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