Learn Tai Chi 24 Step: Grasp Peacock’s Tail (Both Sides)

Grasp Peacock’s Tail: Tai Chi 24 Form

Sometimes this move may be referred to as Stroking a Peacock’s Tail, but it is equally OK to grasp it. Either way, no peacock’s are harmed in the performing of this move.

This move is notable for its various weight transfers, but also we’re going to do it in two different directions, so it involves a 180 degree turn.

Part of Learn the Art of Moving Meditation

This lesson is part of the Learn the Art of Moving Meditation with Richard Neville Tai Chi follow-along course, which is available at my online SHOP

You will get immediate access to over 40 short videos that break down each of the 24 Steps (moves) that make up the Simplified 24 Step Tai Chi Form.

I show you each Step from different angles, and where to put your mental energies – even what you might imagine when doing a move.

Each Lesson comes with additional text to explain even more about the moves, but my priority is just to get you having a go! The text in this post is an example of the EXTRA info that I provide to help you get the most out of the videos.

Once you know the basics of Tai Chi, the world, and a multitude of different Forms, awaits you!

Tai Chi as a Stretch

This Step is a good example of where ‘my’ Tai Chi might be a little more flamboyant than some others. When I push the ball over to the side I go quite high, and keep my arms nearly straight. I do this because I think it works extremely well as a stretching exercise, and it also feels really good. If you don’t have this kind of mobility, however, then it is perfectly fine to wind this in a bit, keep the arms nice and bent, and only bring the hands up to shoulder level. The other instructions still apply however you want to perform this element.

Moving the arms by turning the waist is a key point to remember in this lesson, because it is a good lesson in strength. If someone had hold of your arms in the top position and you tried to pull them away using arms strength alone, you would struggle – it doesn’t matter how strong you are. If, however, you forget to some extent about using your arms and you utilise your waist instead, your strength and power increases massively, and someone would struggle to hold YOU.

Less is More in Tai Chi

The various weight transfers are also all about power. If you only watched the top half of the video, then you may say this was an arm heavy step, but there is actually very little arm movement, it’s nearly all weight transfers from leg to leg.

The reason for the hands is similar to what you did during Play the Lute (an earlier Step in the Form). In rolling back (i.e. sinking into the back leg) you’re letting your opponent come towards you (but maintaining your personal space!), but then you’re placing the heels of your hands under their ribcage then flinging them away from you. Same principle if you’re focusing on ridding yourself of negative energy.

When I mention ‘wiping’ the back of a hand, it is a way of getting out of a situation where someone has hold of your hand. You’re using the tips of your fingers to push under their hand and use the force of your arm muscles to almost scrape them off.

As someone who has had this demonstrated on them, you really do fly backwards when someone puts their hands under your ribs and pushes away and up!

The only tip I can write down about the turn is to follow the instructions on the video. Most people, if they come on to their heel, will be able to just let the foot turn naturally, but some people may need to add a little bit of intent. Until you know what kind of person you are, then I suggest practicing a good few times and trying to combine the arm, leg and foot movements into one graceful step.