When I first began learning Tai Chi, I was intrigued by the Tai Chi posture names. I could almost imagine the postures being performed in my mind by the animals. Not only do the posture names help me to memorize the movements they help motivate me to want to practice my forms. For some reason, the posture names spark the martial application in my mind. I remember when I was learning my Tai Chi form and got to the movement Snake Creeps Down. It was an exciting point in the Tai Chi form since it allowed me to use my imagination while performing the movement. Do you have a similar experience with the Tai Chi posture names? Which is your favorite Tai Chi posture?
Below are lists of the different Tai Chi postures. The lists below are not the entire list of Tai Chi posture names. In my opinion, they represent the most interesting.
Yang Tai Chi Posture Names
Part the Wild Horse's Maine
White Crane Spreads its Wings
Brush Knee and Step
Grasp Sparrow's Tail
Single Whip
Step Back and Repulse the Monkey
Wave Hands Like Clouds
High Pat on Horse
Strike to Ears with Both Fists
Needle at Sea Bottom
Playing the Lute
Fair Lady at the Shuttles
Rooster Stands on One Leg
Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain
Chen Tai Chi Posture Names
Buddhas Warrior Attendant Pounds with a Pestle and Mortar
Clasp and Tie the Coat
Cover Hand and Thrust Fist
Fist Under Elbow
Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg
Part the Wild Horse's Maine
Single Whip
Blue Dragon goes out of Water
White Ape Presents Fruit
Jade Girl Works at Shuttles
The Head-on Cannon
Dragon on the Ground
Turn Round and Swing Lotus
Beast's Head Pose
Wave Hands Like Clouds