Chen Taiji Cloud Hands

The Chen style Tai Chi movement "Wave Hands like Clouds" (Yun Shou) can be performed as a standing silk reeling drill known as 'double palm front silk reeling' where both arms follow a positive/yang circle, or in the form the same movement is coordinated with a side stepping motion. The hands and arms rotate and move in a circular pattern and is likened to the weaving motion of a silk worm.

In the cloud hands silk reeling drill, the side step, back cross step and front cross step can be performed right to left, and left to right. In the Chen Tai Chi 18 form and 74 form (Laojia Yi Lu), cloud hands is performed from right to left. In the Chen Tai Chi Cannon Fists form (Laojia Er Lu), cloud hands is performed both ways. Practice the side stepping, front cross step and back cross stepping movements to develop your stepping and turns. To change direction, there is a foot work technique to turn around and face the other way, using a toe / heel pivot method.

Side Step

When side stepping, the feet step together between each stepping motion. The foot on the advancing leg is angled outwards.

Back Cross Step

When side stepping, step the foot behind at an angle, like a curtsy step, to aid a backward turn. Initially keep the weight on the front leg, then slowly shifting weight to the back cross step to continue side stepping.

Front Cross Step

When side stepping, step the foot in front, like a forwards curtsy step, to aid a frontward turn. Initially keep the weight on the back leg, then slowly shifting weight to the front cross step to continue side stepping.