Tai Chi Chuan or Tai Chi set is composed of a series of movements. The number of moves varies among styles and may also depend on how they are counted. The count varies from 85, 88, 103 and 108 movements for the traditional long form style. Today, many styles introduce demonstration sets which range from 36, 45, 49 and others.
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This form is composed of twenty-four unique movements. In 1956, the Chinese National Sport Committee brought together various Tai Chi masters from different styles to create a simplified form of Tai Chi as exercise for the masses. The 24 form truncated the traditional style Tai Chi long forms to 24 postures while maintaining the essential elements of the traditional long forms. The 24 form set takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to complete, and offers excellent mind and body exercise in a short time session. 1. Preparation, Beginning 2. Part the Wild Horse's Mane 3. White Crane Spreads Its Wings 4. Brush Knee and Step Forward, Brush Knee and Twist Step 5. Playing the Lute, Strum the Lute 6. Step Back and Drive Monkey Away 7. Left Grasp Bird's Tail 1. Ward Off (Peng) 2. Rollback (Lu) 3. Press (Ji) 4. Push (An) 8. Right Grasp Bird's Tail 9. Single Whip 10. Wave Hands Like Clouds 11. Single Whip 12. High Pat on Horse 13. Right Heel Kick 14. Strike to Ears with Both Fists 15. Turn Body and Left Heel Kick 16. Left Lower Body and Stand on One Leg 1. Single Whip Squatting Down, Snake Creeps Down 2. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg 17. Right Lower Body and Bird Stand on One Leg 18. Fair Lady Works with Shuttles 19. Needle at Sea Bottom 20. Fan Through Back 21. Turn Body and Punch 22. Appears Closed Entrance 23. Cross Hands 24. Closing