 Pat High on the Horse
Form 12 Kick with the Left Heel
Form 13 Jade Girl Works at Shuttles
Form 14 Wave Hands like Clouds
Form 15 Turn Body with Lotus Kick
Form 16 Strike Face Like Cannon
Form 17 Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar
Form 18 Finishing Form

Take Notice of the followings Principles :

Relaxing of Chest and Rounding of Back

Sinking Chi down to Dan Tien

Lightly Pointing Up the Head

Relaxation of Waist and Hip

Differentiate Between Empty and Full: Yin and Yang

Coordination of Upper and Lower Parts of the Body

Using the Mind Instead of Force

Harmony Between Internal and External

Connecting the Mind and the Chi

Find Stillness Within Movement

Movement and Stillness Present at Once

Continuity and Evenness Throughout the Form

Take notice of the following fist positionings

 

  • Fingers are held together loosely
  • Index finger sticks out with the thumb touching its side
  • Knuckles bend backward by lifting all fingers up
  • Wrist is relaxed
  • Fists are not clenched tight, fingers touching center of palm
  • Thumb held lightly over the fingers
  • Wrist relaxed
  • Hooks are held loosely with thumb touching the first section of the index finger
  • The other three fingers should be touching the palm just beneath the thumb
  • Hook should bend slightly on the wrist
  • Bow stance, the back foot is at 45 degrees
  • Front knee bent and back knee bending a little less
  • Front toes pointed to the front and inward slightly
  • Keep most of the weight on the front leg
  • Heels comfortably apart with body upright

 

Simplified Chen Style Tai Chi Set (35)

1. Preparing Form
2. Buddha's Warrior Pounds Mortar
3 .Lazy about Tying Coat
4. White Crane Spreads its Wings
5. Hook and Right Palm Strikes
6. Knee lift Double Palm Push
7. Wade Forward, Palm Strike to Both Sides
8. Fist of Covering Hand & Arm
9. Double Push Hand
10. Punch At Elbow
11. Three Steps Back
12. Change Palms Three Times
13. Part the Wild Horse's Mane
14. Standing on One Leg
15. Double Palm Push to The Right Side
16. Single Whip
17. Cloud Hands
18. High Pat On Horse		 19. Kick with Right & Left Leg
20. Kick With Right Heel
21. Lean With Back, Elbow Strike
22. Green Dragon Goes Out of Water
23. Monkey Offering Fruit
24. Palm Push to The Left
25. Single Whip
26. Double Leg Stump
27. Jump Turn and Palm Strike
28. Back Fist Strike
29. The Dragon On the Ground, Drop Stance
30. Step Forward With 7 Stars, Cross Block
31. Step Back and Mount The Tiger
32. Turn Body and Wave Lotus Kick
33. Cannon Fist
34. Buddha's Warrior Pounds Mortar
35. Closing Form