1. Chen Style Tai Chi
Chen Style Tai Chi is a traditional form of Tai Chi passed down from the Chen family in Chenjiagou, Wenxian County, Henan Province. The Chen Style routines practiced today are derived from the seven forms created by Chen Changxing (1771-1853) and his contemporary Chen Youben, which were simplified and organized from the original forms of Chen Wangting (1600-1680). There are two main routines: the first and second routines (the second routine is also known as Pao Chui).
The routines created by Chen Changxing are referred to as the “Large Frame”; those created by Chen Youben are called the “Small Frame” or “New Frame”. The two sets of forms are fundamentally similar in structure and style, but differ in the techniques used. Chen Style Tai Chi is the oldest form of Tai Chi practiced today and can be considered the source and mother style of other Tai Chi forms. Other styles of Tai Chi have gradually evolved and innovated based on the two frames of Chen Style.
The main characteristics of Chen Style Tai Chi are: low stances, expansive movements, spiral wrapping, a balance of hardness and softness, a combination of fast and slow movements, and strong offensive and defensive techniques.
Due to different lineages and the long history of its transmission, the Chen Style Tai Chi practiced in various regions may differ. However, its basic characteristics remain relatively similar. Wang Zhajun, the founder of the “Wang Zhajun Tai Chi” brand, is the second-generation inheritor of the Wang Xian Tai Chi style.
2. Zhao Bao Tai Chi
Zhao Bao Tai Chi was created by Chen Qingping (1795-1868) from Zhao Bao Town, Wenxian County, Henan Province. Chen Qingping was originally a descendant of the Chen family from Chenjiagou and learned the “New Frame” from his uncle Chen Youben. After marrying into Zhao Bao Town, he settled there. Based on his own experiences and insights, he created a style different from the original, which was then called the “Zhao Bao Frame” and later referred to as Zhao Bao Tai Chi.
The characteristics of Zhao Bao Tai Chi are: compact stances, natural circular movements, proper alignment, and a soft fullness. This style has not been widely spread, but after the liberation, with the development of Tai Chi activities, Zhao Bao Tai Chi gradually became recognized and spread quickly.
3. Yang Style Tai Chi
Yang Style Tai Chi was created by Yang Luchan (1799-1872) from Yongnian, Hebei Province.
Yang Luchan studied under the famous Tai Chi master Chen Changxing in Chenjiagou, and after achieving success, he went to Beijing to teach Tai Chi. He simplified and innovated the original forms based on the needs of the times and society, removing the more aggressive techniques such as jumping and stomping. The style was further refined by his sons Yang Banhou and Yang Jianhou, and later by his grandson Yang Chengfu (1883-1936).
The characteristics of Yang Style Tai Chi are: graceful and spacious, balanced and complete, slow and gentle, with internal strength, and continuous movements. Due to its ease of teaching and learning, it has become the most widely practiced form of Tai Chi. The establishment and promotion of Yang Style Tai Chi marked a shift from a focus on combat techniques to a focus on health and fitness.
Currently, there are two main methods of practicing Yang Style Tai Chi: one method involves transitioning the weight-bearing leg into a virtual step before adjusting the foot position according to the needs of the form; the other method does not transition the weight-bearing leg into a virtual step but directly adjusts the foot position. Both methods have their advantages and have many practitioners due to differences in lineage and personal understanding.
4. Wu Style Tai Chi
Wu Style Tai Chi was created by Wu Yuxiang (1812-1880) from Yongnian, Hebei Province. Wu Yuxiang initially learned from Yang Luchan and later studied under Chen Qingping in Zhao Bao Town. After returning to his hometown, he spent many years researching and created a unique style of Tai Chi. His disciples Li Yishan (1832-1892) and Hao Weizhen (1849-1920) continuously revised and improved it, gradually forming the distinct Wu Style Tai Chi.
The characteristics of Wu Style Tai Chi are: compact forms, smooth movements, clear sequences, with each posture incorporating opening, receiving, turning, and closing, and clear distinctions between solid and virtual steps. Wu Style Tai Chi was not widely taught before the liberation but gained popularity afterward.
5. Wu Style Tai Chi
Wu Style Tai Chi was created by Quan You, a Manchu from Daxing, Hebei Province, and his son Wu Jianquan (1870-1942). Quan You initially learned from Yang Luchan and later from Yang Banhou. The style he learned from Yang Banhou was a more compact form. Quan You was known for his ability to soften movements, and he passed this on to his son Jianquan. Since Jianquan’s surname was Wu, the style was named Wu Jianquan. It was later refined and established by Wu Jianquan in his later years.
The characteristics of Wu Style Tai Chi are: compact forms, delicate and harmonious, relaxed and natural, with a strong emphasis on softening, and it has a wide spread. Currently, the Wu Style Tai Chi practiced in the south and north has slight differences, with the southern forms being more expansive and the northern forms being more delicate, each having its strengths.
6. Sun Style Tai Chi
Sun Style Tai Chi was created by Sun Lutang (1860-1933) from Wanquan County, Hebei Province. Sun Lutang had a deep passion for martial arts from a young age and was proficient in Xingyi Quan and Baguazhang, making him a renowned martial artist. He later studied Tai Chi under Hao Weizhen. He integrated the three styles of Xingyi, Baguazhang, and Tai Chi to create the unique Sun Style Tai Chi.
The characteristics of Sun Style Tai Chi are: small and compact forms, high stances, agile and light movements, with natural opening and closing; the footwork follows the advance and retreat, with steps always following, and turning to connect movements, hence it is also called “Opening and Closing” Tai Chi. Due to the slightly higher stances and gentle movements, it is particularly suitable for middle-aged and elderly Tai Chi enthusiasts.