The 13 Postures (or 13 Energies) showcase the 8 upper body and 5 steps we use in self defence and these movement principles can be found in all tai chi postures. Having learned the 8 upper body postures first (including ward off, roll back, press, push, pluck, split, elbow and shoulder) in a stationary position we are now ready to learn the 5 steps, which include forward (advance), back (retreat, stepping to right, stepping to left and balance/centring.