While there are many different forms of tai chi, they all adhere to the basic principle that the mind and body are connected. Tai chi is a martial art akin to a moving meditation, and it relies on balancing the mind and body to achieve harmony and good health. The basic differences in the forms are the speed at which the poses are initiated and the length of time each pose is held.
Chen Style
According to tai chi masters at the UK Taiji Qigong Foundation, chen-style tai chi is the oldest form of the martial art from which all others forms are built. The stances, jumps, silk reelings and stamping movements of the chen style work all the muscles in the body and include smooth flowing moves. Chen style tai chi is also referred to as xin jia, cannon fist and 18 movements.
Yang Tai Chi
Yang tai chi forms date back to the 1800s when Yang Lu Chan learned the Chen style and simplified the moves to bring it to the Chinese masses. Yang tai chi is known for its large and simple movements that are easily performed by most people. Yang tai chi was adopted as a national health initiative by the Chinese government, which narrowed the form into 24 simple moves. It is one of the most popular forms of tai chi in the world, according to masters at the Taiji Qigong Foundation.
Sun Style
The sun form of tai chi involves smaller movements that utilize pronounced and quick arm movements. Sun Lu Tang developed the style of martial art in 1911 after studying with Hao Weizhen. The arm movements that dominate the sun style connect forward and backward movements into a fluid style. The sun style has been combined with elements of yang tai chi for modern applications used to treat arthritis and for seniors needing flexibility and relaxation exercise.
Guan Ping Tai Chi
Guan ping is made up of 64 movements that correspond to the 64 hexagrams in the I-Ching. It is dedicated to the difference between the yin and yang with its balanced positions and likeness to both its chen and yang forbears' styles. Ynag Ben Hou, a son of Yang Lu Chan, developed the style of martial art in secret and taught it to only a few of his own disciples, who in turn taught the techniques to students in the West.
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