Based on several different versions of the traditional Yang Style Tai chi Long Form, the 26-section foundation routine is at the core of our teaching method. It was developed in order to overcome many of the problems inherent in both the traditional routines as well as those found with the modern simplified routines.
The 26-Section Foundation Routine:
- is comprehensive and detailed. It does not depend on watering down the choreography or eliminating traditional elements just to make it easier to teach.
- is balanced and symmetrical, which provides a more complete and balanced workout that the one-sided traditional routines.
- is easy to follow. It is forward-facing and symmetrical, which means that the student are not turning the back to the teacher or straining to look over their shoulders. This makes it much easier to teach with, especially in a group setting.
- is relatively compact. The routine is meant to be practised anywhere, and can be easily modified to fit into a small floor space.
- is progressive. Like the traditional routines, the 26-section routine begins with simple and thematic movements, and progresses gradually to more complex choreography and more challenging physical movements.
- incorporates the fundamentals. While traditional training often requires basics to be practised separately, and whereas this is still beneficial, the 26-section routine incorporates basics into the routine.
- allows for a phased curriculum. Each section of the routine can be taught and practised separately, as an exercise in itself, emphasizing specific core principles. This means that it can be offered as an ongoing course with students joining at different times.
- can be compartmentalized. Any number of sections can be taught as a course. The progressive nature of the routine means that it can be broken up into any number of sections with varying levels of difficulty. This can allow for beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes to learn different parts of the routine over shorter periods of time than would be required to teach the entire routine.
26-Section tai chi Routine:
Reference Videos
Wuji
“Differentiation”
or
“Beginning Taiji”
“Deconstructing Peng”
or
“Grasping the bird’s tail”
or
“the lazy tying”
Single Whip
Single Whip
Step up, raise hands, white crane spreads wings
(this video shows the older version of the transition)
Step up, raise hands, white crane spreads wings
(this video shows the older version of the transition)
Brush knee and push, half step and play guitar.
Brush knee and push, half step and play guitar.
“Twist step, deflect down, parry, and punch.”
“Clear the arm, close and push.”
“Twist step, deflect down, parry, and punch.”
“Clear the arm, close and push.”
“double whip”
“fist under the elbow”
“double whip”
“fist under the elbow”
“Repulse the monkey”
“diagonal flying”
“Repulse the monkey”
“diagonal flying”
“Throw the harpoon” aka “Needle to the Bottom of the Sea”
“Fan through the back”
“Throw the harpoon” aka “Needle to the Bottom of the Sea”
“Fan through the back”
“Cast the fist”
“Rotate 5 punches”
“Cloud Hands”
“Wave Hands Like Clouds”
“Single Whip”
“High pat on horse”
“Parting kick”
“Brush knee and punch down”
“Snake attacks with tongue”
“rising kick”
“hit tiger”
“Heel kick”
“Double Wind to the Ears.”
“Part the horse’s Mane”
“Weave the Shuttles”
“Snake Creeps Low”
“Rooster stands on one leg”
“Cross-leg slap kick”
“Brush knee and punch low”
“Grasp the bird’s tail”
“Chasing the bird’s tail”
or
“Grasp the bird’s tail with follow steps”
“Single whip”
“Snake creeps low”
“Step forward to form the seven stars”
“Ride the whale”
“Sit back to ride the tiger”
“Turn, prepared to kick”
” Leg sweeps the lotus “
“bend the bow”
“shoot the tiger”
“cross hands”
“connect the gates”
“Return to Wuji”