Open and Close Hands 開手 / 合手
Kāi shǒu / Hé shǒu
How to do it
Sun-style signature: hands face each other in front of the chest and slowly separate (open, inhale) then come together (close, exhale), feeling the space between the palms.
Step by step
- Hold the hands facing each other in front of the chest
- Slowly separate them (open) while inhaling
- Feel the space between the palms
- Slowly bring them together (close) while exhaling
Breathing
Inhale to open; exhale to close.
Health focus
Breath awareness; ideal for seated practice and calming.
Common mistakes
- Moving too fast
- Tensing the fingers
Martial meaning
Training sensitivity and connection between the hands.
How it varies between styles
| Sun | Links nearly every posture. |
|---|---|
| Seated | A perfect breathing exercise for seated practice. |
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
Internal Tai Chi · 5:35 · YouTube ↗
Videos belong to the channels named and are shared for education. Figures In Space is not affiliated with them.
Move slowly, keep the knees soft and over the toes, and stay within a comfortable range. Every movement can be adapted for a chair.