Empty hand forms are the foundation of Tai Chi Ch’uan practice, building coordination, balance, and internal strength. Practicing the forms trains the body to move correctly and direct energy with intention. We teach empty hand forms including the traditional Yang style long form, the San Shou two-person sparring form, and a dynamic fast form developed by Grandmaster Tchoung Ta-Tchen. Together, these forms offer a well-rounded approach to health, self-defense, and the deeper principles of Tai Chi.
The Traditional Yang Style Empty Hand Forms
The original form is also known as the 108 Long Form. In our style, Grandmaster Tchoung divided the long form into six sections and modified it to work out both sides of the body, calling this the “Dual Symmetrical” form.
- Dual Symmetrical Yang Style Tai Chi Ch’uan – Section 1
- Dual Symmetrical Yang Style Tai Chi Ch’uan – Sections 2 and 3
- Dual Symmetrical Yang Style Tai Chi Ch’uan – Sections 4 and 5
- Dual Symmetrical Yang Style Tai Chi Ch’uan – Section 6
The Tai Chi San Shou Form
This is the San Shou partner sparring form of great-grandmaster Hsiung Yang Ho AKA Xióng Yǎnghé (熊養和), who taught the form to Grandmaster Tchoung Ta Tchen.
The moves of this form, which involve pushing, neutralizing, controlling, and attacking, are based on Tai Chi theories of “sticking” to the opponent, maintaining constant contact.
This two-part form is known as Sections 7 and 8 in our system.
Grandmaster Tchoung’s Fast Form
Grandmaster Tchoung Ta-Tchen developed this fast form, which is known as Section 9 in our system.
This form integrates techniques from Yang style Tai Chi Ch’uan, Xingyi Quan, and Ziranquan (Natural Style Boxing), which Grandmaster Tchoung learned from Xiong Jianyuan as a young man.
Unlike Sections 1–6, Section 9 is performed energetically, with speed and fajin power, while still remaining fluid and relaxed.