Portland Kung Fu Club

Traditional Chinese Martial Arts with Modern Applications

STYLES OF TAI CHI

Comparison of Tai Chi Styles

If you are asking yourself what style of Tai Chi should I learn, then join the crowd. There are many different styles of Tai Chi being practiced all over the world. We will examine the three most popular styles being practiced today inside, and outside of China. We will discuss some general characteristics of the styles. It is well known that there are many variations in most families. We are going to assume that you are a beginner looking for your first experience with Tai Chi.

Chen Style

CHEN STYLE

The Chen Style is typically more rigorous than either the Wu, or the Yang. The movements can be slow and smooth, or they can be fast and ballistic. In addition, some of the postures in Chen Style can be rather difficult to master. Chen still has jumping front kicks and splits in their basic routine. The postures are usually practiced lower to the ground than the other two, and is often more difficult for a beginner to master. A certain level of fitness is presumed for those starting on the traditional Chen Style route.This style of Tai Chi is now mostly taught for health. Chen Style has other forms besides the basic long form, some of which are played in a fast and rigorous manner.

Yang Cheng Fu Single Whip-Yang Style

YANG STYLE

This is the most popular of the top three styles of Tai Chi. It was derived from the Chen Style and extensively modified by the Yang Family. The founder of the style became famous for his fighting abilities while teaching at the royal court in Bei Jing. This style continued to evolve over the succeeding generations and became suitable for the masses. The ballistic movements were removed. The flow of the form was changed to increase balance and control. The movements became large, round and smooth. Over the years, the style also incorporated many indigenous health and spiritual practices. Some of the more difficult postures were modified and increased control replaced the ballistic nature of the Chen Style. These practices helped make Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan not only useful for fighting, but also for improving health. This style can be practiced by young, old, strong and the weak. It is without a doubt the most adaptable of the three. Like the other two styles, Yang is also very powerful in self defense applications. It is also important to note that many different variations of the Yang Style exist. Some variations have forms that are done fast, with more power and with more definitive martial applications.

WU STYLE

Wu style was derived from the Chen and the Yang styles. It is the most compact of the three. This is the second most popular style of Tai Chi behind the Yang Style. It is particularly popular in southeast Asia and Hong Kong. The stances are higher than in either the Yang, or the Chen styles, which makes it easier to practice. The circles are smaller making them easier to do, but decreasing their exercise value. The form is performed slowly, and there is no change of cadence. The basic form is easy to perform, and has no difficult postures, or ballistic movements. Other forms are also practiced in this style, but they are not common.

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