Taiji Quan

“If the opponent’s movement is quick, then quickly respond;
if his movement is slow, then follow slowly.”

Taiji Quan, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, is a style of Kung Fu based upon Taoist philosophy, traditional Chinese medical theory, and ancient fighting strategy stemming from various styles of Shaolin Kung Fu. Chan San Feng, a monk from Wutan Monastery, is credited as the founder of the original Taiji Quan. It is a style of kung Fu that had more than three hundred years of history.

Taiji Quan was originally designed as a self-defense system. Every movement of Taiji Quan training has a very practical and effective self-defense use. The practice of forms are the same whether they are practiced for health or self-protection in mind. Overall Taiji Quan is a relaxed, fluid, fast, and powerful style of Kung Fu with both empty-hand and weapon forms. There are five major styles of Taiji Quan.

Chen Style

The Chen Style Taiji Quan is the oldest style of all the Taiji Quan styles. It was developed by Chen Wangling and passed down to Chen Changxing and Chen Youben. Other styles of Taiji Quan derived from it either directly or indirectly. The Chen Style Taiji Quan composed of jumps, leaps, and explosion of strengths, also known as fajing that differs to most other styles. It is known by the name “Lao Jia” or “Old Frame”.

Yang Style

The Yang Style Taiji Quan was created by Yang Luchan in the 1800s, after learning the Chen Style from Chen Changxing. To suite the need of common people, Yang Luchan made some changes and dropped some highly difficult moves, such as force broad jumps and foot thumping. The Yang Style Taiji Quan features movements and actions combining hardness, softness, and naturalness. It is known by the name “Da Jia” or “Big Frame”.

Wu Style

The Wu Style Taiji Quan is a continuous and innovative style of Taiji Quan that does not require jumps and leaps. Because of its simplicity it spread far and wide among common people. Quan You created the Wu Style after learning the Yang Style from Yang Luchan and his son Yang Banhou. Wu Style Taiji Quan is also known as “Zhong Jia” or “Medium Frame”.

Hao (Wu Shi) Style

The Hao (Wu Shi) Style Taiji Quan was created by Wu Yuxiang. He combined the Yang Style he learned from Yang Luchan and the Chen Style he learned from Chen Qingping. After mastering the two styles, Wu Yuxiang decided to create his own style. Hao (Wu Shi) Style Taiji Quan features compactness, slow movement, and strict footwork. It is known by the name “Xiao Jia” or “Small Frame”.

Sun Style

The most recent of the five major styles of Taiji Quan is the Sun Style. It was created by Sun Lutang, a Xing Yi Quan and Bagua Zhang Master. He created the Sun Style by combining the Hao (Wu Shi) Style Taiji Quan with Xing Yi Quan and Bagua Zhang. He learned the Hao (Wu Shi) Style from Hao Weizhen, a direct disciple of Wu Yuxiang. The characteristics of Sun Style Taiji Quan is that practitioner advance or retreat freely with quick dexterous movements which are connected with each other. The Sun Style Taiji Quan is also known as “Huabao Jia” or “Lively Pace Frame”.

Taiji Quan forms is an effective combination of slow, controlled, relaxed, and balanced movement along with deep, complete breathing and focused concentration. Consistent practice of Taiji Quan forms enhances the function of the circulatory, nervous, respiratory, and digestive system. Because of its self-defense techniques combined with its health benefits, more and more people are getting involved in Taiji Quan training today.