TAIJIQUAN

  • Yang style Taijiquan is the most popular and widely practiced style of taiji in the world today. The founder of Yang-style was Yang Lu-Ch’an aka Yang Fu-k’ui (1799-1872) who studied under Ch’en Chang-hsing in 1820. Yang became a teacher in his own right, and his subsequent expression of t'ai chi ch'uan became known as the Yang-style, and directly led to the development of other three major styles of t'ai chi ch'uanMaster Zhang Luping used to say that Yang style was the easiest one for beginners to develop power and it seems to be true. There are many different kinds of Yang style, long and short. Yang style is a good style for someone just starting out whose body is not in very good shape yet.

Yang Lineage

  • Developed by Master Zheng Manqing, Zheng style Taijiquan is a derivative of the Yang style and is arguably the most recognized version of Taijiquan in the United States. The style is versatile, making it accessible and suitable for practitioners of all levels.

Zheng Lineage

  • Chen style Taijiquan is a large and strong style of taiji. People who practice Chen style must develop great strength in their legs and flexibility in their joints. The powerful twining actions of the gestures in Chen style sets and the complexity of the movements makes this style attractive to those who want a more athletic approach to taiji. Many people learn Chen style only after learning other styles.

Chen Lineage

  • Sun style Taijiquan was created by Sun Lutang around 1916. Master Sun made a style that combined the elements of taiji, baguazhang, and third internal art called xingyi. The style is very lively and quick.

Sun Lineage

  • Hao style Taijiquan is a small, compact style of taiji. The movements of the style are very subtle and the system can be difficult for beginners to learn. People who have practiced Yang and Chen styles tend to have a greater appreciation of the fine points of Hao style and can see the large movements of those styles in the tine movements of Hao style.

Hao Lineage