Also known as the 37-step form, the short form was created by Cheng Man Chin, who studied with Yang Cheng Fu. Patience Tai Chi offers an interesting account of the history.

Cheng Man Ching: Yang Short Form

Here’s a video of Cheng Man Chin himself doing 37 form. The movements are styled much like what we do at Master Gohring’s school–but not exactly. One of my Chinese friends is showing me this one at the park on the weekends, and he does it somewhat differently yet. Minor variations in form are endless! I have gotten over being confused by it. For this one, I will try to mimic Cheng Man Ching’s style, since we have this example of the master himself.

The 37 movements are listed below as I’ve identified them, by the names familiar to me; the list on the Patience site is  probably more authentic. From this list, anyone who knows the 108 ought to be able to put together the short form.

1. Commencement
2. Grasp the Bird’s Tail
3. Single Whip
4. White Crane Spreads Wings
5. Brush Knee Push
6. Playing Guitar (plus a second brush knee push)
7. Step Forward Deflect Downward Intercept and Punch
8. Withdraw and Push
9. Cross Hands
10. Embrace Tiger Return to Mountain
11. Grasp the Bird’s Tail
12. Diagonal Single Whip
13. Fist Under Elbow
14. Repulse Monkeys
15. Slant Flying [skip White Crane thru single whip]
16. Cloud Hands
17. Single Whip
18. Snake Creeps Down/Golden Rooster (Right and Left)
19. Separate Right Foot
20. Separate Left Foot
21. Turn and Strike with Heel Left
22. Brush Knee Push (Left and Right)
23. Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Intercept and Punch
24. Grasp the Bird’s Tail
25. Single Whip
26. Four Corners
27. Grasp the Bird’s Tail
28. Single Whip
29. Snake Creeps Down
30. Step Up Seven Stars
31. Ride the Tiger to the Mountain
32. Sweep the Lotus
33. Bend Bow Shoot Tiger
34. Step Forward Deflect Downward, Intercept and Punch
35. Withdraw and Push
36. Cross Hands
37. Feet Together

The form is only about five minutes long, but contains most of the unique movements of the 108 and much less repetition. The major kicking section is altogether missing. So are Part the Wild Horse’s Mane and Needle at Sea Bottom.