Closing Form 收勢 / 合太極
Shōu shì / Hé tài jí
How to do it
Turn the palms down, slowly lower the hands to the sides, straighten the legs, bring the feet together and return to stillness. Pause and feel the energy settle.
Step by step
- From Cross Hands, turn the palms down
- Separate the hands to shoulder width
- Lower them slowly to the sides as the legs straighten
- Bring the feet together and rest in stillness
Breathing
Long, slow exhale as the hands lower.
Health focus
Settling the nervous system after practice.
Common mistakes
- Rushing the ending
- Collapsing the posture
Martial meaning
Returns the body to a balanced, ready state.
How it varies between styles
| Yang | Close Tai Ji – return to the starting spot. |
|---|---|
| Chen | Final Buddha's Warrior Attendant then closing. |
| Sun | 'Yin and yang merging as one', return to Wuji. |
| Seated | Lower the hands to the thighs and take three slow breaths. |
Where it appears
- Simplified 24 (Beijing Form) – step 24: Closing Form
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 102: Closing
- Yang Family Traditional 103 Form – step 103: Close Tai Ji
- Chen Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Road) – 74 Movements – step 74: Closing Form
- Wu Jianquan 108 Long Form – step 108: Conclusion of Tai Chi
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 4: Closing Hands
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 9: Closing Hands
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 16: Closing Hands
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 20: Closing Hands
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 28: Closing Hands
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 43: Closing Hands
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 47: Closing Hands
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 52: Closing Hands
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 64: Closing Hands
- Sun Style 73 Competition Form – step 73: Returning to Wuji (Closing)
Animated 2D guide (front view). The highlighted leg carries the weight, the faint trails show the path of the hands, and the cue at the top suggests the breath.
Video demonstrations 影片
Jenny Lu Yoga+ · 5:18 · YouTube ↗
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Move slowly, keep the knees soft and over the toes, and stay within a comfortable range. Every movement can be adapted for a chair.