The Order of the Postures
Many teacher of the Cheng Man-ching simplified form number the 37 postures differently. Not a big deal, the purpose of these lists are just an aid or help for beginners to learn and remember the form and sequence. The list below helps as a review or reminder for students learning the form.
1. Prepare tai chi - wu chi
2. Begin tai chi
3. Ward Off, Left
4. Ward Off, Right
5. Roll Back
6. Press
7. Push
3 through 7 is called "Grasping the Sparrow's Tail",
8. Single Whip
9. Raise Hands
10. Shoulder Stroke
11. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
12. Brush Knee, Left
13. Play Guitar or Play "Pipa"
Repeat Brush Knee, Left
14. Step Up and Block
15. Parry and Punch
16. Apparent Close-up or "Withdraw and Push"
17. Cross Hands
18. Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain
Roll Back, Press, Push; Single Whip
19. Fist Under Elbow
20. Step Back and Repulse Monkey, Right
21. Step Back and Repulse Monkey Left
22. Diagonal Flying
23. Wave Hands Like Clouds, Left
24. Wave Hands Like Clouds, Right
25. Single Whip, or "Snake Creeps Down
26. Golden Cock Stands on One Leg, Right
27. Golden Cock Stands on One Leg, Left
28. Separate Right Foot
29. Separate Left Foot
30. Turn Body and Kick With Heel
Brush Knee, Left, Brush Knee, Right.
31. Step Forward and Punch
Ward Off, Right; Roll Back, Press, Push, Single Whip
32. Fair Lady Weaves (Works) Shuttle 1
33. Fair Lady Weaves (Works) Shuttle 2
Fair Lady 3 & 4, "Grasp Sparrow's Tail" Single Whip, "Snake Creeps Down"
34. Step Up to Seven Stars
35. Retreat to Ride Tiger
36. Turn Body Sweep Lotus Leg
37. Bend Bow Shoot Tiger
Step Up, Parry and Punch Apparent Close-up, Cross Hands, End of form.