How to use the moves

There are thirteen basic moves in taijiquan.  These are combined in the 88 forms of Yang style taijiquan.  The eight tactics are pang (ward off), lui (swing with transverse motion), jai (press against wrist). on (press down obliquely), choi (pull down), lit (swing up), jau (elbow), kau (lean).  In addition there is movement in five directions: forward, backward, left, right and center.  

After the opening form comes Grasp the Swallow's Tail, which is made up of the moves ward off, swing transversely, press, and press down obliquely.  Below is a pair of photographs, with the solo form on the left and the pushing hands application on the right.

 Pull down

   Swing up

Suzanne Scollon Wong Bau Kam