Taichi Basic Knowledge

Different Styles of Taichi

There are many styles of Tai Chi, and the most familiar ones are Chen, Yang, Wu (), Wu () and Sun style.

 

Chen style Taichi is divided into old frame and new frame. The old frame is divided into the series one and two. The characteristics of the movement style to combine both hardness with softness, rapidness with slowness, highlighting the style of Taichi that emphasizes both rigidity and flexibility, and focuses on the spiral operation, which is called winding silk.

 

Yang style Taichi postures are open-up, heavy, steady and natural, standing upright and comfortable, with simple and smooth movements, rigidity and softness, lightness and calmness. There are high, medium and low stance styles.

 

Wu () style Taichi is highlighting the characteristics of softness, roundness and continuous movement. When doing a lunge forward, both toes are required to face forward, which is called a “Chuan ” step. The body style requires the spine to be straight and oblique, that is, a diagonal line is formed between the top of the head and the back heel.

 

Wu-() style Taichi has a compact posture, emphasizing that the left and right hands each control half of the body, the hand does not outreach off the shoulder, the movement is gentle, the footwork is small and flexible, and it emphasizes on the change of the emptiness and solidness, as well as the hidden rotation of the internal energy.

 

Sun style Taichi is characterised by quick, nimble movement, good co-ordination between the opening and closing of the hands, rigorous method of performance, graceful bearing.