13 Fundamentals of Tai Chi Chuan

What are the 13 fundamental techniques of tai chi? Much has been written about them, and it’s all fascinating, but can we actually apply these techniques practically? Yes, absolutely.

Each tai chi form is based on these 13 postures, energies, forces or techniques (they are referred to by many different descriptors). An understanding of these techniques can radically change the way you practise your tai chi and can add layers of subtlety and increase your focus.

The 13 techniques are divided into 8 hand forms and 5 steps. 

The Four Primary and Four Corner Hand Techniques:

1.  Péng – Ward off, block 

2.  Lŭ – Roll back 

3.  Jĭ – Press 

4.  Àn – Push 

5.  Căi – Pull, pluck 

6.  Liè – Split, rend 

7.  Zhŏu – Elbow strike 

8.  Kào – Lean, bump 

The Five Strategic Stepping Techniques: 

1.  Jìn Bù – Advance 

2.  Tuì Bù – Retreat 

3.  Zŭo Gù – Step left, see the left 

4.  Yòu Pàn – Step right, see the right 

5.  Zhōng Dìng – Firm the centre, central equilibrium 

In this series we learn what each of the techniques mean and how to apply them to your tai chi. To illustrate the techniques we use two simple tai chi forms: The Ba Fa Wu Bu, literally 8 Methods, 5 Steps, and the short Tai Chi 10-Form. The Ba Fa Wu Bu is the focus form that is taught progressively through the series, where the 10-Form is used as a form to follow along to.

In learning the Ba Fa Wu Bu, you will gain a greater understanding of the 13 postures and how they can be interpreted. You can then take this knowledge and apply it to your other tai chi forms so that you express your movements with your chosen intent. 

This series is not hard physically, but it will most certainly challenge the brain (in a good way). Remember you can rewatch the videos as many times as you like.