Syllabus

Forms and Techniques

The Wu family preserved one of the most complete syllabi in Chinese internal martial arts. This page publishes the Wu Style International syllabus — the southern line transmitted from Wu Chien Chuan through Wu Kung Yi and the Hong Kong academy — together with the Shanghai Chien Chuan forms and the northern square-frame sets of the Wang Mao Zhai line, plus counting notes and sources. The two schools are one art: their histories are compared in our article on the Southern and Northern schools.

1. How to read a Wu Style syllabus

The same family long form yields different headline numbers across lineages. Three figures and two frame types cover almost every chart you will meet:

108

Counts every posture — each pause is one count

89

Merges repeated names (Shanghai-line count)

83

Northern square frame: ~326 micro-movements; odd opens, even closes

94

Shanghai fast form 94; overseas line has a 108 Fast Form

  • Square frame (slow frame): precise directions first, steady tempo — the base for the 108 and the northern 83.
  • Round frame (fast form): continuous circling and issuing power; learn only after a solid slow-form base — Shanghai fast form 94 and the overseas 108 Fast Form.
  • Promotional sets: condensed 30, 16 and seated 16 for teaching; they do not replace the family long form.

2. Form inventory

Every form recorded on this site, with lineage and counting notes:

Type Name Line Count Note
Hand Traditional Long Form 89 Shanghai 89 Same root as 108; merges repeated names
Hand Traditional Long Form 108 HK / overseas 108 Counts every posture
Hand Northern Square Frame 83 Northern 83 ~326 micro-movements; odd opens, even closes
Hand International 54 Competition Form HK / overseas 54
Hand 45-Form Competition Set Northern 45
Hand Shanghai Fast Form 94 Shanghai 94 Related to overseas 108 Fast Form
Hand Overseas Fast Form 108 HK / overseas 108
Hand Condensed 30 (Promotional) Shanghai 30
Hand Condensed 16 (Promotional) Shanghai 16
Hand Seated 16 (Promotional) Shanghai 16
Hand Overseas 12 Short Form HK / overseas 12
Hand Northern 13 / 37 Northern 37
Weapon Wu Family Sabre 108 HK / overseas 108
Weapon Shanghai Sabre 108 Shanghai 108
Weapon Double Sabre Shanghai —
Weapon Combined-Route Sword 108 (HK) HK / overseas 108
Weapon Qiankun Sword (Route 1) Shanghai 89
Weapon Seven-Star Sword (Route 2) Shanghai 54
Weapon Chain Sword (Route 3) Shanghai 75
Weapon Pair Sword (Dui Jian) Shanghai —
Weapon Double Sword Shanghai 42
Weapon 24-Spear (ground, 6-ft) Shanghai 24
Weapon 13-Spear (mounted, 13-ft) Shanghai 14 List shows 14 lines including close
Push Push Hands (8 methods, 5 steps) HK / overseas —
Push Shanghai Push Hands System Shanghai —
Short 48 Short Form ⚠ Northern 48 1979 NSC set, mainly Yang-based; not Wu family traditional

3. Hong Kong & overseas (southern round frame)

The traditional long form taught in the Hong Kong academy, from the Beginning of Tai Chi Chuan to the Conclusion; the international 54 is its condensed competition version.

The 108 Movements of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan

  1. Beginning of Tai Chi Chuan
  2. Raise Hands
  3. Play Guitar
  4. Grasp Bird's Tail
  5. Single Whip
  6. Slant Flying
  7. Raise Hands
  8. White Crane Spreads Wings
  9. Brush Knee, Push (Left & Right, 4 Times)
  10. Playing Guitar
  11. Step Forward and Push
  12. Push Forward
  13. Carry Tiger to the Mountain
  14. Cross Hands
  15. Slant Brush Knee and Push
  16. Turn Body, Brush Knee & Push
  17. Grasp Bird's Tail
  18. Single Whip
  19. Fist Under Elbow
  20. Step Back, Repulse Monkey (Left & Right, 3 Times)
  21. Slant Flying
  22. Raise Hands
  23. White Crane Spreads Wings
  24. Brush Knee and Push
  25. Needle at Sea Bottom
  26. Play Arms Like a Fan
  27. Turn Body and Strike Fist to Back
  28. Step Back and Punch
  29. Step Forward and Grasp Bird's Tail
  30. Single Whip
  31. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  32. Single Whip
  33. Left High Pat on Horse
  34. Right Foot Kick (Separate)
  35. Right High Pat on Horse
  36. Left Foot Kick (Separate)
  37. Turn Body, Kick with Heel
  38. Brush Knee and Push (Right & Left)
  39. Step Forward and Punch Down
  40. Turn Body and Strike Fist to Back
  41. High Pat on Horse
  42. (Right) Separate Hands
  43. 1st Raise Foot
  44. Step Back Seven Stars
  45. Step Back and Hit the Tiger
  46. 2nd Raise Foot
  47. Hit Opponent's Ear with Fist
  48. Lean Back and Kick
  49. Turn Body and Kick with Heel
  50. High Pat on Horse
  51. Step Forward and Punch
  52. Push Forward
  53. Carry Tiger to the Mountain
  54. Cross Hands
  55. Slant Brush Knee and Push
  56. Turn Body, Brush Knee and Push
  57. Grasp Bird's Tail
  58. Single Whip
  59. Play Guitar
  60. Wild Horse Separate Mane (Right)
  61. Play Guitar
  62. Wild Horse Separate Mane (Left)
  63. Play Guitar
  64. Wild Horse Separate Mane (Right)
  65. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle (Twice)
  66. Play Guitar
  67. Wild Horse Separate Mane
  68. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle (Twice)
  69. Grasp Bird's Tail
  70. Single Whip
  71. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  72. Single Whip
  73. Snake Creeps Down
  74. Golden Cock on Left Leg
  75. Golden Cock on Right Leg
  76. Step Back and Repulse Monkey (Left and Right Three Times)
  77. Cross Slant Flying
  78. Raise Hands
  79. White Crane Spreads Wings
  80. Brush Knee and Push
  81. Needle at Sea Bottom
  82. Play Arms Like a Fan
  83. Turn Body and Strike Fist to Back
  84. Step Forward and Punch
  85. Step Forward and Grasp Bird's Tail
  86. Single Whip
  87. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  88. Single Whip
  89. High Pat on Horse
  90. Slap Face with Palm
  91. Turn Body and Single Lotus Kick
  92. Brush Knee and Push
  93. Step Forward and Punch to Opponent's Lower Abdomen
  94. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  95. Single Whip
  96. Snake Creeps Down
  97. Step Forward Seven Stars
  98. Step Back Ride the Tiger
  99. Turn Body and Slap Face with Palm
  100. Turn Body and Double Lotus Kick
  101. Shoot Tiger
  102. High Pat on Horse
  103. Slap Face with Palm
  104. Turn Body and Strike Fist to Back
  105. Step Forward and High Pat on Horse
  106. Step Forward Grasp Bird's Tail
  107. Single Whip
  108. Conclusion of Tai Chi Chuan

Wu Style International 54 Competition Round Form

  1. The Beginning (Raise Hands) (Play Guitar)
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail
  3. Single Whip (Slant Flying)
  4. Raise Hands
  5. White Crane Spreads Wings
  6. Brush Knee & Push
  7. Step Forward And Push
  8. Step Forward And Punch
  9. Carry Tiger To The Mountain
  10. Cross Hands
  11. Brush Knee And Push (Left)
  12. Needle At Sea Bottom
  13. Play Arms Like A Fan
  14. Fist Under The Elbow
  15. Repulse Monkey (Once)
  16. Slant Flying
  17. Wave Hands Like A Cloud
  18. Single Whip
  19. High Pat On Horse (Left)
  20. Right, Left Separate Foot
  21. Turn Body And Kick With Heel
  22. Shift Forward And Punch Down
  23. Turn Body And Strike With Back Of Fist
  24. High Pat On Horse
  25. First Raise Foot
  26. Step Back & Hit Tiger
  27. Second Raise Foot
  28. Strike Opponent's Ears With Fists
  29. Lean Back & Kick
  30. Turn Body & Kick With Heel
  31. Wild Horse Separate Mane (Once)
  32. Fair Lady Works The Shuttle (Twice, Front And Back) (Grasp Bird's Tail)
  33. Single Whip
  34. Snake Creeps Down
  35. Left, Right Golden Cock
  36. Repulse Monkey (Twice - Left & Right)
  37. Slap Face With Palm
  38. Turn Body, Single Lotus Kick
  39. Brush Knee & Push
  40. Step Forward & Punch To Opponent's Lower Abdomen
  41. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  42. Single Whip
  43. Snake Creeps Down
  44. Step Up Seven Stars
  45. Step Back Ride Tiger
  46. Turn Body Slap Face
  47. Turn Body Double Lotus Kick
  48. Bend Bow Shoot Tiger
  49. Slap Face With Palm
  50. Turn Body And Strike With Back Of Fist
  51. Step Forward High Pat On Horse
  52. Step Forward Grasp Bird's Tail
  53. Single Whip
  54. Conclusion Of Tai Chi Chuan

4. Shanghai line (Chien Chuan family)

The Shanghai Chien Chuan association (Ma Yue Liang and Wu Ying Hua line) publishes the traditional long form of 89 movements — same root as the overseas 108, with repeated names merged — plus the fast form and promotional sets.

Shanghai Traditional Long Form 89

Same root as 108; merges repeated names

Section 1 (1–16)

  1. Preparation
  2. Beginning of Tai Chi
  3. Grasp Bird's Tail
  4. Single Whip
  5. Raise Hands
  6. White Crane Spreads Wings
  7. Brush Knee and Push
  8. Play Guitar
  9. Step Forward, Parry and Punch
  10. Apparent Close Up
  11. Repulse Tiger (Push Mountain)
  12. Cross Hands
  13. Slant Brush Knee
  14. Turn Body, Slant Brush Knee
  15. Grasp Bird's Tail
  16. Diagonal Single Whip

Section 2 (17–30)

  1. Fist Under Elbow
  2. Step Back and Repulse Monkey
  3. Slant Flying Posture
  4. Raise Hands
  5. White Crane Spreads Wings
  6. Brush Knee and Push
  7. Needle at Sea Bottom
  8. Fan Through the Back
  9. Strike Fist to Back
  10. Retreat, Parry and Punch
  11. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  12. Single Whip
  13. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  14. Single Whip

Section 3 (31–49)

  1. High Pat on Horse
  2. Separate Foot L&R
  3. Turn Body, Kick with Heel
  4. Advance Chop Punch
  5. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  6. Step Forward, High Pat on Horse
  7. Lean Back and Kick
  8. Step Back Strike Tiger
  9. Strike Ears with Both Fists
  10. Turn Body, Double Heel Kick
  11. High Pat on Horse
  12. Step Forward, Parry and Punch
  13. Apparent Close Up
  14. Repulse Tiger (Push Mountain)
  15. Cross Hands
  16. Slant Brush Knee
  17. Turn Body, Slant Brush Knee
  18. Grasp Bird's Tail
  19. Diagonal Single Whip

Section 4 (50–55)

  1. Wild Horse Parts Mane
  2. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle
  3. Grasp Bird's Tail
  4. Single Whip
  5. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  6. Single Whip

Section 5 (56–70)

  1. Snake Creeps Down
  2. Golden Cock
  3. Step Back and Repulse Monkey
  4. Slant Flying Posture
  5. Raise Hands
  6. White Crane Spreads Wings
  7. Brush Knee and Push
  8. Needle at Sea Bottom
  9. Fan Through the Back
  10. Strike Fist to Back
  11. Step Forward, Parry and Block Punch
  12. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  13. Single Whip
  14. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  15. Single Whip

Section 6 (71–89)

  1. High Pat on Horse
  2. Palm to the Face
  3. Turn Body, Cross Lotus Kick
  4. Brush Knee, Punch to Crotch
  5. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  6. Single Whip
  7. Snake Creeps Down
  8. Step Forward Seven Stars
  9. Step Back, Ride the Tiger
  10. Turn Body, Slap Face with Palm
  11. Turn Body, Double Lotus Kick
  12. Bend Bow, Shoot Tiger
  13. Step Forward, High Pat on Horse
  14. Palm to the Face
  15. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  16. Step Forward, High Pat on Horse
  17. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  18. Single Whip
  19. Conclusion

Shanghai Fast Form 94

The round-frame fast form of the Shanghai line — related to, but not the same as, the overseas 108 Fast Form.

  1. Preparation
  2. Beginning of Tai Chi
  3. Grasp Bird's Tail
  4. Single Whip
  5. Raise Hands
  6. White Crane Spreads Wings
  7. Brush Knee and Push(1)
  8. Brush Knee and Push(2)
  9. Brush Knee and Push(3)
  10. Brush Knee and Push(4)
  11. Play Guitar
  12. Step Forward, Parry and Punch
  13. Apparent Close Up
  14. Repulse Tiger (Push Mountain)
  15. Cross Hands
  16. Slant Brush Knee
  17. Turn Body, Slant Brush Knee
  18. Grasp Bird's Tail
  19. Diagonal Single Whip
  20. Fist Under Elbow
  21. Step Back and Repulse Monkey
  22. Slant Flying Posture
  23. Raise Hands
  24. White Crane Spreads Wings
  25. Brush Knee and Push
  26. Needle at Sea Bottom
  27. Fan Through the Back
  28. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  29. Retreat, Parry and Punch
  30. Grasp Bird's Tail
  31. Wave Hands Like a Cloud(1)
  32. Wave Hands Like a Cloud(2)
  33. High Pat on Horse
  34. Lean Back and Kick(1)
  35. Lean Back and Kick(2)
  36. Turn Body, Kick with Heel
  37. Step Forward, Plant Punch
  38. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  39. Turn Body, Double Heel Kick(Second Jump)
  40. Step Back Strike Tiger
  41. Right Heel Kick
  42. Strike Ears with Both Fists
  43. Lean Back and Kick
  44. Turn Body, Kick with Heel
  45. Step Forward, Parry and Punch
  46. Apparent Close Up
  47. Repulse Tiger (Push Mountain)
  48. Cross Hands
  49. Slant Brush Knee
  50. Turn Body, Slant Brush Knee
  51. Grasp Bird's Tail
  52. Diagonal Single Whip
  53. Wild Horse Parts Mane(1)
  54. Wild Horse Parts Mane(2)
  55. Wild Horse Parts Mane(3)
  56. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle(1)
  57. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle(2)
  58. Wild Horse Parts Mane
  59. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle(3)
  60. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle(4)
  61. Grasp Bird's Tail
  62. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  63. Snake Creeps Down
  64. Golden Cock(1)
  65. Golden Cock(2)
  66. Step Back and Repulse Monkey
  67. Slant Flying Posture
  68. Raise Hands
  69. White Crane Spreads Wings
  70. Brush Knee and Push
  71. Needle at Sea Bottom
  72. Fan Through the Back
  73. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  74. Step Forward, Parry and Block Punch
  75. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  76. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  77. High Pat on Horse
  78. Palm to the Face
  79. Turn Body, Cross Lotus Kick
  80. Brush Knee and Push
  81. Finger-Block Punch
  82. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  83. Snake Creeps Down
  84. Step Forward Seven Stars(Step Forward, Ride the Whale)
  85. Step Back, Ride the Tiger
  86. Turn Body, Slap Face with Palm
  87. Turn Body, Lotus Kick
  88. Bend Bow, Shoot Tiger
  89. Step Forward, Deflect Hammer
  90. Palm to the Face
  91. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  92. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  93. Single Whip
  94. Conclusion

Condensed 30 (Promotional)

  1. Beginning of Tai Chi
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail
  3. Single Whip
  4. Raise Hands
  5. White Crane Spreads Wings
  6. Brush Knee and Push
  7. Play Guitar
  8. Step Forward, Parry and Block Punch
  9. Apparent Close Up
  10. Step Back and Repulse Monkey
  11. Slant Flying Posture
  12. Needle at Sea Bottom
  13. Fan Through the Back
  14. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  15. Separate Foot L&R
  16. Turn Body Heel Kick
  17. Strike Ears with Both Fists
  18. Wild Horse Parts Mane
  19. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle
  20. Snake Creeps Down
  21. Golden Cock
  22. Step Back Strike Tiger
  23. Palm to the Face
  24. Turn Body Lotus Kick
  25. Bend Bow, Shoot Tiger
  26. Step Forward Palm to Face
  27. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  28. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  29. Single Whip
  30. Close (Conclusion)

Condensed 16 (Promotional)

Opening + 16 postures + close — 18 lines on the chart.

  1. Beginning
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail
  3. Brush Knee and Push
  4. Separate Foot L&R
  5. Turn Body, Strike Ears Both Fists
  6. Wild Horse Parts Mane
  7. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle
  8. Single Whip
  9. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  10. Snake Creeps Down, Stand Alone
  11. Step Back and Repulse Monkey
  12. Step Back, Ride the Tiger
  13. Turn Body Lotus Kick
  14. Bend Bow, Shoot Tiger
  15. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  16. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  17. Single Whip
  18. Close

Seated 16 (Promotional)

  1. Beginning of Tai Chi
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail
  3. Single Whip
  4. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  5. Raise Hands
  6. White Crane Spreads Wings
  7. Brush Knee and Push(3 times)
  8. Parry and Punch
  9. Apparent Close Up
  10. Repulse Tiger (Push Mountain)
  11. Strike Ears with Both Fists
  12. Wild Horse Parts Mane(3 times)
  13. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle(2 times)
  14. Step Back and Repulse Monkey(3 times)
  15. Slant Flying Posture(2 times)
  16. Conclusion

5. Northern school (Wang Mao Zhai square frame)

The northern school keeps the square frame that trains precise directions before rounding into circles. The traditional set counts 83 movements (~326 micro-movements; odd opens, even closes); the 45-form is its modern competition set.

The 83-Form Square Frame

Section 1–27

  1. Beginning of Tai Chi Chuan
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail
  3. Diagonal Single Whip
  4. Raise Hands
  5. White Crane Spreads Wings
  6. Brush Knee and Twist Step
  7. Play Guitar
  8. Step Forward, Parry and Punch
  9. Apparent Close Up
  10. Cross Hands
  11. Carry Tiger to the Mountain
  12. Grasp Bird's Tail, Palms Together
  13. Diagonal Single Whip
  14. Fist Under Elbow
  15. Step Back and Repulse Monkey
  16. Slant Flying
  17. Raise Hands
  18. White Crane Spreads Wings
  19. Brush Knee and Twist Step
  20. Needle at Sea Bottom
  21. Fan Through the Back
  22. Turn Body and Strike Fist to Back
  23. Retreat Step, Parry and Punch
  24. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  25. Single Whip
  26. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  27. Single Whip

Section 28–52

  1. High Pat on Horse
  2. Separate Foot, Left & Right
  3. Turn Body, Kick with Heel
  4. Brush Knee and Twist Step
  5. Step Forward and Plant Fist
  6. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  7. Step Forward, High Pat on Horse
  8. Lean Back, Kick with Heel
  9. Strike the Tiger
  10. Turn Body, Kick with Right Heel
  11. Strike the Ears with Both Fists
  12. Turn Body, Kick with Heel
  13. Brush Knee and Twist Step
  14. Parry and Punch
  15. Apparent Close Up
  16. Cross Hands
  17. Carry Tiger to the Mountain
  18. Palm Through, Grasp Bird's Tail
  19. Diagonal Single Whip
  20. Wild Horse Splits Its Mane
  21. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle
  22. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  23. Single Whip
  24. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  25. Diagonal Single Whip

Section 53–66

  1. Snake Creeps Down
  2. Golden Cock on One Leg
  3. Step Back and Repulse Monkey
  4. Slant Flying
  5. Raise Hands
  6. White Crane Spreads Wings
  7. Needle at Sea Bottom
  8. Fan Through the Back
  9. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  10. Step Forward, Parry and Punch
  11. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  12. Single Whip
  13. Wave Hands Like a Cloud
  14. Single Whip

Section 67–83

  1. Slap Face with Palm
  2. Single Lotus Kick
  3. Brush Knee, Punch to Crotch
  4. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail
  5. Diagonal Single Whip
  6. Snake Creeps Down
  7. Step Forward Seven Stars
  8. Step Back, Ride the Tiger
  9. Turn Body, Slap Face with Palm
  10. Turn Body, Double Lotus Kick
  11. Bend the Bow, Shoot the Tiger
  12. Step Forward, Twisting-Silk Punch
  13. Grasp Bird's Tail
  14. Turn Body, Single Whip
  15. Step Forward, Grasp Bird's Tail with Palms Together
  16. Single Whip
  17. Conclusion of Tai Chi Chuan

The 45-Form Competition Set

Section 1–14

  1. The Beginning
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail (Right)
  3. Single Whip (Left)
  4. Raise Hands
  5. White Crane Spreads Wings
  6. Brush Knee and Twist Step (Left & Right)
  7. Play Guitar
  8. Step Forward, Parry and Punch
  9. Apparent Close Up
  10. Cross Hands
  11. Grasp Bird's Tail (Left)
  12. Single Whip (Right)
  13. Snake Creeps Down (Right)
  14. Golden Cock on One Leg

Section 15–21

  1. Step Back and Repulse Monkey (Left & Right)
  2. Needle at Sea Bottom (Right)
  3. Fan Through the Back (Left)
  4. Turn Body, Strike Fist to Back
  5. Fist Under Elbow
  6. Wild Horse Splits Its Mane (Left & Right)
  7. Fair Lady Works at Shuttle

Section 22–30

  1. Wave Hands Like Clouds (Left)
  2. High Pat on Horse (Right)
  3. Separate Foot (Right)
  4. Separate Foot (Left)
  5. Strike the Tiger (Left & Right)
  6. Kick with Right Heel
  7. Strike the Ears with Both Fists
  8. Slant Flying
  9. Slap Face with Palm (Right)

Section 31–45

  1. Crossed Lotus Kick
  2. Brush Knee, Plant Fist (Left)
  3. Needle at Sea Bottom (Left)
  4. Fan Through the Back (Right)
  5. Wave Hands Like Clouds (Right)
  6. High Pat on Horse (Left)
  7. Turn Body, Punch to Crotch
  8. Snake Creeps Down (Left)
  9. Step Forward Seven Stars
  10. Step Back, Ride the Tiger
  11. Slap Face with Palm (Left)
  12. Turn Body, Lotus Kick
  13. Bend the Bow, Shoot the Tiger
  14. Step Back, Parry and Punch
  15. The Conclusion

6. Weapons — sabre, sword, spear

Wu Family Tai Chi Sabre 108 (HK / overseas)

  1. Beginning of T'ai Chi Sabre
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail
  3. Turn Body, Brush Knee and Push
  4. Cross Tao
  5. Step Forward and Cover Knee
  6. Evade, Stretch and Watch Tao
  7. Step Forward and Watch Tao
  8. Step Forward (left) and Take Star
  9. Step Forward Strike to Groin
  10. Retreat and Capture Tao
  11. Heart Splitting Stroke
  12. Embrace Moon
  13. Ugly Girl Testing the Sea
  14. Retreat and Strike
  15. Turn Body and Strike to Groin
  16. Embrace Moon
  17. Push Shuttles and Gaze at Moon
  18. Accipiter Turning its Body
  19. Turn Body and Watch Tao
  20. Raise, Take, Sink, Grasp and Hide Tao
  21. Strike at Face
  22. Turn Body and Hide Tao
  23. Strike Knee
  24. Raise Tao and Test the Sea
  25. Step Forward and Strike
  26. Raise, Take and Hide Tao
  27. Dragon Dashes Out of the Water
  28. Turn Body and Hide Tao
  29. Strike Upwards Thrice
  30. Take Off Shoes in a Drunken Mood
  31. Ugly Girl Testing the Sea
  32. Turn Body and Hide Tao
  33. Heart Splitting Stroke
  34. Retreat and Strike
  35. Sweeping Comet Chasing the Moon
  36. Cross Sweep a Thousand Soldiers
  37. Embrace Moon
  38. Push Shuttles and Gaze at Moon
  39. Turn Body and Hide Tao
  40. Heart Splitting Stroke
  41. Retreat and Strike
  42. Step Forward and Take Tao
  43. Netting the Moon
  44. Retreat and Grasp Tao
  45. Heart Splitting Stroke
  46. Embrace Moon
  47. Push Shuttles and Gaze at Moon
  48. Strike Tiger
  49. Fierce Tiger Jumping Creek
  50. Strike Face
  51. Lying Tiger
  52. Turn Body and Hide Tao
  53. Heart Splitting Stroke
  54. Winding Dragon Upright Tao
  55. Fast Step Winding Dragon
  56. Fast Step Flooding Cloud
  57. Hiding the Tao
  58. Hooking Double
  59. Defend Knee
  60. Step Forward and Strike
  61. Lying Tiger
  62. Lying Fish
  63. Turn Body and Watch Tao
  64. Step Forward and Strike Face
  65. Retreat Lying Tiger
  66. Lying Fish
  67. Turn Body and Watch Tao
  68. Step Forward Heart Splitting Stroke
  69. Turn Body and Stop Tao
  70. Green Snake Lies on Ground
  71. Heart Splitting Stroke
  72. Turn Body and Strike
  73. Speed the Horse with Whip
  74. Golden Needle Pointing South
  75. By-Pass Step and Strike
  76. Step Back, Slant Flying
  77. Raise Tao to Test Sea
  78. Step Forward and Strike
  79. Retreat, Evade and Stretch
  80. Tyrannical King Raises his Whip
  81. Double Hanging Strike
  82. Retreat and Strike
  83. Step Forward and Strike Groin
  84. Cross Sweep a Thousand Soldiers
  85. Sweeping Comet Chasing the Moon
  86. Slant Flying
  87. Twist Step, Embrace Moon
  88. Riding the Wind, Splitting the Waves
  89. Embrace Moon
  90. Turn Hand, Slice Clouds
  91. Taking the Star
  92. Retreat and Crack Tao
  93. Turn Arm and Plant Seedlings
  94. Double Strike
  95. Heart Splitting Stroke
  96. Lying Fish
  97. Slice Clouds
  98. Turn Body and Carry Basket
  99. Fast Step Slice Horse
  100. Turn Body Strike Left and Right
  101. Taking Tao From the Right
  102. Lying Tiger
  103. Turn Body and Hide Tao
  104. Heart Splitting Stroke
  105. Step Forward and Cross Tao
  106. Brush Knee and Push
  107. Withdraw Tao
  108. Conclusion of Tai Chi Tao

Shanghai Tai Chi Sabre 108

  1. Beginning of Tai Chi Sabre
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail
  3. Turn Body, Brush Knee
  4. Exchange Sabre
  5. Step Forward Cover Knee
  6. Evade and Watch Sabre
  7. Step Forward, Sabre Behind Back
  8. Step Forward, Take Star (Left)
  9. Step Forward, Lift Sabre to Groin
  10. Retreat and Capture Sabre
  11. Thrust to Heart
  12. Embrace Moon
  13. Yaksha Searches the Sea
  14. Turn Body and Chop
  15. Turn Body, Lift to Groin
  16. Embrace Moon
  17. Push Window, Gaze at Moon
  18. Sparrowhawk Turns
  19. Turn Body, Watch Sabre
  20. Raise, Lift, Sink, Capture, Hide Sabre
  21. Thrust at Face
  22. Turn Body, Hide Sabre
  23. Thrust at Knee
  24. Raise Sabre, Search Sea
  25. Step Forward and Chop
  26. Raise, Lift, Hide Sabre
  27. Blue Dragon Leaves Water
  28. Turn Body, Hide Sabre
  29. Open High Three
  30. Drunk, Remove Shoes
  31. Yaksha Searches the Sea
  32. Turn Body, Hide Sabre
  33. Thrust to Heart
  34. Turn Body and Chop
  35. Meteor Chases the Moon
  36. Sweep a Thousand Soldiers
  37. Embrace Moon
  38. Push Window, Gaze at Moon
  39. Turn Body, Hide Sabre
  40. Thrust to Heart
  41. Turn Body and Chop
  42. Step Forward, Lift Sabre
  43. Scoop the Moon
  44. Retreat and Capture Sabre
  45. Thrust to Heart
  46. Embrace Moon
  47. Push Window, Gaze at Moon
  48. Strike Tiger
  49. Fierce Tiger Leaps Stream
  50. Thrust at Face
  51. Reclining Tiger
  52. Turn Body, Hide Sabre
  53. Thrust to Heart
  54. Coiling Dragon, Upright Sabre
  55. Chase Step, Coil Dragon
  56. Chase Step, Slice Cloud
  57. Hide Sabre
  58. Hook and Link Chain Sabre
  59. Guard Knee Sabre
  60. Step Forward and Chop
  61. Reclining Tiger
  62. Reclining Fish
  63. Turn Body, Watch Sabre
  64. Step Forward, Thrust at Face
  65. Retreat Step, Reclining Tiger
  66. Reclining Fish
  67. Turn Body, Watch Sabre
  68. Step Forward, Heart-Split Thrust
  69. Turn Body and Intercept
  70. Green Snake Lies on Ground
  71. Thrust to Heart
  72. Turn Body and Chop
  73. Whip the Fast Horse
  74. Golden Needle Points South
  75. Leap Step Thrust
  76. Retreat, Slant Flying
  77. Raise Sabre, Search Sea
  78. Step Forward and Chop
  79. Retreat, Evade and Stretch
  80. Overlord Raises Whip
  81. Chop and Hang Chain
  82. Turn Body and Chop
  83. Step Forward, Lift to Groin
  84. Sweep a Thousand Soldiers
  85. Meteor Chases the Moon
  86. Slant Flying Posture
  87. Loop Step, Embrace Moon
  88. Ride Wind, Split Waves
  89. Embrace Moon
  90. Back-hand Slice Cloud
  91. Take Star
  92. Retreat, Collapse Sabre
  93. Back Arm Plant Seedlings
  94. Chain Chop
  95. Thrust to Heart
  96. Reclining Fish
  97. Slice Cloud
  98. Turn Body, Carry Basket
  99. Chase Step, Slice Horse
  100. Turn Body, Chop L&R
  101. Right Lift Sabre
  102. Reclining Tiger
  103. Turn Body, Hide Sabre
  104. Thrust to Heart
  105. Step Forward, Exchange Sabre
  106. Brush Knee and Push
  107. Close Sabre
  108. Conclusion of Tai Chi

Combined-Route Tai Chi Sword 108 (HK)

  1. Beginning of Tai Chi Sword
  2. Raise Hands
  3. Turn Body, Play Guitar
  4. Grasp Bird's Tail
  5. Turn Body, Brush Knee and Push
  6. Embrace Sword
  7. Brush Knee and Push three Times
  8. Embrace Sword
  9. Split Sword
  10. Split Sword Seven Star
  11. Lying Tiger at Door
  12. Old Lady Raise Guitar
  13. Cow Gazing at Moon
  14. Step Forward, Cover Knee
  15. Retreat and Strike
  16. Golden Needle Pointing South
  17. Step Forward and Strike to Groin
  18. Lying Tiger at Door
  19. Old Lady Raise Guitar
  20. The Big Dipper Kicks the Dipper
  21. Finger Blocking Sword
  22. Raise Whip Lying Tiger
  23. Strike at Mountain to Capture Sword
  24. White Snake Spitting Letter
  25. Turn Body and Point
  26. Old Man Pei Chopping Snake
  27. Colorful Phoenix Relaxing Feather
  28. Sword at Door
  29. Old Lady Raise Guitar
  30. The Big Dipper Kicks the Dipper
  31. Finger Blocking Sword
  32. Woodcutter Asking About Wood
  33. Between Brow Point Red
  34. Monkey Relaxing Arms
  35. Single Whip Fusing Throat
  36. Strike Groin Three Sword
  37. Sword at Door
  38. Boat Man Moving the Oar
  39. Push Boat with the Stream
  40. Woodcutter Asking About Wood
  41. Fair Lady Throws Needle
  42. White Dragon Turns Body
  43. Woodcutter Asking About Wood
  44. Fair Lady Throws Needle
  45. Sea Bottom Capturing Fish
  46. The Big Dipper Raises Pen
  47. Planting Sword Style
  48. Double Strike Sword
  49. Sword at Door
  50. Against scales Sword
  51. Sword at Door
  52. The Big Dipper Kicks the Dipper
  53. Return Horse Whip
  54. Jump Step to Plant Sword
  55. Holding Horse Before Steep Cliff
  56. King of Heaven Uplifting Pagoda
  57. Return Horse Whip
  58. Lift Whip (Right)
  59. Sword at Door
  60. Lift Whip (left)
  61. Sword at Door
  62. Slant Flying Style
  63. Step Forward and Strike Groin Sword
  64. Sword at Door
  65. Yellow Dragon Shakes Its Tail
  66. Facing Wind Flick Dust
  67. Dispel clouds to See the Sun
  68. Fallen Leaf in the Blowing Wind
  69. The Big Dipper Raises Pen
  70. Cross Sweep a Thousand Soldiers (Right)
  71. Cross Sweep a Thousand Soldiers (Left)
  72. Striking Sword Style
  73. Strike to Groin Sword
  74. Sword at Chest
  75. White Ape Return to Cave
  76. Smart Cat Catches Mouse
  77. Dragon Fly Pointing water
  78. Bottom of Elbow Sword
  79. Dispel the Cloud to See the Sun
  80. Cloud Fairy Doing Three Dances
  81. Heavenly Lady Scattering Flower
  82. Sword at Door
  83. Subtle Hand Gathering Star
  84. Left Embracing Moon
  85. Right Embracing Moon
  86. Strike Knee at Knee
  87. Colorful Phoenix Relaxing Feather
  88. Phoenix Whirlpool
  89. Fallen Flower Waiting to be Swept
  90. Lady Fairy Using a Hoe
  91. Ugly Girl Testing Water
  92. Lying Fish
  93. Reverse Hand Chop Bamboo
  94. Little Cloud Fairy Parting Hands
  95. Cloud Around Mountain Mo
  96. Clearing Grass to Search for Snake
  97. Black Dragon Shaking Its Tail
  98. Golden Cock Nodding Its Head Thrice
  99. Turn Body to Capture Tiger
  100. Facing Wind Flick Dust
  101. Dispel Cloud to See the Sun
  102. Subtle Hand Gathering Star
  103. Sword at Door
  104. Chicken Running Through the Wood
  105. Lee Kwong Shooting Rock
  106. Hooking Double
  107. Brush Knee and Push
  108. Conclusion of Tai Chi Sword

Shanghai sword charts: Qiankun, Seven-Star, Chain, Double

Qiankun Sword (Route 1) · 89

  1. Beginning of Tai Chi Sword
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail
  3. Brush Knee and Push
  4. Split Sword, Seven Stars
  5. Lying Tiger at Door
  6. Old Man Carries Zither
  7. Rhinoceros Gazes at Moon
  8. Step Forward Cover Knee
  9. Turn Body, Chop Sword
  10. Advance, Lift at Knee
  11. Sword at Door
  12. Old Man Carries Zither
  13. Kui Star Lifts Dipper
  14. Finger Blocks Sword
  15. Raise Whip, Subdue Tiger
  16. Split Mountain, Seize Treasure
  17. White Snake Spits Letter
  18. Turn Body, Point
  19. Lord Pei Slays Snake
  20. Colorful Phoenix Spreads Feathers
  21. Sword at Door
  22. Old Man Carries Zither
  23. Kui Star Lifts Dipper
  24. Woodcutter Asks About Wood
  25. Ape Stretches Arms
  26. Turn Body, Slant Flying
  27. Retreat, Three Lift Cuts
  28. Sword at Door
  29. Boatman Rows
  30. Push Boat with Stream
  31. White Snake Spits Letter
  32. Point Red Between Brows
  33. Fair Lady Throws Needle
  34. Black Dragon Turns
  35. White Snake Enters Cave
  36. Point Red Between Brows
  37. Fair Lady Throws Needle
  38. Sword at Door
  39. Seize Turtle at Sea Bottom
  40. Kui Star Lifts Dipper
  41. Side Body Finger-Block Sword
  42. Chain Sword
  43. Sword at Door
  44. Seize Turtle at Sea Bottom
  45. Kui Star Lifts Dipper
  46. Return Horse Whip
  47. Jump Step Chop Sword
  48. Heavenly King Lifts Pagoda
  49. Left Right Lift Whip
  50. Yellow Dragon Stirs Tail
  51. Sword at Door
  52. Coil Head Single Whip
  53. Lord Pei Slays Snake
  54. Part Clouds to See Sun
  55. Leaf Drifts in Wind
  56. Kui Star Lifts Dipper
  57. Immortal Points the Way
  58. Left and Right: Sweep a Thousand Soldiers
  59. Flick Dust in Wind
  60. Single Whip Locks Throat
  61. White Ape Enters Cave
  62. Clever Cat Pounces Mouse
  63. Dragonfly Touches Water
  64. Sword Under Elbow
  65. Cloud Rub Three Dance Sword
  66. Coil Root, Point at Goose
  67. Skillful Hand Picks Star
  68. Left Right Embrace Moon
  69. Phoenix Whirlpool
  70. Halt Horse at Cliff
  71. Fallen Flower Awaits Sweep
  72. Fair Lady Carries Hoe
  73. Back Arm Chop Bamboo
  74. Reclining Fish Sword
  75. Turn Body Sweep Knee
  76. Sword at Door
  77. Part Hands, Little Cloud Rub
  78. Cloud Covers Mount Wu
  79. Pull Grass, Search Snake
  80. Black Dragon Stirs Tail
  81. Golden Cock Nods Head
  82. Turn Body Catch Tiger
  83. Lord Pei Slays Snake
  84. Part Clouds to See Sun
  85. Sparrowhawk Darts Through Woods
  86. Li Guang Shoots Rock
  87. Return Horse Whip
  88. Hang Hook Chain
  89. Close

Seven-Star Sword (Route 2) · 54

  1. Opening Form
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail
  3. Brush Knee and Push
  4. Split Sword, Seven Stars
  5. Rhinoceros Gazes at Moon
  6. Big Python Turns
  7. Coil Root, Point at Goose
  8. Sword at Door
  9. Kui Star Lifts Dipper
  10. Turn Body Chop Sword
  11. Sword at Door
  12. Kui Star Lifts Dipper
  13. Hide Body Sword
  14. One Finger Points Sunrise
  15. Golden Cock Nods Head
  16. Search the Sea
  17. Finger Blocks Sword
  18. Lord Pei Slays Snake
  19. Open Step Intercept Block
  20. Coil Root, Point at Goose
  21. Turn Body Wave Flag
  22. Clever Cat Catches Mouse
  23. Black Dragon Tail
  24. Immortal Points the Way
  25. Hold Sword Posture
  26. Return Horse Whip
  27. Heavenly Maiden Scatters Flowers
  28. Golden Dragon Stirs Tail
  29. Roc Spreads Wings
  30. Yaksha Searches the Sea
  31. Embrace Sword Posture
  32. Fair Lady Delivers Book
  33. Phoenix Whirlpool
  34. Turn Body, Chop Sword
  35. Step Forward Collapse Sword
  36. Turn Body, Point Sword
  37. Li Guang Shoots Rock
  38. White Ape Offers Fruit
  39. Golden Dragon Stirs Tail
  40. Turn Body, Point Sword
  41. Li Guang Shoots Rock
  42. Golden Dragon Extends Claw
  43. Part Clouds to See Sun
  44. Fallen Flowers Ruthless
  45. Fallen Flower Awaits Sweep
  46. Auspicious Reclining Fish
  47. Heavenly King Lifts Pagoda
  48. Coil Root Point Swallow
  49. Cloud Rub Three Dance Sword
  50. Chain Chop Sword
  51. Golden Cock
  52. Cloud Covers Mount Wu
  53. Hook and Hang Chain
  54. Close

Chain Sword (Route 3) · 75

  1. Bow and Hold the Tablet
  2. Bearded Caterpillar Monster
  3. Claim the Top Place
  4. Swallow Skims Water
  5. Left and Right: Sweep a Thousand Soldiers
  6. Kui Star Raises Brush
  7. Swallow Enters Nest
  8. Clever Cat Catches Mouse
  9. Dragonfly Touches Water
  10. Wasp Enters Hole
  11. Ram Horn Right Spiral
  12. Ram Horn Left Spiral
  13. Fish by the Stream
  14. Pull Grass, Search Snake
  15. Roosting Bird Seeks Woods
  16. Black Dragon Tail
  17. Golden Cock Nods Head
  18. Split Earth Cut Bamboo
  19. Back Hand Trim Lamp
  20. Lion Shakes Head
  21. Fierce Tiger Holds Head
  22. Wild Horse Leaps Stream
  23. Halt Horse Read Stele
  24. Golden Needle Points South
  25. Flick Dust in Wind
  26. Push Boat with Stream
  27. Heavenly Horse Flies Report
  28. Part Clouds to See Sun
  29. Left Turn Wheel
  30. Right Turn Wheel
  31. Swallow Carries Mud
  32. Roc Spreads Wings
  33. Scoop Moon at Sea Bottom
  34. Embrace Moon at Chest
  35. Prop Beam Replace Pillar
  36. Rhinoceros Gazes at Moon
  37. Green Dragon Offers Claw
  38. Colorful Phoenix Spreads Feathers
  39. Left Carry Flower Basket
  40. Right Carry Flower Basket
  41. Beach Shoots Wild Goose
  42. Ape Offers Fruit
  43. Leaf Drifts in Wind
  44. White Tiger Stirs Tail
  45. Fish Leaps Dragon Gate
  46. Wind Sweeps Fallen Leaves
  47. Green Dragon Lies Ground
  48. White Snake Spits Letter
  49. Mantis Leaves Water
  50. Rain Strikes Withered Lotus
  51. Left Right Reclining Fish
  52. Heavenly King Lifts Pagoda
  53. Yaksha Searches the Sea
  54. Weaving Girl Works Shuttle
  55. Hungry Tiger Pounces Prey
  56. Ride Wind, Split Waves
  57. Elephant Swings Head
  58. Black Tiger Leaves Forest
  59. White Ape Returns to Cave
  60. Golden Dragon Plays Pearl
  61. Wind Sways Lotus
  62. Fallen Flower Awaits Sweep
  63. Taibai Rides Donkey
  64. Six Miles Fly Report
  65. Cloud Covers Mount Wu
  66. Li Guang Shoots Rock
  67. Three Rings Encompass Moon
  68. Chen Zi Removes Boot
  69. Fast Horse Mounts Boot
  70. Li Ling Embraces Pillar
  71. Draw Water Irrigate Fields
  72. Read by Lamplight
  73. Thanks Thrust Bright Red
  74. Bow and Hold the Tablet
  75. Close

Double Sword · 42

  1. Beginning
  2. Grasp Bird's Tail
  3. Brush Knee and Push
  4. Golden Cock
  5. Both Pipes Together
  6. Double Dragons Breathe Whiskers
  7. Green Dragon Extends Claw
  8. Double Dragons Breathe Whiskers
  9. Heavenly Maiden Scatters Flowers
  10. Twin Lotus
  11. Meteor Chases the Moon
  12. Rainbow Flies Across
  13. Twin Lotus
  14. Meteor Chases the Moon
  15. Double Dragons Breathe Whiskers
  16. Big Python Turns
  17. Double Dragons Breathe Whiskers
  18. Big Python Turns
  19. Chop Mount Hua
  20. Turn River, Overturn Sea
  21. Pour a Thousand Miles
  22. Black Dragon Tail
  23. Sparrowhawk Turns
  24. Roc Spreads Wings
  25. Twin Lotus
  26. Tai Gong Fishes
  27. Wind Sways Lotus
  28. Rhinoceros Gazes at Moon
  29. Glance Left and Right
  30. One Belt of Water
  31. Phoenix Nods Twice
  32. Wind Sways Lotus
  33. Raise Whip, Spur Horse
  34. Swift as Wind and Lightning
  35. Left Right Flower Basket
  36. Immortal Points the Way
  37. Phoenix Whirlpool
  38. Seize Turtle at Sea Bottom
  39. Turn Body Reclining Fish
  40. Golden Needle Points South
  41. Flick Dust in Wind
  42. Close

Partner sword (six rounds + closing)

Two-person sword work; upper and lower hands alternate by round:

Round 1 (第一回合)

  1. Upper hand's opening form, lower hand's opening form (order: upper / lower hands)
  2. Upper, lower, face — backhand cut, matching chop, matching parry
  3. Upper, lower, gate sword

Round 2 (第二回合)

  1. Upper cuts the head, lower points the wrist
  2. Upper lifts sword to thrust the chest, lower carries sword to cut the head
  3. Upper carries sword to cut the head, lower carries sword to cut the head
  4. Upper carries sword to cut the head, lower carries sword to cut the head
  5. Upper chops the leg, lower raises the leg to parry
  6. Upper holds sword horizontal and retreats three rings, lower retreats and points the sword

Round 3 (第三回合)

  1. Turn body and chop with the sword; lower steps forward to thrust the leg
  2. Step forward to wash the ribs; lower draws the sword and reverse-washes the ribs
  3. Step forward to wash the ribs; lower draws the sword and reverse-washes the ribs
  4. Upper and lower retreat with the gate sword

Round 4 (第四回合)

  1. Upper backhand lifts the sword; lower backhand lifts the wrist
  2. Upper backhand points the wrist; lower backhand lifts the wrist
  3. Upper backhand points the wrist; lower backhand points the wrist
  4. Upper backhand points the wrist; lower backhand lifts the wrist
  5. Upper draws the body back and raises the sword; lower draws the body back and raises the sword

Round 5 (第五回合)

  1. Upper advances and chops; lower retreats and carries the sword
  2. Upper advances and chops; lower retreats and chops
  3. Upper advances, carries and chops; lower retreats, carries and chops
  4. Upper advances and thrusts; lower steps forward, turns and thrusts
  5. Upper steps forward, turns and chops; lower backhand lifts
  6. Upper steps forward with a backhand lift and retreats with the gate sword; lower retreats with the gate sword

Round 6 (第六回合)

  1. Lower steps forward to cut the head; upper dodges and presses the sword
  2. Lower sidesteps, lifts and chops the head; upper lifts, dodges and chops the head
  3. Lower dodges, lifts and chops the head; upper lifts, dodges and chops the head
  4. Lower parries and lifts the wrist; upper parries and lifts the sword
  5. Upper and lower retreat and raise the sword

Closing (收劍式)

  1. Matching cut, matching raise of the sword
  2. Face each other and close

Spear: 13-Spear and 24-Spear

The 13-spear chart has 14 lines including the close (mounted thirteen-foot spear); the 24-spear is a ground set with a six-foot spear.

13-Spear (14 lines incl. close)

  1. Opening: Level Thrust, King of Ten Thousand Methods
  2. Bar Spear, Step Forward Show Force
  3. Ground Snake Blocks the Path, Hidden Body
  4. Golden Boy Delivers the Book, Jade Arm Long
  5. Boy Bows, Guanyin Salute
  6. Flood Dragon Leaves Water, Subdue the Wild
  7. Hungry Tiger Pounces, Overhead Cudgel
  8. Wind Sweeps Plum Blossoms, Fragrance Fills
  9. Diagonal Chop, Dip Step, Block and Advance
  10. Roosting Bird Returns to Woods, Back Horse Spear
  11. Fair Lady Throws Needle, Full of Skill
  12. Clever Cat Pounces Mouse, Best of Methods
  13. General Leads the Troops, Three Cannons
  14. Embrace the Lute, Return Home

24-Spear

  1. Opening: Level Thrust, King of Ten Thousand Methods
  2. Brush Knee, Press Spear, Show Force
  3. Push Block, Follow Knee, Overhead Cudgel
  4. Push Block, Follow Knee, Chop-Crown Spear
  5. Push Block Overhead, Turn Body Point
  6. Golden Boy Delivers the Book, Jade Arm Long
  7. Wind Sweeps Plum, Lock the Throat
  8. Turn Body Heel Kick, Point Snake Spear
  9. Golden Dragon Swings Tail, Chain Turn
  10. Hook and Hang Level, Best of Methods
  11. Wind Sways Lotus, Chain Turn
  12. Golden Cock Stands Alone, Subdue the Wild
  13. Off-Horse Press Cover, Level Posture
  14. Brush Knee Overhead, Sweep the Ground
  15. Fierce Tiger Leaps Stream, Coil Head
  16. Flood Dragon Leaves Water, Best of Methods
  17. Push Block Overhead, Tiger Clips Tail
  18. Left Right Center, Changing Steps Busy
  19. Ground Snake Blocks the Path, Hidden Body
  20. Phoenix Spreads Wings, Face the Sun
  21. Coil Head Cover Crown, Full of Skill
  22. Roosting Bird Returns to Woods, Back Horse Spear
  23. Golden Dragon Swings Tail, Return to Sea
  24. Embrace the Lute, Return Home

7. Push hands techniques

Push hands (tui shou) trains the thirteen core techniques: the eight energies of Peng, Lu, Ji, An, Cai, Lie, Zhou and Kao, combined with the five steps of advance, retreat, left side, right side and central stability. Academy students begin with fixed-step push hands in the four directions and four corners, then single-hand listening practice, moving-step push hands, and the four applications of issuing, seizing, striking and neutralizing. The weapons extend the same principles: the sabre teaches compact decisive power, the sword extends intent to the blade tip, and the spear and sticking pole train whole-body connection at long range.

Entry steps

  • Parallel-step right join
  • Cross-step right join
  • Parallel-step left join
  • Cross-step left join

Hand methods

  • Press method
  • Sticking hand
  • Cutting hand
  • Inner sticking elbow
  • Outer sticking elbow

8. Notes and disputed items

  • 108 / 89 / 84 / 83: breakdown variants of one long form. 108 counts every pause; 89 merges repeats; 83 is the northern square frame; 84 is the southern Wu Chien Chuan mother-chart name.
  • Fast form 94 vs 108 Fast Form: Shanghai fast form 94 and the overseas 108 Fast Form share a root but are different charts — do not treat them as one list.
  • 48-form competition set (1979) ⚠: a national compilation mixing several families; not a Wu family transmission. Marked disputed here as a historical document only.
  • 13 vs 14 spear, 16 vs 18 lines: the 13-spear chart lists 14 lines including the close; the condensed 16 lists 18 lines (opening + 16 + close).

9. Sources

  1. Shanghai Chien Chuan Tai Chi Association syllabus (wustyletaichichuan.com)
  2. Wu Style International / overseas official syllabus
  3. Lineage research notes on related Wu-style branches
  4. 2021 national intangible cultural heritage listing for Wu Style Tai Chi
  5. Wu Kwong Yu 54-form competition materials
  6. 1979 NSC 48-form compilation notes (disputed item)
  7. 45-form competition set (National Sports Commission)
  8. Wang Mao Zhai line studies and Yang Yu Ting standards
  9. Li Jing Wu and Northern line documents
  10. Wu Ying Hua & Ma Yue Liang, Authentic Wu Style Tai Chi (BUPT Press, 1999)
  11. Wu Kung Cho, Wu Family Tai Chi Chuan (Hong Kong, 1980)

Elsewhere online: the link below goes to a separate, independent English-language tai chi site, Taichi Wuji. It is not connected to this Academy's Wu family transmission and is offered only for further reference.

11. FAQ

How many movements are in Wu Style Tai Chi?

The same long form can be counted as 108, 89, 84 or 83 depending on the lineage. 108 counts every pause as one movement; the Shanghai 89 merges repeated names into six sections; the northern 83 square frame uses “odd opens, even closes” for roughly 326 micro-movements. The core postures share one root — only the breakdown differs.

What is the difference between the 108 and the 89 form?

Both descend from the Wu family traditional long form. The 108 counts each pause. The Shanghai Chien Chuan 89 merges consecutive identical names and is divided into six sections (1–16, 17–30, 31–49, 50–55, 56–70, 71–89). Practice is the same; only the syllabus layout changes.

What does “odd opens, even closes” mean in the 83 form?

The northern square frame splits each posture into an opening half (odd) and a closing half (even), giving about 326 micro-movements. It trains precise directions before rounding into circles — a deliberate contrast with the southern round-frame 108.

Which form should a beginner learn first?

Start with the slow (square) frame. The Hong Kong academy begins with the 108 traditional long form; Shanghai lines often start with 89 or the condensed 30 / 16. Learn the fast form only after a solid slow-form base. The 1979 48-form competition set is disputed and is not a family transmission.

How many movements in the Wu sabre and sword?

Overseas: Wu family sabre 108 and combined-route sword 108. Shanghai also has sabre 108, Qiankun sword 89, Seven-Star 54, Chain 75, double sword 42, plus the 13-spear (14 lines including the close) and 24-spear.

What does push hands train?

The thirteen core techniques — peng, lu, ji, an, cai, lie, zhou, kao — combined with the five steps of advance, retreat, side-to-side and central stability. Students begin with fixed-step four-corners practice, then single-hand listening, moving steps, and the four applications of issuing, seizing, striking and neutralizing.