Types of Tai Chi

Chen Style Tai Chi

Chen style Tai Chi Chuan is the oldest form of Tai Chi from which all the other styles derived. Chen style is known for its lower stances, silk reeling, jumps, stamps and Fa Jing encapsulated within a smooth flowing powerful form. Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan is known by the names Lao Jia, old frame, and Xin Jia, new frame, 18 movement, and Cannon Fist all of which are taught within the UKTQF. These forms are beautiful and have clear martial and health benefits working the body in its entirety.

Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan

The origings of Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan are traced back to Yang Lu Chan (1800-1873) who went to learn Chen Tai Chi Chuan from Chen Chang Xing in the Chen Jia Valley before retuning to his native town to teach a simplified version of the art that was passed on to his grandson whose teachings were taken as the protocol of the Yang-style Chuan. Yang Style Taiji is recognised for large and relatively simplified movements which along with sponsorship form the Chinese Government have helped to make Yang Style one of the most popular styles of Tai Chi practiced in the world today.
In 1956, in a bid to improve the health of the Chinese people, the government of the People’s Republic of China further simplified the learning of Yang Style Tai Chi by introducing the simplified 24 step (The 24 Form), which is well recognised and serves as a positive health practice but is often taught without adhering to health and martial principals of Tai Chi Chuan.

Sun Style Tai Chi Chuan

The initiator of the Sun-style Tai Chi Chuan was Sun Lu Tang (1861-1932). Sun was a recognised master of Xingyi Quan and Bagua Zhang. In 1911, he studied with Hao Weizhen to learning Wu Yu Xiang style of Tai Chi, later evolving what he had learned to create Sun style Tai Chi Chuan. Sun-style Tai Chi is recognised by its small high postures with flowing movements forwards and backwards accompanied by connected arms movements. Sun Lu Tang played a fundamental role in documenting his learning’s in Tai Chi Chuan, Bagua Zhang and Xingyi Quan leading to greater development and understanding around the world.

Lee Style Tai Chi

Lee Family Tai Chi can be traced back to Ho-Hsieh and was brought to the United Kingdom by Chan Kam Lee who taught Grand Master Chee Soo. Grand Master Chee Soo taught and practiced Lee Family Arts throughout the United Kingdom training some of the best martial artists we have in the UK. His teachings looked at all aspects of Chinese Health and Martial Arts. The Lee Family Tai Chi forms and teachings form the basis for many of the Health and well being practices taught by the UKTQF.

Guang Ping Tai Chi

Guangping Tai Chi Chuan clearly illustrates the historical and lineage link between the Chen Family and the Yang Family Taijiquan.

The form incorporates a solid differentiation between yin and yang, as well as a number of well-defined silk drawing movements. This form can be traced from Yang Ban Hou who was the second son of Yang Lu Chan who had learnt Taijiquan from the Chen Family. Yang Ban Hou transmitted his knowledge to only a few disciples one of these was Wang Chiao-Yu who was based in Beijing, he in turn taught Kuo Lien-Ying who was responsible for introducing it to the West.

Made up of Sixty Four Movements which relate to the sixty four hexagrams of the I Ching, this form should be of interest to both Yang and Chen Family Style Practitioners, as well as to the complete beginner, who is interested in accessing a form of movement which gives us a tool with which to take responsibility for our health and well being.

8 Diamond Form Tai Chi Chuan (8 Energies)

8 Diamond Form Tai Chi Chuan Form is based on the foundations of the eight key energies: peng, lu, ji, an, leigh, tsai, kao, zhao. These energies are fundamental to the practice and development of any Tai Chi Chuan Form and any Tai Chi Chuan practitioner. This form is short and accessible with a wealth of depth and knowledge to be found in its simplicity, all the principals and concepts that underpin all Tai Chi Chuan and internal martial arts.