If you are a Tai Chi fanatic, you must know that this is a martial art that’s composed of many movements. These movements when linked together make up a dance. One Tai Chi form that is important is the stance. In the absence of stance, Tai Chi is useless. In this regard, let us study and get to know how to perform a stance.

Tai Chi’s length has 3 variations; the 24 movements set is referred as the ‘short’ form, 40 as the ‘mid’ form, and the long form has108 movements. A standard Tai Chi form takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the length and the mastery. Remember, the Tai Chi forms consist not only of the hands, but the feet as well. Every Tai Chi form includes every limb, and utilizes every muscle so proper stance is so important.

Bow and Arrow stance 

Like the False Leg, this is primarily an offensive stance. But there are other versions where it is used as an evasion, like the ‘leaning’ technique of Kung Fu. This is often used in conjunction with the False Leg stance. 

To do a Bow and Arrow stance, start by doing the False Leg (assuming you can do this correctly now). Now, with your right foot, make a large step towards the imaginary enemy. If you’re doing this correctly, your right foot should now be bearing most of your weight, with your left leg slanted from its original position. Your right leg should be bent at a 90° angle.

Horseback Riding stance

The most basic of all stances, the horseback riding stance lowers the body’s center of gravity, and braces the legs for stability. This type of stance is commonly used for meditation, because even with the eyes closed, maintaining balance is still very much attainable.

To do a horseback riding stance, stand with the back straight. Now space the feet apart around half a yard, then slowly bend the legs until it reaches 90°. Curl your hands into a fist and fold the arms around the sides of the body. This will place a great strain on the legs and make your torso muscles taunt.

Horseback riding is the opening stance for most Tai Chi forms. The stance gives many options for opening an attack, yet maintains a degree for defensive. When Bruce Lee does a nunchucks exhibition, he’s doing a horseback riding stance.

False Leg stance

This stance has become a standard stance for the new advent of martial arts, but the root of this stance is Tai Chi. This is an offensive stance, used particularly in conjunction with the Bow and Arrow stance. Kick boxers often uses this stance, since it readies their legs for an offensive kick. 

To do a False Leg stance, begin by standing straight. Now, imagine an enemy 45º to your right. Take a step with your right foot towards the imaginary enemy, but instead of putting weight on this foot, transfer all your body weight to the left foot. To help you achieve this, elevate your right heel and bend your left leg to ease the maintaining of balance.  Now the stance should look like a half step, except you’re leaning all weight on the left leg. Raise your hands slightly forward with palms slightly facing the enemy. Remember, don’t put pressure on the right leg; use it just to maintain balance.

In learning Tai chi forms, it is imperative to study first these stances. After which, you’ll discover that everything just comes easy. Mastering Tai Chi is not that easy, but with proper stance and hard work, you’re on your way to becoming an expert at Tai Chi.