In the early 1990s, based on the martial theory of Peng (Ward-off), Lü (Roll-back), Ji (Press), An (Push), Cai (Pluck), Lie (Split), Zhou (Elbow), Kao (Shoulder Strike), Zuo Gu (Look Left), You Pan (Look Right), Qian Jin (Advance), Hou Tui (Retreat), and Zhong Ding (Central Equilibrium), I selected thirteen movements from the Old Frame First Routine to create a concise and refined Chen Style Taijiquan 13 Postures routine.The 13 Postures include the foundational movement 金刚捣碓 (Golden Warrior Pounds Mortar), the frequently used power-release movement 掩手肱拳 (Cover Hand and Strike with Arm) (a unique Chen Style Taijiquan movement that combines hardness and softness), which can be executed with both hardness and softness or with softness alone. Movements like 揽扎衣 (Tuck and Tie Robe) and 单鞭 (Single Whip) embody the principles of looking left and right, while 六封四闭 (Six Seals and Four Closures) and 单鞭 (Single Whip) represent the opening and closing of the central equilibrium.
The downward posture of 切地龙 (Cut the Earth Dragon) and the upward surge of 金鸡独立 (Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg) create a dynamic interplay of rising and sinking. Movements like 倒卷肱 (Step Back and Whirl Arms) and 白鹅亮翅 (White Goose Spreads Wings) combine advancing and retreating, forming a perfect routine. Over the past decade, the Taijiquan Essential 13 Postures have been widely loved by practitioners and have laid a solid foundation for mastering Chen Style Taijiquan.
Movement Names for Taijiquan Essential 13 Postures
| Number | Chinese Name | English Translation | Hanyu Pinyin | Pronunciation Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 预备式 | Preparation Posture | Yùbèi Shì | Listen | |
| 1 | 金刚捣碓 | Golden Warrior Pounds Mortar | Jīngāng Dǎoduì | Listen |
| 2 | 揽扎衣 | Tuck and Tie Robe | Lǎnzā Yī | Listen |
| 3 | 六封四闭 | Six Seals and Four Closures | Liùfēng Sìbì | Listen |
| 4 | 单鞭 | Single Whip | Dānbiān | Listen |
| 5 | 切地龙 | Cut the Earth Dragon | Qiēdì Lóng | Listen |
| 6 | 金鸡独立（左右） | Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg (Left and Right) | Jīnjī Dúlì (Zuǒyòu) | Listen |
| 7 | 倒卷肱 | Step Back and Whirl Arms | Dàojuǎn Gōng | Listen |
| 8 | 白鹅亮翅 | White Goose Spreads Wings | Bái’é Liàngchì | Listen |
| 9 | 斜行 | Walk Obliquely | Xiéxíng | Listen |
| 10 | 掩手肱拳 | Cover Hand and Strike with Arm | Yǎnshǒu Hōng Quán | Listen |
| 11 | 双摆莲 | Double Lotus Kick | Shuāng Bǎilián | Listen |
| 12 | 当头炮 | Cannon to the Head | Dāngtóu Pào | Listen |
| 13 | 金刚捣碓（还原） | Golden Warrior Pounds Mortar (Return) | Jīngāng Dǎoduì (Huányuán) | Listen |
| 收势 | Closing Position | Shōushì | Listen |