Which Direction Should I Face When Practicing the Tai Chi Form?

When learning Tai Chi, it's important to know which direction to face for each movement. Teachers often use compass directions including the cardinal points (North, South, East, West) and intercardinal points (Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Northwest) to guide you.

Start facing North (you don’t have to be facing true north. Just assume that the direction you are facing at the start of the form is North). East is to your right, West to your left, and South behind you. In a square room, the walls represent the cardinal points, and the corners represent the intercardinal points.

Teachers might say things like "turn 90 degrees to the East" or "step to the Northeast corner" or “turn to face the cardinal point”. Understanding these compass-based instructions will help you follow along.