Styles of T'ai Chi Ch'üan

Historically, T'ai Chi Ch'üan has been regarded as a martial art, and its traditional practitioners still teach it as one. Even so, it has developed a worldwide following among many thousands of people with little or no interest in martial training for its aforementioned benefits to health and health maintenance. Some call it a form of moving meditation, and T'ai Chi theory and practice evolved in agreement with many of the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. T'ai Chi is reputed to provide general health benefits and stress management at the beginning and intermediate levels of study.

The following are the major styles of T'ai Chi. There are many derivations and forms contained within each of these styles.

Chen style– Acknowledged as the first and original tai chi form. Characterized by slow, large motions interrupted by occasional outbursts of very fast movements, Chen style uses long stances and emphasizes twisting movements known as Silk Reeling energy. Old frame, small frame, new frame are all versions of Chen style.

Yang style– reputed to have been derived from Chen style this is the most popular form being taught today. Characterized by slow circular motions, the form tends to flow evenly from beginning to end and it is typically taught as large frame form.

Wu style – reputed to be the fourth tai chi form developed and the second most popular. Wu is characterized by

Hao style -

Sun style -

For more information on T'ai Chi please refer to the following website: T'ai Chi