Learn 24 Yang Style Tai Chi from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objective

Move through the most popular style of tai chi - yang 24 style tai chi

Syllabus

Introduction

Safety and overview of course. PLEASE VIEW!

Learn the Tai Chi stance and posture that you will carry throughout the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form set. All future lessons build on this.

Learn this simple move to practice body alignment, proper weight shift and basic Tai Chi principles. These concepts are used throughout the future lessons.

Understanding the different facing directions in Yang Style Tai Chi and how Susan teaches them throughout the lessons. Learn about the importance and location of your Dan Tian.

The Tai Chi Walk is used throughout the Yang 24. Learn this movement to be able to more easily move through the Yang forms.

This is the first form you will learn. It builds on the Tai Chi walk. You will learn it to both sides. This lesson covers the movement/form to the right. Susan calls this form "Serve the Hors d'oeuvre" to make it more fun and accessible....like serving a plate of cookies to your friend!

Learn Form 4 - Brush Knee (Susan call's it Push the Pie). You will learn to manage the back foot and leg to preserve knee integrity throughout the 24 forms. Brush knee is done to LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT.

You will now learn to move through the form using your previously learned Tai Chi Walk (lesson 5).

Learn the first half of this transitional move. This movement serves as a bridge between Parting Wild Horse's Mane and Brush Knee.

This is a transitional form, bridging the last Brush Knee (Form 4) to Repulse Monkey (Form 6).

Practice moving through all six forms:

Commencement Form
Parting Wild Horse's Mane (Serve the Hors d'oeuvre) L, R,L
White Crane Flashing Wings
Brush Knee (Push the Pie) L, R, L
Playing the Lute
Repulse Monkey R, L, R, L

Learn one of the most beautiful forms in Tai Chi! It has 13 different delivery systems of force, but is also a beautiful form in of itself.

Learn how to turn 180 degrees for the transition to move through Stroking Bird's Tail to the RIGHT. Practice the transitional move and form 8: Stroking Bird's Tail RIGHT.

A powerful Yang Tai Chi movement commonly seen in Tai Chi photo poses!

One of the most important and common forms in Tai Chi. All Tai Chi, no matter the style, contains Waving Hands in Clouds. If you were to learn ONE form in your Tai Chi journey, this should be the one! I personally study Waving Hands in Clouds everyday. It is rich with depth and beauty.

You have already learned Single Whip, but we do it again here as a bridge into Waving Hands in Clouds and ending after Waving Hands in Clouds. Single Whip - Waving Hands in Clouds - Single Whip

High Horse is a transitional movement serving as a bridge into the next form (Heel Kick Right).

Remember to modify. You do not need to kick high to make this move successful! Even a toe touch to the ground is beneficial and acceptable. Be SAFE FIRST and FOREMOST!

Ever wanted to box someone in the ears? Well, this beautiful move is a derivative of that! Again, modify for your current balance and ability.

Practice until you can do these movements without the video! Try not moving on to the next lectures until you have Forms 1-15 fairly engrained. Remember: "An inch deeper rather than a mile wider."

Form full name is Golden Rooster "stands on one leg." You will see this move done very deeply by some Tai Chi practitioners. I do not advocate squatting down that low in order to preserve knees, back, etc. I demonstrate it in moderation. Listen to your body. Make this move comfortable, controlled and smooth.

Learn how to transition from facing front to facing back for the second Golden Rooster. Both Golden Roosters are to the direction, but one is done by a starting position facing the front, and one is done starting by facing the back. You will learn how to make the 180 degree turn smoothly to set up for the second Golden Rooster.

This move entails a block with the arms to your right corner and to the left corner.

Simple but one of my favorite moves of the Yang Style Tai Chi set.

This is another type of block with the arms. You can imagine you have a big fan, as you separate your arms apart.

Practice time. Learn this with confidence before moving on!

Susan calls Cross Hands, Form 23, "Picking Up Sea Foam."

Time to practice moving through Forms 16 (Golden Rooster Right) through to the end!

A word on music:

Due to copyright laws there is no music in these videos. I suggest putting on your own music (my personal favorite is Tony O'Connor. Or "Nature Sounds" on Pandora. I get no renumeration or compensation for either mention).

The music serves to help you connect with nature, especially if you are inside. The music should not have a discernible beat or rhythm. Tai Chi flows freely and should not be choreographed. Choose music to help your flow and calm your mind.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form set into easy-to-understand lessons, making it accessible for individuals with no prior experience

Focuses on body alignment, weight shifting, and fundamental Tai Chi principles, which are beneficial for improving balance, coordination, and overall body awareness

Employs mirror imaging during instruction, allowing learners to easily follow along without having to mentally reverse the movements, which can be confusing for some

Provides a step-by-step process for learning all 24 movements in the Yang form set, ensuring a systematic and progressive learning experience

Offers instruction in important Tai Chi principles that apply to all styles, providing a broader understanding of the art beyond just the 24 Yang Style form

Emphasizes knee integrity and provides modifications for movements like Heel Kick, ensuring safety and accessibility for individuals with varying levels of physical ability

Reviews summary

Accessible yang style tai chi for beginners

According to learners, this course offers an exceptionally clear and accessible way to learn the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form. Many appreciate the instructor's calm, patient, and easy-to-follow teaching style, particularly praising the use of mirror imaging which makes practicing along straightforward. The lessons are structured in a step-by-step manner, breaking down movements effectively and including opportunities for practice runs. Students report gaining a solid foundation and finding the practice beneficial for relaxation and well-being. While some mention the need for consistent personal practice, the course is widely seen as a highly effective introduction for beginners.

Primarily teaches the 24 form set itself.

"This course is focused on learning the sequence of the 24 form. It's not a deep dive into martial applications."

"Learned the forms well, though I might look for something else later for more in-depth principles or applications."

"The course delivers exactly what it promises: teaching the 24 Yang style form."

"It teaches the movements and flow of the set, which is exactly what I wanted to learn initially."

Consistent personal practice is essential.

"Learning Tai Chi takes time and practice, this course gives you the tools but you need to put in the work."

"Don't expect to master it just by watching. You need to practice regularly outside of the videos."

"The course is excellent, but remember Tai Chi requires dedication and repetition to internalize the movements."

"She emphasizes practicing the forms learned before moving on, which is crucial for retention."

An excellent starting point for new Tai Chi learners.

"As a complete beginner, I found this course perfect. It starts with the basics and progresses at a comfortable pace."

"Highly recommend for anyone wanting to start Tai Chi. No prior experience needed, and Susan makes it non-intimidating."

"I was nervous about trying Tai Chi, but this course made it approachable and fun for a newbie."

"This course is designed perfectly for someone who has never done Tai Chi before."

Mirroring simplifies following movements directly.

"Mirror imaging makes it incredibly easy to just follow along without having to think about reversing directions."

"The mirror view is the best way to learn Tai Chi online. It's like she's right there in front of me."

"Thank you for teaching with mirror imaging! It saves so much frustration and confusion for a beginner."

"Following along is simple and intuitive because of the mirroring technique used throughout the course."

Course builds form set logically and progressively.

"The way she breaks down the form step-by-step makes it achievable. I can pause and practice each section before moving on."

"I appreciated the breakdown of each movement and then the run-throughs of the completed sections."

"The progression through the forms is logical and builds nicely on previous lessons. It felt very well structured."

"Starting with basic stance and walks before jumping into forms helped build a strong foundation."

The instructor's teaching is easy to follow.

"Susan is a fantastic teacher, calm, patient and very clear. Her mirror imaging is a game changer for learning along."

"Her instructions are clear and precise and she breaks down the forms in manageable pieces. I'm actually learning!"

"I love Susan's teaching style. It's very easy to follow along, and she explains things very well. Mirroring is super helpful."

"The lessons are explained simply and clearly, making complex moves easy to grasp for a beginner like me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn 24 Yang Style Tai Chi with these activities:

Review Basic Tai Chi Principles

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Reinforce your understanding of core Tai Chi principles like posture, weight shifting, and body alignment before starting the course. This will make learning the 24 Yang Style form set easier and more effective.

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Read articles or watch videos on Tai Chi principles.
Practice basic stances and weight shifting exercises.
Reflect on how these principles apply to daily movement.

Review Basic Tai Chi Principles

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental Tai Chi principles like posture, weight shifting, and body alignment to improve your form and prevent injuries.

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Review notes or videos on Tai Chi principles.
Practice basic stances and movements, focusing on proper alignment.
Reflect on how these principles apply to daily life.

Review 'The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the health benefits and scientific principles behind Tai Chi. This will enhance your appreciation for the practice and motivate you to learn the 24 Yang Style form set.

View The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and chapters on Tai Chi principles.
Focus on sections discussing health benefits and scientific research.
Take notes on key concepts and insights.

Ten other activities

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Review 'Tai Chi Chuan: The 24 Forms'

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Enhance your understanding of the 24 Forms by studying a book dedicated to this specific style.

View Tàijíquán on Amazon

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Read the introduction to understand the history and principles of the 24 Forms.
Study the detailed instructions and diagrams for each movement.
Compare the book's instructions with the course's teachings.

Practice Tai Chi Walking with a Partner

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Refine your Tai Chi walking technique through peer practice and feedback. This will improve your balance, coordination, and understanding of weight shifting, which are essential for learning the 24 Yang Style form set.

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Find a partner who is also learning Tai Chi.
Take turns practicing Tai Chi walking, focusing on proper posture and weight shift.
Provide each other with constructive feedback.

Review 'The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi'

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of the health benefits and scientific basis of Tai Chi by reading this comprehensive guide.

View The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the sections on the history and principles of Tai Chi.
Review the chapters on specific Tai Chi forms and their health benefits.
Compare the book's instructions with the course's teachings.

Document Your Tai Chi Journey

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Create a video or written journal documenting your progress learning the 24 Yang Style form. This will help you track your improvements, identify areas for improvement, and solidify your understanding of the movements.

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Record yourself practicing the Tai Chi form.
Write down your observations and reflections on your practice.
Share your video or journal with others for feedback.

Practice Weight Shifting Drills

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Improve your balance and coordination by practicing weight shifting drills, a fundamental aspect of Tai Chi.

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Stand in a Tai Chi stance.
Slowly shift your weight from one leg to the other.
Maintain a stable posture and controlled movements.
Repeat the drill for 15-20 minutes.

Read 'Tai Chi for Health' by Paul Lam

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Deepen your understanding of the health benefits of Tai Chi and learn how to adapt the movements to your own body. This will enhance your practice and make it more enjoyable and sustainable.

View The Tai Chi Way: To Be Healthy & Happy on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book's chapters on the health benefits of Tai Chi.
Study the instructions for the 24 Yang Style form.
Practice the movements, paying attention to proper alignment and breathing.

Practice the Form with a Partner

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Refine your form and technique by practicing with a partner and providing each other with feedback.

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Find a partner who is also learning the 24 Yang Style form.
Take turns performing the form while the other observes.
Provide constructive feedback on each other's form and technique.
Practice together regularly to reinforce your learning.

Explore Advanced Tai Chi Concepts

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Expand your knowledge of Tai Chi by exploring advanced concepts such as Qi cultivation, internal energy, and martial applications. This will deepen your understanding of the art and enhance your practice.

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Search for online tutorials or workshops on advanced Tai Chi concepts.
Study the materials and practice the techniques.
Reflect on how these concepts relate to the 24 Yang Style form.

Create a Tai Chi Practice Video

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Solidify your understanding of the 24 Yang Style form by creating a video of yourself performing the sequence.

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Record yourself performing the 24 Yang Style form.
Review the video and identify areas for improvement.
Re-record the video, focusing on proper form and technique.
Share your video with other students for feedback.

Volunteer to Teach Tai Chi to Seniors

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Reinforce your knowledge and skills by volunteering to teach Tai Chi to seniors, adapting the movements to their abilities.

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Contact a local senior center or community organization.
Offer to teach a Tai Chi class for seniors.
Adapt the movements to suit their physical abilities and limitations.
Provide clear and concise instructions.
Encourage participants to practice regularly.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn 24 Yang Style Tai Chi will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Tai Chi Instructor

A Tai Chi Instructor guides individuals or groups in learning and practicing Tai Chi. The work involves teaching the various forms, principles, and health benefits of Tai Chi. This course, which focuses on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form set, directly prepares you to teach this popular style. The course provides a step-by-step process, mirror imaging, and instruction in core Tai Chi principles that will be invaluable in your instruction. As a Tai Chi instructor, referencing Susan's instruction principles may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tai Chi Instructor

Senior Care Activity Coordinator

A senior care activity coordinator plans and implements activities for elderly residents in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. This course on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form may be useful in offering residents gentle and accessible exercise options. Tai Chi is known for its benefits in improving balance and reducing the risk of falls, which is particularly relevant for seniors. The course's step-by-step instruction can inform how you introduce Tai Chi principles to residents, adapting the movements to their individual abilities. Consider the warnings Susan provides in her course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Senior Care Activity Coordinator

Corporate Wellness Program Coordinator

A corporate wellness program coordinator designs and implements initiatives to promote employee health and well-being within a company. This course on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form may be useful in offering employees stress-reducing and health-enhancing activities. Tai Chi is a gentle and accessible exercise that can be easily incorporated into workplace wellness programs. The course's format, with step-by-step instruction, may inform how you introduce Tai Chi principles to employees, adapting the movements to suit various fitness levels. Consider the tips Susan gives when designing your wellness program.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Wellness Program Coordinator

Wellness Coach

A wellness coach supports clients in achieving their health and well-being goals. This could involve guidance on exercise, stress reduction, and mindfulness techniques. This course exploring 24 Yang Style Tai Chi may be helpful in your duties. Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise with proven benefits for stress reduction and overall wellness. You can incorporate the knowledge from this course into your coaching practice by recommending Tai Chi to clients or even leading introductory sessions. The course's emphasis on proper form and alignment is especially relevant.

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Holistic Health Practitioner

A holistic health practitioner takes a comprehensive approach to health, considering the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being. This course on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form aligns with the principles of holistic health, as Tai Chi integrates movement, mindfulness, and energy flow. This course can deepen your understanding of Tai Chi's benefits and how it can be incorporated into a holistic treatment plan. Susan's teachings can be invaluable to your practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Holistic Health Practitioner

Recreational Therapist

A recreational therapist plans and implements recreational activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses. This course on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi may provide additional tools for engaging clients in therapeutic movement. Tai Chi is known for its calming effects and accessibility for people of varying abilities. The course's format, with step-by-step instruction, may inform how you introduce Tai Chi principles to your clients. As recreational therapist, consider Susan's instructions on the importance of music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recreational Therapist

Martial Arts Instructor

A martial arts instructor teaches self-defense techniques, physical fitness, and discipline through various martial arts styles. This course on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi may complement your existing knowledge, as Tai Chi is a martial art with a focus on internal energy and health. You may broaden your understanding of different movement principles and teaching methodologies. The knowledge gained can enrich your martial arts offerings and potentially attract students interested in the health benefits of Tai Chi.

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Yoga Instructor

A yoga instructor leads individuals or groups in practicing yoga asanas, breathing techniques, and meditation. While distinct from yoga, Tai Chi shares some principles, such as mindfulness and body awareness. This course focused on 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form may broaden your understanding of movement and holistic health. Understanding the flow and sequence of the Yang form can inspire new sequences or variations in your yoga classes. You may find Susan's step by step instructions useful, in particular.

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Physical Therapist

A physical therapist (requires a doctorate level education) helps patients recover from injuries or illnesses through exercise and rehabilitation techniques. This course on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi can provide insight into a gentle, low-impact exercise modality that may be useful for certain patients. Many physical therapists recommend Tai Chi to patients. Understanding the principles of Tai Chi, as taught in this course, may help you guide patients in this practice, offering them a safe and effective way to improve balance, flexibility, and strength. In particular, Susan's attention to detail would be useful in rehab scenarios.

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Meditation Teacher

A meditation teacher guides individuals or groups in practicing various meditation techniques to promote mindfulness, relaxation, and inner peace. While this course focuses on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form, the principles of mindful movement and focus on the present moment align with meditation practices. You may introduce Tai Chi as a form of moving meditation, combining physical activity with mental stillness. The teachings in this course may provide a foundation for understanding the meditative aspects of Tai Chi.

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Massage Therapist

A massage therapist provides therapeutic massage to clients to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. While massage focuses on manipulating soft tissues, understanding body mechanics and movement patterns, as explored in this course on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi, can enhance your practice. You may gain a deeper understanding of how different movements and postures affect muscle tension and overall body alignment. The forms may affect the way you deal with patients.

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Athletic Trainer

An athletic trainer (bachelor's degree required) prevents and treats athletic injuries. This course on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi may enhance your understanding of movement and injury prevention. The principles of proper body alignment and weight shift, as taught in this course, are important as injury preventative measures. The understanding of various forms may assist in your injury treatments.

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Life Coach

A life coach supports clients in achieving their personal and professional goals by helping them identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop strategies for success. While not directly related to life coaching, this course on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form may be useful in offering clients tools for stress reduction and mindfulness. This may enhance their overall well-being and improve their ability to focus on their goals. In particular, Susan's instruction may be a basis for these concepts.

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Ergonomist

An ergonomist analyzes workplaces and designs equipment to improve efficiency as well as prevent employee injury and discomfort. This course on the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form may provide additional insight into body mechanics. The principles of proper body alignment and movement, as taught in the course, can be valuable in understanding how to optimize posture and reduce strain in various work environments. Use this information to guide your work.

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Dance Therapist

A dance therapist uses movement and dance to address the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical needs of individuals. A master's degree is generally required. While the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi is not dance, the principles of mindful movement and flowing sequences explored in this course can be inspiring. The knowledge may aid in further understanding the connection between movement and emotional expression. You may use Susan's teachings as a basis for your knowledge.

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Reading list

We've selected three books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn 24 Yang Style Tai Chi.

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Tai Chi, including its history, principles, and health benefits. It is particularly useful for understanding the scientific basis of Tai Chi and its impact on physical and mental well-being. The book also includes detailed instructions on basic Tai Chi movements, making it a valuable reference for beginners.

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12...

Kindle Edition

The Tai Chi Way

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Focuses on the health benefits of Tai Chi and provides detailed instructions for various Tai Chi forms, including the 24 Yang Style. It is particularly helpful for understanding the therapeutic applications of Tai Chi and adapting the movements to suit individual needs. The book is commonly used as a reference by Tai Chi instructors and practitioners.

The Tai Chi Way: To Be Healthy & Happy

Paperback

Tàijíquán

Save

Offers a detailed breakdown of each movement in the 24 Yang Style Tai Chi form. It includes step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and explanations of the underlying principles. This book is particularly useful for students who want to deepen their understanding of the form and refine their technique. It serves as a valuable reference tool for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Tàijíquán

Paperback

(中文) 48-style Taijiquan teaching and learning (Chinese...

Paperback

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(中文) 42-style Taijiquan competition routine of teaching...

Paperback

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