Square & Round Form Compared

 Several general characteristics between the Classical Tai Chi Square and Round Form 

国

Classical Wu Style

Square

and Round Form

Stephen Hwa

Produced June 2016

Classical Wu Style Tai Chi Square and Round Form

Youtube Video

Round and Square Form Video

Reference found at Amazon: “Uncovering The Treasure: Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health” Stephen Hwa, Ph.D

Page 44, 45

“I want to compare several general characteristics between the Square and Round Form. Not every move in Square Form is internal. It is preparatory training for the Round Form, which is internal in all its movements. Every movement in the Square Form has a clear starting point and ending point with a stop between the moves. The movement between these two points is usually in a straight line and done very crisply and resolutely. Directional changes are usually carried out at these two points. 

These characteristics are opposite to the Round Form, which should have a continuous movement with no apparent starting or ending point. The hand movements are mostly rounded with few straight-line movements.

Therefore, directional changes do not appear at a point but are incorporated into the movement itself as a smooth curvature. Also, the movement in the Round Form should be deliberate and thoughtful instead of crisp and resolute. 

People are often surprised at the direct opposite requirement between the Square and Round Form. This is not unique. Just think about how one learns the art of calligraphy. One first learns how to write in print form, then learns the cursive.

Generative summary

The Square Form also avoids using upper quarter-body movements and other advanced internal movements. These advanced internal movements will only be taught in the Round Form. As a result, some of the movements in the Square Form are different from the Round Form. In the Round Form, the hand does not contact the body. However, there is no such restriction in the Square Form.

I have emphasized the differences between the Square and Round Forms in the above discussions. Actually, there is more sameness than difference. The Square Form fully develops the Internal Discipline of lower body movements. Lower body movements are the foundation of Tai Chi. Poor footwork and poor lower body posture will prevent one from learning Internal Discipline later. It is logical to learn the lower body movements first. In fact, a Square Form lesson by itself is called 'Tai Chi Walk. This should be the first lesson for the student.