Tai Chi Chuan Forms

There are many Taiji styles that have been created and adapted over the years. Many believe that the Chen style is the originating form however there is no concrete evidence as to which style is the oldest. Some styles blend other styles to create their own.

Read about the history of Tai Chi here.

The Yang style is the most common style that is practiced. This is due to it's continually slow pace throughout the form which differs from the Chen style below which has both slow and fast parts.

History of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan

Style trademarks:

• Fingers are spread lightly through most of the postures
• Rear foot is at 45 degrees during Bow stance which keeps you in a neutral position
• All movements are slow, soft and circular
• Hooks are loose and all fingers lightly touch the palm
• Punches are relaxed and held loosely

Forms and Postures

• Yang Style Traditional Long Form (103 postures)
• Yang Style Long Form (108 postures)
• Yang Style Extended Short Form
• Yang Style Short Form (Cheng Man Ch'ing 37 postures)
• Yang Style Competition Form (49 postures)
• Yang Style Simplified Form (24 postures)

Comparisons:

• Yang Style Traditional Long Form (103 postures)
• Yang Style Form Posture Study. Here you will find a chart that displays which posture is in each of the more popular Yang Style forms.

The Chen style is said to be slightly more difficult to learn. It incorporates explosive power moves with softer moves that build up energy.

History of Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan

Style trademarks:

• Slow and fast pace
• Low stance
• Explosive Power
• Fingers extend at a slight angle from hand
• Circles and twists with varied pacing builds up energy

Forms and Postures

• Chen Style Simplified Form (35 postures)

The Wu style has a more controlled, narrower stance. The rear foot faces foward, not at a 45 degree angle. The weight distribution is more evenly distributed.

History of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan

Style trademarks:

• Fingers extend upwards and are loosely separated
• More pronounced body lean than other styles
• Rear foot faces forward in Bow stance
• Narrower stance
• Front knee bent and back knee relaxed

Forms and Postures

• Wu Style Long Form (108 postures)
• Wu Style International Competition Round Form (54 postures)

The Sun style is the youngest T'ai Chi form. Created by Sun Lutang, it has a high upright posture with compact movements and lively footwork.

History of Sun Style Tai Chi Chuan

The Wu Yuxiang style uses simple, quick, short range movements mostly involving opening and closing of the arms. A compact and powerful form with unusual hand positions and nifty footwork.

History of Wu Yuxiang Style Tai Chi Chuan

Style trademarks:

• More compact
• Excellent for strengthening the hips, legs, knees, ankles, and feet
• Never extend the hands beyond the toes
• Many closings and openings
• Speed is comfortably paced

History of Fu Style Tai Chi Chuan