Beijing 24

In 1956, the Chinese Sports Committee, commissioned four tai chi masters - Chu Guiting, Cai Longyun, Fu Zhongwen, and Zhang Yu - to create a simplified form of tai chi as an exercise for the masses. They developed what is now known as Bejing 24, derived from the longer 108 Form, which takes about 20 minutes to perform. The Beijing 24 takes about six minutes to perform. Beijing 24 was promoted by the People's Republic of China for general exercise and was also taught to internees in Communist "re-education" camps. Due to this official promotion, the Beijing 24 is one of the most widely practiced tai chi forms in the world. Although it was thought the Bejing 24 would be suitable for beginners, some of the movements within the Form are complex and require practice and commitment to learn. The Beijing 24 may take 12 - 18 months to learn.

1. Commence

2. Part the wild horse's mane ( turn 90 degrees L) (L, R, L)

3. White crane spreads its wings (empty cat stance, L foot fwd)

4. Brush knee (L, R, L)

5. Strum the lute (play guitar) (empty cat stance, L foot fwd)

6. Repulse monkey (step back with L, R, L, R)

7. Grasp peacock's tail (L) (turn 180 degrees for the next posture)

8. Grasp peacock's tail (R)

9. Single whip (L)

10. Cloud hands (stepping to the L)

11. Single whip (L)

12. High pat on horse (empty cat stance, L foot fwd)

13. High kick with heel (R)

14. Punch tiger's ears (R, facing 45 degrees) (turn to face back of room)

15. High kick with heel (L)

16. Snake creeps down, golden rooster stands on one leg (L) (facing the back of the room)

17. Snake creeps down, golden rooster stands on one leg (R) (facing the front of the room)

18. Jade lady (fair lady works the shuttles) (R, 45 degrees, then L, 45 degrees)

19. Needle at sea bottom (empty cat stance, L foot fwd)

20. Fan through the back (flash arms) (L)

21. Deflect, parry and punch (turn 180 degrees, punch to 45 degrees)

22. Apparent close and push (L foot forward)

23. Cross hands (facing the front)

24. Close