Chen 18 Form
The Chen 18 Form is suited to beginner students as a simplified version of the 74 Form, Laojia Yi Lu. It has all of the elements of traditional Chen style Tai Chi, yet takes less time to learn as the sequence is shorter and easier to follow.
The Chen style 18 form was created by Grand Master Chen Zhenglei, a 19th generation descendant of the Chen family, the 11th generation direct-line successor of Chen family Taijiquan. He is one of the “Four Buddha Warriors of the Chen Village” and is certified as 8th Duan by the Chinese Wushu Association Duan Wei System.
Here is a clip of Grand Master Chen Zhenglei performing the Chen 18 Form:
Chen Tai Chi - 18 Movement Short Form
- Preparing form - yu bei shi
- Buddha’s warrior attendant pounds mortar - jīn gang dao duì
- Lazily tying coat - lan zha yī
- Six sealings and four closings - liù fēng sì bì
- Single whip - dān biān
- White crane spreads its wing - s bái hè liàng chì
- Diagonal posture - xié xíng
- Brush knee - lōu xī
- Step to both sides - qián táng ào bù
- Hidden hand thrust punch - yan shou hōng chuí
- High pat on the horse - gao tan ma
- Left heel kick - zuo deng yi gen
- Jade maiden works the shuttle - you nu chuan suō
- Cloud hands - yun shou
- Turn body, double lotus kick - zhuan shen, bai lian
- Double cannon fists overhead - shuang tou pao
- Buddha’s warrior attendant pounds mortar - jin gang dao duì
- Finishing form - shōu shì
Learn the Chen Tai Chi 18 Form
Instructor Nicola is passionate about sharing Chen style Tai Chi with her students. She teaches the Chen 18 Form via live online private tuition on Zoom, as well as via video on demand classes through Patreon. Learn signature Chen Tai Chi choreography, develop the principles of alignment and body mechanics, all from the comfort of your own home. Nicola helps students progress through the traditional Chen Tai Chi syllabus, from silk reeling exercises to the empty hand forms, teaching through a hands-on method rather than ‘watch and follow‘.
