Tai chi movements are called “forms.” Depending on the style, each form contains 20 to 100 movements. These moves or movements are:
- Soft and continuous. Movements mimic a slow-moving river.
- Calm and quiet. Often, practitioners do not feel the movement, but rather the calmness.
- The whole body is relaxed and moves in a natural way. Practitioners do not use extraneous strength or energy.
- Circular. Movements are not angular or straightforward, especially arm movements. Instead, they follow paths of circles or curves.
Tai chi movements and stances are also deliberate and practiced in pairs of opposites.