The Simplified 24-form Tai Chi (also called Beijing 24-form or 24-step Tai Chi) is the most widely practiced modern short form of Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan. It was developed in 1956 by the Chinese Sports Committee to make Tai Chi easier to learn while preserving its essential principles — relaxation, balance, coordination, and smooth movement.

Simplified 24-Form Tai Chi Sequence

1. 起势 Commencing Form

2. 野马分鬃 Part the Wild Horse’s Mane

3. 白鹤亮翅 White Crane Spreads Its Wings

4. 搂膝拗步 Brush Knee and Push

5. 手挥琵琶 Play the Lute

6. 倒卷肱 Step Back and Repulse Monkey

7. 左揽雀尾 Grasp the Bird’s Tail – Left

8. 右揽雀尾 Grasp the Bird’s Tail – Right

9. 单鞭 Single Whip

10. 云手 Wave Hands Like Clouds

11. 单鞭 Single Whip

12. 高探马 High Pat on Horse

13. 右蹬脚 Right Heel Kick

14. 双峰贯耳 Strike Ears with Both Fists

15. 转身左蹬脚 Turn Body and Left Heel Kick

16. 左下势独立 Left Lowering and Stand on One Leg

17. 右下势独立 Right Lowering and Stand on One Leg

18. 左右穿梭 Fair Lady Works the Shuttle

19. 海底针 Needle at Sea Bottom

20. 闪通臂 Fan Through the Back

21. 转身搬拦捶 Turn Body, Deflect, Parry, and Punch

22. 如封似闭 Apparent Close-Up (Push and Seal)

23. 十字手 Cross Hands

24. 收势 Closing Form

Practice Tips

Move slowly, smoothly, and continuously — no breaks between postures.

Relax shoulders and hips, keep posture upright.

Let the waist lead all turning and hand motions.

Breathe naturally: inhale when opening, exhale when closing.

Emphasize mind-intent guiding the movement.

Simplified 24-form Tai Chi

Tai Chi HY