Interactive Chair Tai Chi Tutorial
Learn 10 core chair tai chi movements through animated visual guidance, step-by-step instructions, and real-time breathing cues.
No video needed. No signup. Just press play and follow along at your own pace.
Works on any device. Each movement auto-plays with animated guidance you can pause and repeat.
Follow Along: 10 Core Movements
Watch the animated figure demonstrate each movement while you read the instructions. Press play to start — the tutorial auto-advances through all 10 movements, or click any movement to jump ahead.
Movement 1 of 10
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起势 — Opening Form
Press play to begin
Movement 1 of 10
Opening Form
起势 Qǐ Shì
The opening form centers your mind and establishes the breathing rhythm for the entire practice. Like pressing a reset button for your body and mind.
Inhale as arms rise, exhale as arms lower
- 1Sit upright at the front edge of the chair, feet flat, hip-width apart
- 2Rest hands on thighs, palms facing down
- 3Slowly raise both arms forward to shoulder height
- 4Pause briefly, then gently press hands back down as if through water
All Movements
1/10 completed
Breathing Technique
Chair tai chi uses abdominal (diaphragmatic) breathing coordinated with movement:
- Inhale through the nose on rising/expanding movements (4–6 seconds)
- Exhale through the mouth on sinking/pressing movements (4–6 seconds)
- Breathe into the dantian (丹田) — 3 finger-widths below the navel
- Never hold your breath — if synchronization is hard, just breathe naturally
Typical Session Flow (20–30 min)
Centering (2–3 min)
Sit quietly, close eyes, 3 deep cleansing breaths
Warm-Up (3–5 min)
Neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, wrist and ankle circles
Opening (1–2 min)
Opening Form to establish rhythm and intention
Core Forms (12–18 min)
6–10 movements, each repeated 4–8 times per side
Closing (1–2 min)
Closing Form — gathering energy to dantian
Cool Down (2–3 min)
Gentle stretches, self-massage, seated stillness
How to Use This Tutorial
This interactive tutorial is designed to replace video for anyone who wants to learn at their own pace with clear visual guidance.
Watch the Animation
The animated figure shows exactly how each movement flows. Watch the arm and torso motion before trying it yourself.
Read the Instructions
Each movement includes step-by-step text, breathing cues, and benefits. Use the instructions alongside the animation.
Follow the Breathing
The breathing guide pulses in real-time. Match your inhales and exhales to the rhythm as you practice.
Practice at Your Pace
Pause, repeat, or skip ahead. The tutorial remembers your position. Come back anytime to review.
Everyone Can Follow This Tutorial
The interactive format works especially well for people who prefer reading to watching video, those with hearing difficulties, or anyone who wants to learn without streaming.
Visual Learners
The animated figure shows movement flow more clearly than static images, without the complexity of video.
Self-Paced Learners
Pause, rewind, and repeat any movement as many times as you need. No instructor to keep up with.
Low-Bandwidth Users
Works offline after loading. No video buffering, no ads, no distractions — just the movements.
Group Facilitators
Project the tutorial on a screen while guiding a group. The large, clear animations are easy to follow in a classroom setting.
Continue Learning
Use these resources alongside the interactive tutorial to deepen and expand your practice.
Interactive Tutorial FAQ
Common questions about using this animated chair tai chi tutorial.
Ready to Start Practicing?
Scroll up to the tutorial and press play — or begin the structured 4-week course for a guided learning path.