Chen Style Taiji Basic Structure

Note: When setting your structure, work from the ground up. To get a loose, relaxed upper body, you need the stability of the lower body.

• Feet
  • Flat unless in an empty stance
  • Weight evenly distributed over entire foot
• Knees
  • Bent
  • Open, over feet(no inward or outward angle)
  • Not beyond toes
• Hips
  • Relaxed
  • Level
• Low Back
  • Expanded
• Chest
  • Slightly concave
• Shoulders
  • Relaxed(down)
  • Rounded slightly forward
• Arms
  • Maintain fist-size opening in armpit
• Elbows
  • Below wrists when arms are raised
• Wrists
  • Shoulder height or lower unless move is specifically raising them higher
• Head
  • Head suspended from crown which tucks chin slightly
• Tongue
  • Lightly touching the roof of the mouth behind the front teeth