13 Step Taijiquan
Yang Family 13 Step Routine
Made up of:
Opening (Face North)
Grasp Sparrow’s Tail (Right): North
- Ward Off
- Roll Back
- Press
- Push
Turn
Single Whip (Face South)
Grasp Sparrow’s Tail (Right): West
- Ward Off
- Roll Back
- Press
- Push
Turn
Single Whip (Face East)
Grasp Sparrow’s Tail (Right): South
- Ward Off
- Roll Back
- Press
- Push
Turn
Single Whip (Face North)
Change Sides (Throw the ball)
Grasp Sparrow’s Tail (Left): North
- Ward Off
- Roll Back
- Press
- Push
Turn
Single Whip (Face South)
Grasp Sparrow’s Tail (Left): East
- Ward Off
- Roll Back
- Press
- Push
Turn
Single Whip (Face West)
Grasp Sparrow’s Tail (Left): South
- Ward Off
- Roll Back
- Press
- Push
Turn
Single Whip (Face North)
Close.
This simple routine is not a ‘form’, as it doesn’t take the body through the full range of movements available, but it does contain the 4 primary movements. The intention behind this is a simple (but mentally challenging) sequence with which we can examine the more subtle movements of the body.