While witnessing the peaceful flowing movements of Yang style, it may be hard to believe that Taijiquan (Tai chi chuan) means "grand ultimate fist".  Most people practice Taiji solely for its health benefits and may have no interest in its martial dimension.      

It is difficult to know the true origins of Taijiquan. Some claim it began at Wudang mountain, others say the Shaolin temple had a form of Taiji, but most acknowledge that Chen family style is the oldest verifiable form of Taijiquan. Today, there is a place known as Chen village where family members are dedicated to the presevation and promotion of their art. Chen style is characterized by slow, even movements alternating with powerfully explosive ones. It is often done in a lower stance and is more martial looking, with kicks, punches, elbow strikes and joint locking techniques evident.
 
Yang Lu Chan was the first person outside the Chen family to learn their style and later created a very different version of Taijiquan. He may have had other influences besides Chen style, but some believe that he basically made the large spirals, circular movements and martial aspects less obvious and more internal. His grandson, Yang Cheng Fu, modified this form further and eliminated its most vigorous martial movements. His style is recognizable by its flowing, continuous tempo. Yang Cheng Fu traveled widely, successfuly promoting his art and soon his Yang Taijiquan Long form (85 step) and Tuishou (push hands) became famous.

Yang style also has a martial version which is less well known. Its training is far more extensive and intense than the popular style. 

In 1956 a group of Yang style Taiji Masters where commissioned by the Chinese government to create a simple, shorter form for the public. The 24 step Tai chi form was the result of their research. It has a focus on health, is easier to learn and can be done in under 7 minutes. Its combination of flowing movement, stable footing and awareness to detail make it a perfect remedy to modern stress and tension. Even watching a good Tai Chi Chuan performance is relaxing, but only actual practice will reveal its mysterious power to recharge you, boost immunity and calm your mind. Modern practioners continue to find that Taijiquan can become a source of endless fascination and deepening well being.

More on Taijiquan from Dr. James Kan, Chinese Collegiate Taijiquan Champion, 1991.

The Qi Journal site has information on Taijiquan,TCM,Qigong and related topics.

My first Taijiquan teacher was Vincent Sobers, a close student of Master C.K. Chu.  He is shown fighting in this video.

Philosophy from the old Kung Fu TV series

Summer 2010 Intermediate Tai Chi Class Wayne NJ

• http://www.taichicentral.com/tai-chi-lessons-online/tai-chi-forms/tai-chi-24-form/files/24Form-Lesson2.html an excellent and very detailed presentation of the entire Yang 24 form.  Highly recommended for new students!

• Another detailed instruction of the 24 forms.
• Yang Taiji 24 Form- rear view.
• Yiquan Master, Dr. James Kan, Yang style Taijiquan 24 Form.
• Taiji Master, Mr. Pin Yin Li, demonstrating Traditional Yang Style 24 and 85 Forms.
• Additional Website links.

Yang Taijiquan 24- names of movements

1. Commencing (Qishì), Preparation, Beginning
2. Part the Wild Horse's Mane (Yéma Fenzong)
3. White Crane Spreads Its Wings (Báihè Lìangchì), Stork/Crane Cools Its Wings
4. Brush Knee and Step Forward (Louxi aobù), Brush Knee and Twist Step
5. Playing the Lute (Shouhui Pípa), Strum the Lute, Play Guitar
6. Reverse Reeling Forearm (Daojuan Gong), Step Back and Drive Monkey Away
7. Left Grasp Sparrow's Tail (Zuo Lan Quewei), Grasp the Bird's Tail
   1. Ward Off (Peng)
   2. Rollback (Lu)
   3. Press (Ji)
   4. Push (An)
8. Right Grasp Sparrow's Tail (You Lan Quewei)
9. Single Whip (Danbian)
10. Wave Hands Like Clouds (Yunshou), Cloud Hands, Cloud Built Hands, Wave Hands in Clouds
11. Single Whip (Danbian)
12. High Pat on Horse (Gao Tan Ma), Step Up to Examine Horse
13. Right Heel Kick (You Dengjiao), Separate Right Foot, Kick with Right Foot
14. Strike to Ears with Both Fists (Shuangfeng Guaner)
15. Turn Body and Left Heel Kick (Zhuanshen Zuo Dengjiao)
16. Left Lower Body and Stand on One Leg (Zuo Xiashi Duli)
    1. Single Whip Squatting Down, Snake Creeps Down,
    2. Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg, Golden Bird Standing Alone
17. Right Lower Body and Bird Stand on One Leg (You Xiashi Duli)
18. Shuttle Back and Forth (Yunu Chuansuo), Fair Lady Works with Shuttles, (Walking Wood), Four Corners
19. Needle at Sea Bottom (Haidi Zhen)
20. Fan Through Back (Shan Tong Bei), Fan Penetrates Back
21. Turn Body, Deflect, Parry, and Punch (Zhuanshen Banlanchui)
22. Appears Closed (Rufeng Sibi), Withdraw and Push, as if Closing a Door
23. Cross Hands (Shizishou)
24. Closing (Shoushi)

 Allow a few moments to "let the mud" of the day settle.
Have a clear intention and purpose for today's practice session. Notice your body and mind and allow them to relax and loosen.

1. Do each movement with relaxed focus
   
2. Feel your body from within
   
3. Step with balance and control
   
4. Practice "rooting"
   
5. Do only 70 percent of your capacity, don't overdo it but practice everyday.
   
6. Enjoy your practice.

Additional Links

• 24 Tai chi with names(some are different from the list above)
• You Tube series- Yang Taijiquan 24 Form step by step
• More You Tube series- Yang Taijiquan 24 Form step by step
• Taiji site with music
• Yang Style Martial applications
• Comprehensive Taiji site

  Many have asked where to see the "Lady in Pink" Taijiquan demonstration. She won more gold metals than anyone in Taijiquan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBvF6r6DOvc&feature=related