Tai Chi 108 Form Opening Movements Explained Step by Step

Tai Chi 108 Form – Opening Movements Explained In this video, we break down the opening sequence of the Tai Chi Yang Style 108 Form, focusing on three foundational movements: Opening Posture Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail Single Whip Drop a comment and let me know what you think. For full access to the Tai Chi Code and Walking Code Courses, subscribe here. https://www.movementsphere.com/offers... The full 108 Form with all Core Techniques is already available on the Tai Chi Code Course The Tai Chi Code and Walking Code Courses are all available together with the same subscription These movements set the tone for the entire form. If you understand the core mechanics here, the rest of the 108 becomes much easier to learn and perform with power, balance, and control. We’ll go step-by-step through each movement, with a special focus on: Waist rotation (upper vs lower waist) Hip activation and root Weight shifting and balance How power is generated through the core You’ll also see how these movements connect through the Tai Chi Code principles of Root, Power, and Direction, helping you move beyond memorization and into true understanding. Whether you're a beginner learning the form or an experienced practitioner refining your mechanics, this breakdown will help you move with more clarity and intention. What You’ll Learn: How to correctly perform the Tai Chi opening posture The structure and purpose of Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail How Single Whip integrates rotation, rooting, and reach The role of the waist in controlling movement and generating power Core Technique Reference Ward Off: Extension of the Active Hip Upper Waist Turns toward the active hip Lower Waist Turns toward the active hip Roll Back: Flexion of the Active Hip Upper Waist Turns toward the active hip Lower Waist Turns toward the active hip Press: Flexion of the Active Hip Upper Waist Turns away from the active hip Lower Waist Turns toward the active hip Push: Extension of the Active Hip Upper Waist Turns away from the active hip Lower Waist Turns toward the active hip Pluck: Extension of the Active Hip Upper Waist Turns toward the active hip Lower Waist Turns away from the active hip Split: Flexion of the Active Hip Upper Waist Turns toward the active hip Lower Waist Turns away from the active hip Elbow Strike: Flexion of the Active Hip Upper Waist Turns away from the active hip Lower Waist Turns away from the active hip Shoulder Strike: Extension of the Active Hip Upper Waist Turns away from the active hip Lower Waist Turns away from the active hip