Shi San Shi - 13 Postures

Shi San Shi, or the 13 Postures, is a basic training form that helps us to understand and practice the 8-basic movements or energies of Taijiquan and the 5 steps or directions. There is a version of Shi San Shi for almost every style of taijiquan. The version of Shi San Shi we study was developed by Master Wang Yen-nien (1914-2008), the 4th generation lineage holder for Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan (YMT) as a way to teach the fundamentals of the YMT form.

The eight energies (Ba Jin) or gates of Shi San Shi include:

• • Peng (ward off)

  • Lu (roll back)

• Ji (press)

  • An (push)

  • Cai (pluck)

  • Lie (twist)

  • Zhou (elbow)

  • Kao (shoulder)

The 5 steps/directions include:

• • Forward

  • Backwards

  • Step Left

  • Step Right

  • Central Equilibrium

The form takes 7-10 minutes to perform and is done in three basic cycles or circles. The first two cycles are done to each of the four cardinal directions. The third cycle is done advancing and retreating on each of the four diagonals.