The Chinese martial art known a tai chi, or "meditation in motion," is typically practiced to eliminate stress and tension, and enhance overall health. Originally intended as a means of self-defense, tai chi is a sequence of slow and controlled positions or movements that bring together mind and body. There are five major family styles of tai chi. Each stresses the principles and methods of the martial art in its own way.
Chen
Chen style tai chi began nearly 400 years ago in Chen Village during China's Ching Dynasty. Built on family-taught battle methods, this once-secretive style of tai chi was handed down to each generation by the men living in the village. This style highlights lower-body positions and bigger motions. It also employs a technique known as silk reeling. Students send energy via their legs and torso before dispensing it by way of their hands and feet.
Yang
Yang is the most popular and widely practiced of all the family styles of tai chi. This is due in large part to the Yang family's desire to share its methods with the public instead of keeping it to themselves. Dating back to the early 19th century, it was first introduced by Yang Luchan. Originally schooled in the Chen method, Luchan went on to create his own unique style that boasts a straighter and taller stance for carrying out the evenly paced and connected movements. Students are taught to distribute their weight on either leg, depending on the stance. One leg always bears more weight and the knees never extend beyond the toes.
Wu
The Wu family style is the second most popular and modern of the tai chi methods. Founded by Manchurian military officer Wu Quan-You, it features distinguishing hand movements. Students learn to execute small circular movements that include grabbing, throws, tumbling, jumping, tripping, pressure-point leverage and joint locks and breaks. The carriage is tight, the pace is slow and the energy is transferred through spherical movements.
Sun
Sun tai chi chuan, which originated with Sun Lutang, is the fourth most popular family style. It is famous for its soft, flowing motions as opposed to the squatting and jumping associated with other forms of tai chi. Sun style is also known for its distinctive footwork. One foot always follows the other, whether advancing or retreating.
Wu Yu-Xiang
This style of tai chi was named for its founder. It is characterized by tight, deliberate movements and exact footwork. The upper body and abdomen stay erect while the body is in motion. The hands control their respective sides of the body. One never encroaches on the other and they do not extend beyond the feet.
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