
Yang Style Taijiquan (T'ai Chi Ch'uan)
Commencement Movement
One of the most important factors to
consider when performing Taijiquan, is body posture. Here, we present a
computer animation of a human skeleton performing the opening movements
of a typical Yang style Taijiquan form. This skeleton shows the structural
posture needed to perform these movements correctly. In accordance with
Taijiquan principles, the muscles relax and follow the skeletal structure
of each posture.
Notice how the elbows always point towards
the ground and the legs form a stable base for the rest of the body. The
back remains straight, the arms follow the waist movement, and the waist
movement (up and down) is generated by the legs.

Switch to Side View of this movement
Physical requirements for Taijiquan:
Stance is as wide as the shoulders
Knees over the toes (never over-extended beyond the
toes)
Elbows never extend beyond the knees
Back is kept straight (perpendicular to the ground)
Movement starts in the feet, is directed by the waist,
and expressed by the hands
Entire body moves as a coordinated unit (in harmony)
Head is held as if suspended from above (at the Bai
Hui acupuncture point)
All joints are "open" and rounded so as not
to restrict the flow of Qi
Switch to Parting the Wild Horse's Mane Animation
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