The 24-form Yang-style, commonly known as the “Simplified Form” or “Beijing 24,” serves as a standard introductory sequence for practitioners worldwide. The Chinese Sports Committee created this form in 1956 to provide a concise version of the traditional long form.

The 24-Form Sequence

  1. Commencing (Qǐshì)
  2. Part the Wild Horse’s Mane (Zuǒyòu Yěmǎ Fēnzōng)
  3. White Crane Spreads Its Wings (Báihè Liàngshì)
  4. Brush Knee and Step Forward (Zuǒyòu Lǚxì Àobù)
  5. Playing the Lute (Shǒuhū Pípá)
  6. Reverse Reeling Forearm / Repulse Monkey (Zuǒyòu Dǎo Niǎnhóu)
  7. Left Grasp Sparrow’s Tail (Zuǒ Lǎn Quèwěi)
  8. Right Grasp Sparrow’s Tail (Yòu Lǎn Quèwěi)
  9. Single Whip (Dān Biān)
  10. Wave Hands Like Clouds (Yúnshǒu)
  11. Single Whip (Dān Biān)
  12. High Pat on Horse (Gāo Tàn Mǎ)
  13. Right Heel Kick (Yòu Dèngjiǎo)
  14. Strike to Ears with Both Fists (Shuāngfēng Guànyǔ)
  15. Turn Body and Left Heel Kick (Zhuǎnshēn Zuǒ Dèngjiǎo)
  16. Left Lower Body and Stand on One Leg (Zuǒ Xiàshì Dúlì)
  17. Right Lower Body and Stand on One Leg (Yòu Xiàshì Dúlì)
  18. Shuttles on Both Sides (Zuǒyòu Yùnǚ Chuānsuō)
  19. Needle at Sea Bottom (Hǎidǐ Zhēn)
  20. Fan Through Back (Shàn Tōng Bèi)
  21. Turn Body, Deflect, Parry, and Punch (Zhuǎnshēn Bānlánchuí)
  22. Apparent Close Up (Rúfēng Sìbì)
  23. Cross Hands (Shíshì Shǒu)
  24. Closing (Shōushì)

Authoritative Resources

The following sites provide detailed lists, descriptions, and instructional materials for the 24-form:

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day: This global resource hub hosts numerous articles and video links specifically for the 24-form sequence.

Tai Chi Foundation: This organization offers resources on the history and practice of Yang-style forms, including the 24-form.

Yang Family Tai Chi: While the founding family primarily promotes the traditional 103-movement form, their educational materials often provide the foundational context necessary for mastering the shorter sequences.