Chi - Lead Points

Like an arrow or nail, the sharp head is the leading point. The difference between Tai Chi and other exercises is that the leading points change during movement, since Tai Chi is a circular movement. In the beginning, most teachers tell you to focus your eyes at a certain position. Actually, they want you to concentrate on that point in order to lead chi there.

In Tai Chi, it is required to make sure chi flows to the lead point through the push point. When you make contact with your opponent, the lead point is the contact point. In order to make sure the lead point reaches the contact point, follow Chen's style called a scroll movement. The most important thing is to sink your shoulders to lead the hand instead of moving the hand.

Form 24: Close Form

1. Turn palms downward.
2. Separate arms about shoulder-width apart and lower both hands naturally to the sides of the hips.
3. Shift weight onto right leg and bring left foot next to right foot. Stand naturally and look straight ahead.

Form 23: Cross Hand

1. Shift weight onto the right leg and turn torso to the right, with toes of left foot turned 90 degrees inward. Pull both arms to the right. Then shift weight back to the left leg, turning toes of right foot 90 degrees outward. Right hand moves in a horizontal arc to the right and shift weight to right leg.
2. Shift weight slowly onto left leg, with toes of right foot turned 90 degrees inward. Bring right foot a half step toward left foot, feet parallel to each other and about shoulder width apart. At the same time, move both hands downward and inward.
3. Cross hands in front of abdomen. As legs are gradually straightened, raise the cross hands to chest level, right hand outside and both palms facing inward.

Form 22: Apparent Close-up

1. Stretch left hand forward from below right wrist with palm turned upward.
2. Bend right leg and shift weight backward slowly with toes of left foot turned up. Open right fist and separate hands slightly. Pull both hands back to front of chest with palms facing obliquely upward, then turning palms down.
3. Shift weight forward to form a left bow step. At the same time, both hands press down past abdomen and then push forward and upward to shoulder level.

Form 21: Turn, Deflect, Parry, and Punch

1. Turn torso to the right and shift weight onto right leg with toes of left foot turned 135 degrees inward. Right hand moves outward at the same time. Shift weight onto left leg again. Bring right foot back in a small curve. At the same time, right hand circles rightward, then downward, while left hand moves upward and around to the right front of the body.
2. As torso continues to turn rightward, right leg takes a step forward with toes alightly turned outward. At the same time, right hand moves past abdomen with fingers clenched into a fist. Then, with forearm rotating outward and turning around, thrust right fist upward and forward to the right front, while left hand presses down to the side of left hip.
3. Shift weight forward onto right leg. Move left hand in a circular path outward and forward to the front of the body, and withdraw right fist sideways back to the side of right waist.
4. Shift weight forward to form a left bow step. Meanwhile, right fist thrusts forward, with left hand pulled back to the side of right elbow.

Form 20: Flash the Back

1. Turn torso slightly to the right. Left leg steps a little bit farther forward, heel coming down first on the floor. Meanwhile, raise both arms, keeping left hand close to the right wrist.
2. Shift weight forward to form a left bow step. At the same time, right hand continues to move upward, forming a defensive posture just above right temple, while left hand pushes forward at arm height.

Form 19: Insert Needle to Sea Bottom

Draw right foot a half step backward and place it behind left foot. Then shift weight onto right leg as left foot moves a little farther, toes resting gently on the floor, to form a left empty step. At the same time, turn torso slightly to the right. Lower right hand past right hip and move it sideways up to the side of the right ear, elbow bent. As torso turns to the left, thrust right hand obliquely downward in front of the body. Simultaneously, left hand moves rightward, downward, and then around to the side of the left hip with palm facing downward.