Form l: Qi Shi (Beginning Position)

Qi Shi of tai chi (chinese martial arts) refers to the first movement performed when any part of the body starts to move from stillness. It generally begins with one feet moving or taking a step, the knees and crotch bent, the weight held on the lower part of the body, and both hands first rising then falling.

Detail Explanation
Lower limbs: Take a left step shoulder-width apart with the left foot; fall to the ground gradually from the toes to the full sole of foot, with the toes pointing forward and the weight transferred to between the legs; bend the knees and hold weight on the lower part of the body.
Upper limbs: After the foot falls to the ground, raise the arms forward and upward, palms downward, elbows slightly bent shoulder-width apart, until they reach shoulder height; sink the shoulders and elbows, and roll back and push both hands down to the front of the abdomen, with the palms opposite to the knees.

Key Point
Take the step and transfer weight even and slowly,with the foot rising and falling lightly; focus the mind on the wrists when raising the arms, with fingers dropping naturally; as the arms drop, rest the wrists and spread fingers, rolling back and pushing down.