Here are some things to remember about doing the forms in Tai Chi. I have assembled these items from my class notes (as explained by my teachers and from my own thoughts to help me remember the forms) with the hope that they will help anyone who wants to understand how to do Tai Chi in the best way.
Some Basic Information
By definition, the initial direction you face (whichever you choose) is to be considered as 12 o’clock.
All motions are made slowly (as if the student is under water).
Motions are generally made by first shifting the body weight and then moving the arms and feet.
When extending an arm, do not extend it to its full length (leave a little bend at the elbow).
Do not let either hand touch the body during a motion.
The person’s back is kept nearly vertical, with only a few exceptions, even when the body weight shifts forward or backward.
When making arm motions, inhale when you pull your arms toward you or when lifting them up. Exhale when “pushing” away or when lowering the arms.
When inhaling on the Preparatory Form, push your stomach out. When exhaling, pull in your stomach. These motions help to fill and empty the lungs as much as possible.
A fist is made by closing the fingers around a small, imaginary tube (leaving a space in the middle).
When two feet are close to each other and perpendicular to each other, one foot (let’s say, the right foot) is usually flat on the floor, and the other (in this case, the left foot) is on the ball of the foot. The heel of the left foot is usually slightly behind an imaginary line drawn perpendicular thru the heel of the right foot. This is commonly known as the “horseshoe” position.
When the hands are palm-up and crossed at the stomach and you are preparing to extend your right foot, the right hand should be under the left hand. Correspondingly, when preparing to extend your left foot, the left hand should be under the right hand.
To help with your balance when extending a foot off the floor, bend the opposite knee more than normal.
When “kicking” with a foot, the motion is done slowly. Remember, almost all Tai Chi motions are done slowly.
In bowing, do not look at the floor, but keep your eyes aiming horizontally.
As you master the motions, begin doing them as a continuous flow of movements, keeping in mind that some steps will take longer than others.
Disclaimer
I wrote my notes about the forms initially after attending each class and have since revised them (made them more accurate), as needed, after each lesson.
My notes might not reflect the actual, exact way of doing the moves, but I have tried my best to make them as accurate as possible. I apologize for any inaccuracies or omissions.
My notes should not be used just by themselves to learn Tai Chi; they are not complete enough for that. Class instruction is needed to learn the forms.
I wrote the notes so that I could remember how to do the movements. I have learned from past experience that I cannot remember “motor-function” activities very long without putting my thoughts in written form. These notes are just for anyone who cares to read my notes about Tai Chi. Hopefully, the notes can help anyone who is learning Tai Chi.