Tai Chi - Beijing 24 Form - Chen Pan Ling style! Part 1

Tai Chi Chuan is will known through-out the world as an exercise for general health and well-being. It has demonstrable abilities to improve balance, reduce falls and lower stress levels. The Tai Chi Classics themselves state that Tai Chi Chuan is primarily for health first and self defence second.

This is a version of the Beijing 24 Form, a Yang style form that was synthesised by a committee in China and then widely promoted by the Chinese government. More information here.

Considering we do almost exclusively Ling Yun Pei forms that have come from Grandmaster Chen Pan Ling, why do I teach this as the first form for my Tai Chi students?

1. The form (especially the first half) contains only gross movements - there are fewer subtle movements to master before the form is competent
2. The short length gives beginners an easier goal to target
3. The short length means it is easier to remember and to find practice time

I have altered most of the movements to match the Chen Pan Ling 99 Form, allowing the short form to provide a stepping stone. There is no requirement for students to continue practicing the 24 Form once the 99 Form is mastered - it would be redundant.

Above is a video of the first half of the form, as part of my on-going documentation and because many students are asking for a reference!

*Note: I am still recovering from a back problem which is causing weakness and numbness in my left leg. Mistakes are all my own!