A few months back I started practicing Tai Chi Yang style. I’ve found awesome Sifu’s, and a wonderful friendly, local, class.
currently I’m working on learning the Yang Style 18 Form movements, so I’ve created this guide to help me (& you) through the steps.

Tai Chi Yang 18 Form

Introduction

Tai Chi Yang style 18 Form is one of the most popular tai chi forms. It’s also known as Taijiquan, Iron Shirt and Sun Style. This form was created in the late 17th century by Chen Fake (1669-1735). The name “Tai Chi” means “supreme ultimate,” while “Yang” means “heat or fire”. The name has nothing to do with gender or age – it simply refers to the style itself being based on two different movements: one being quick action against an opponent who attacks with force; and another which involves slow movement around an object like a pole or tree trunk so that there are no openings for attack from either side!

The Tai Chi Yang 18 Form is a martial arts form created by Tai Chi Master Yang Luchan, who also wrote the book that describes it. It is one of the most popular forms of martial arts in China and has been incorporated into other fighting styles such as Wing Chun, Xing Yi Quan and Taiji Quan.

The Tai Chi Yang 18 Form consists of a total of 18 movements, with each movement lasting between two and three seconds. The form is divided into two sections: 6-9 sections are the slow movements and 10-12 sections are fast movements. The slow movements are performed at a slower pace than the fast movements which should be performed at a faster speed.

There are 3 different versions of this form: long version (26 movements), medium version (18 movements) and short version (10 movements). The long version is said to be more powerful than other versions due to its longer duration; however, it can also be more difficult for beginners due to its length.

Preparation Form

The Preparation Form is a great way to warm up before practicing the other forms. Start on your right side, as this will help you keep your hips and spine in alignment throughout the entire form.

After warming up with this exercise, take it slow and relaxed and focus on proper alignment of your body while breathing deeply. Focus on both footwork and hand movements; if you’re feeling particularly tense or tight in those areas then just slow down or stop until things loosen up! You’ll also want to pay close attention not only when practicing Tai Chi Yang style 18 Form but also during any other forms as well—you never know how much energy might be waiting for release behind every move.

Parting Wild Horse’s Mane (left)

The first step is to bring your left foot back, then swing your left arm up and down. Bring your right hand down to the left side of your body, then bring it up to the right side of your body. Swing the right arm sharply upward while turning over at the waist on both sides so that you are facing forward with a foreword bow stance. Move forward into this position as if you were stepping into a horse’s mane—this is known as Parting Wild Horse’s Mane (or PWHM).

Then move back again in front of yourself while swinging both arms up and down simultaneously with another PWHM motion; this time, however, go from standing straight up with feet parallel or close together (if possible), instead of bending over like before!

White Crane Spreads its Wings

The White Crane Spreads its Wings is the third posture in Tai Chi Yang style 18 Form.

The arm is extended and the palm faces forward. The arm is bent at the elbow and the palm faces upward, or downward (depending on your preferences).

Brush Knee and Twist Step (left)

Brush Knee and Twist Step (left)

Step left foot forward and up, then brush the left knee to the front with your right hand.

Step right foot forward, step down with both feet together. Left hand brushes down at front of right leg, while right hand brushes up at back of left leg before pushing it down again as you raise both arms overhead and twist each hand in opposite directions to form a circle around your body. This movement should feel like a gentle wave that flows from one side of your body through another as opposed to being pulled apart by force or pushing against each other with outstretched hands.

Play Guitar (left)

Play Guitar (left)

Turn 45 degrees to the left, and then bend the left knee. Slide the left foot forward, and push it down as you straighten up. Rest your right hand on your right hip, while resting your left hand flat on top of it. Look at your left hand: Bend both elbows slightly outward (not inward!), relaxing everything other than that part of your body—including any tension in those muscles!

Brush Knee and Twist Step (right)

As you step forward with the left foot, bend your left knee and twist your torso to the right. Your right hand moves to the left side of your body as you reach forward with it. Keep it in front of you and move it toward your hip as if reaching for something on a shelf behind you (think about how many times we’ve seen people stand with their arms folded across their chests).

Your left arm extends out and over toward where they are standing while they sit down on the ground in front of them (right side). They then reach over to grab onto this hand before pulling themselves up off of the ground around it!

Play Guitar (right)

This exercise is not for beginners. If you have never played guitar before, it will be difficult for you to learn to play this form. To make things easier on yourself, try the following variations:

• Play the guitar with your right hand first and then switch hands from left to right without stopping. Make sure that both of your hands are moving at the same time (not alternating).
• Play a single note continuously using one finger on each hand; then repeat but change how many notes per second (pps) or pulses per second (pps). For example: 1-2-3…1-2-3…etc., etc., etc., until your fingers get tired!

Wave Hands in the Clouds (left) and Right

• Movements of the form should be slow and relaxed.
• The practice of Tai Chi Yang style 18 Form is performed with a relaxed, soft and steady motion.
• Perform the form with a straight spine and relaxed shoulders.
• Practice Focus on relaxation in all parts of your body, including:
• Relaxed muscles; release tension throughout your body while keeping it still (no bouncing). Keep breathing deeply but slowly at all times during practice; if you feel any discomfort in any part of your body let go immediately so that you do not strain yourself further than necessary!

High Pat on Horse (left)

High Pat on Horse (left)

The arms are open and the body is relaxed, with the legs bent. The high pat on horse is a good exercise for the spine, as it exercises all of your vertebrae in particular.

It also works out your knees—which tend to get sore during Tai Chi Yang 18 Form practice—and strengthens them by lifting you up off the ground while keeping your feet flat on the floor (which helps prevent knee injuries).

Tai Chi Yang style 18 Form is one of the most popular tai chi forms.

The 18 form is the most popular tai chi form.

It’s also one of the most popular forms in the world, and it’s been practiced by millions of people worldwide.

This makes sense because many people love Tai Chi Yang style 18 Form!

Conclusion

The Tai Chi Yang style 18 Form is one of the most popular tai chi forms. This form has been used in martial arts training for over a century and has been taught to countless students around the world. The movements of this style are interesting and require balance, coordination, flexibility and strength. They can also be used as a warm up before practicing other forms such as Push Hands, Single Whip or even weapons training!