Taichi 42

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 at 4:50 pm

What is Taichi 42 Step Form?

The taichi 42 step form is a combination of different Chinese martial arts which was developed by grandmaster Li De Yin in collaboration with the Chinese Sports Committee in the year 1989. The movements from taichi 42 step form were derived from Yang, Wu, Chen and Sun Taijiquan principles combined with the standard Wushu. The taichi 42 step form is amazing to watch in competitions or demonstrations however it is recommended to stick with traditional taichi exercises if aiming for health benefits.

What are the Taichi 42 Step Form Movements?

Taichi 42 were featured on the last 2008 Beijing Olympics. Taichi 42 step form is composed of 32 sections and 42 forms. Taichi 42 proceeds immediately with “Grasp the Peacock’s Tail” after commencement and ends with “Cross Hands”. To give you an idea of the different taichi 42 forms, here they are:

Commencement
Grasp the bird’s tail – aka “Grasp the peacock’s tail.”
Single whip
Step up and raise hands.
White Crane Spreads its wings.
Brush knee and twist step – both sides
Cast Fist aka “Parry Strike with Fist”
Deflect and squeeze on both sides.
Step, Parry and punch
Apparent Close and Counter with Push
Open and Close Hands
Sun Style Single Whip Right
Fist Under the Elbow
Turn the Body and Push Palm – Both Sides (Sun Style Repulse Monkey)
The Fair Maiden Works at the Shuttle – on Both Sides
Kick with Heel – both sides
Cover Hands and Strike with Arm
Part the Wild Hors’es Mane (Chen Style) – Both Sides
Wave Hands Like Clouds – three times
Step Back to Hit the Tiger
Separate the Legs – right
Double Wind to the Ears – aka “Strike Opponent’s Ears with Both Fists”
Separate the Legs – left
Turn Body and Slap the Right Foot
Step Forward and Punch Down
Oblique Flying
Snake Creeps Low – aka “Squatting Single Whip” or “Single Whip and Push Down”
The Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg
Step Back and Thrust the Left Palm
Turn and Press Down with Palm in Empty Stance
Hold Palm Up and Stand on Left Leg
Lean with the Body in a Horse Stance
Turn Body for a Big Roll Back
Hold and Punch in a Resting Stance – aka Thread Fist Over in Resting Stance
Turn Palm and Push Down – aka “Snake Creeps Low” (Wu Style)
Step Forward to Form the Seven Stars Posture – aka Step Up to Big Dipper
Mount Tiger and Stand on One Leg – aka “Sit Back To Ride the Tiger” (Wu Style)
Turn Body with Outside Crescent Kick – aka “Turn and Right Leg Sweeps the Lotus.”
Bend the Bow to Shoot the Tiger
Grasp the bird’s tail (Left) – aka “Grasp the peacock’s tail.”
Cross Hands
Conclusion – aka Closing Form.

Upon performing the taichi 42 step form you may notice that it is a combination of different taichi principles. However the taichi 42 form can only be appropriate for martial artists since the movements are a bit complicated. But if you are really interested in learning taichi 42 step form, try to watch some videos first to give you a heads up of how it works.