The 24 Forms is also referred to as the Yang 24, the 24-posture Simplified Form, and the Beijing Form for its place of origin. It is a short version of tai chi composed of twenty-four movements from Yang style tai chi, hence it being more commonly referred to as the Yang 24.
The form was the result of an effort by the Chinese Sports Committee, which, in 1956, brought together four tai chi teachers to create a simplified form of tai chi as a mass exercise. The creators truncated the more modern yang style tai chi routine to 24 forms to give the beginner an introduction to the essential elements of tai chi, yet retain the flavor of the Yang Long Form.
Due to its official promotion, the Yang style has become the most popular tai chi style and the 24 Forms the most-widely practiced tai chi routine in both China and across the world.
The resources available are:
- A list of forms
- The music [a 5:39 min .mp3 audio file]
- A video demonstration by Dr Paul Lam – front view [a 5:35 min .mp4 video file]
- A video demonstration by Dr Paul Lam – back view
- A 2-person YouTube video with mirroring