This simplified tai chi form was created in 1956 by the National Physical Culture and Sports Commission of the People's Republic of China as part of the drive to document and standardise Wushu training and introduce competition forms.

The Beijing 24 is aimed at the beginner and uses 24 representative moves from the Yang style. Although it has been simplified by reducing the repetition of moves and some of the more difficult kicks it contains the important and traditional characteristics and features of Yang style forms.

The short form enables beginners, old and young, to concentrate on, and appreciate, the essential principles of Tai Chi of effortless movement, relaxation and awareness of the mind and body as one.

Depending on how fast or slow you like to do your form the whole form takes between 4 and 8 minutes to do.

It is said to be the most popular tai chi form practiced today. And because of this you will be able to find lots of books, dvds and classes for you to enjoy.

History 24 Yang Taichi Form

The Standard Simplified Beijing 24 Taijiquan Form was based on the Yang Family style of Tai Chi Chuan. The Yang Style of Taijiquan was developed by Yang Lu Chan (1799-1872),. Yang Lu Chan learned the Chen Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan from Chen Chang Xing (1771-1853).

Eventually the grandson of Yang Lu Chan, Yang Cheng Fu (1883-1936) modified and popularized the Yang Style Taijiquan (1883-1936)

Movements of 24 Tai Chi Form

The 24 Taijiquan Form eliminated some of the movements that are found in the Yang Style Taijiquan 108 long form such as the Sweeping Lotus Kick, Step Up to Seven Stars, Snake Darts out its Tongue, or Carry the Tiger to the Mountain.
The short 24 Taijiquan Form also greatly reduced the number of times that some movements are repeated in the Yang Style 108 long form such as Grasping the Sparrow's Tail, Waving Hands Like Clouds, Left Ward Off, or Single Whip. The traditional Yang Style Taijiquan long form has 108 movements (postures or parts).

The Standard Simplified 24 Taijiquan Form, short form, could be taught fairly quickly to students of various ages in physical education programs. The brevity of the form appealed to students of all ages. The short form could be done by large groups of people in rows since the movement choreography is in straight lines.

The short form provided a standard form for use in some competitions. The new short form was less physically demanding than longer forms and other Tai Chi styles, and appealed to older beginners. It provided a good introduction to the basic elements of the Yang Family Taijiquan long form. When done properly, the short form can exemplify grace, beauty, and many fundamentals of the art. For these reasons, the Standard Simplified 24 Taijiquan Form has become quite popular and is now taught, practiced and played all over the world.