The eight basic movements of Tai Chi are both concise and symbolic, and can be regarded as a model combination of Tai Chi moves. These movements allow learners to quickly feel the unique charm of Tai Chi and are also of great benefit for physical exercise. Next, I will explain these actions in detail one by one.
Starting momentum and adjusting breathing
When standing, your feet are shoulder-width, parallel toward the front, your arms are easily hanging on both sides of your body, and your body is straightened . Keep your heart calm and your muscles relax. Then, slowly lift your arms up until they are as high as your shoulders and as wide as your shoulders. At this time, your knees bent slightly, and your center of gravity slowly sinks, and you start inhaling at the same time. Then, your arms slowly descend and return to the starting position on both sides of your body. At the same time, your mood gradually becomes calm and peaceful.
Mustang mane
Taking the right wild horse's mane movement as an example, the body tilts slightly to the right side, and the right foot is forward, forming a right lunge; at the same time, the right arm swings upwards, with the palm facing downwards, while the left hand slids downwards next to the left hip, with the palm facing upwards. Looking at your right hand, you can feel your body gradually showing coordination in this movement, just like a wild horse raising its mane, which looks both free and natural.
White crane wings
The body leans slightly to the left, and then takes half a step forward with the right foot; then, the body turns to the right, and the arms naturally hang down; the left hand is raised up and flipped, stopping in front of the forehead, while the right hand draws an arc to the front of the right, and when the hand reaches the chest, the wrist sinks gently, showing a wing-spreading position. The whole movement needs to be coherent and smooth, just like a white crane spreading its wings and about to fly, appearing both light and elegant.
Hug Knee Step
Taking the left knee-to-knee step as an example, take the left foot forward to the left, and the steps form a left lunge posture. At this time, the left hand strokes forward from the right waist, the trajectory is arc-shaped, while the right hand bends and stretches forward from the side of the ear. Then, the left hand continued to draw an arc toward the lower back, as if embracing an object. This move emphasizes the coordination of hands and feet, which helps significantly improve waist and legs.
Waving the pipa with your hands
Take a small step back with your right foot, lean your body slightly back, slowly lift your left foot, and then take a step forward to create a posture of hanging your left foot; during this process, the left hand slowly lifts from below, raises its head high, and the palm facing outward; while the right hand retracts it to the front of the chest and abdomen, with the palm facing to the left. This series of movements is like holding a pipa, both light and charming, keep this posture for a moment.
When practicing the eight basic moves of Tai Chi, can you feel the unique charm of each move? Among the many moves, are there some moves that make you feel particularly difficult to master? You might as well leave a message in the comment area to share, and we also welcome like and forward it.