which tai chi

[ikthius]

Hey everyone,

I have been reading a thread "is tai chi an exercise or martial art?"
And I was wondering.
what is the differences between Yang, Wu, Chen and if I remember correctly Sun tai chi styles. Please could you explain breifly about each style if you know about them (I am a beginner in this field)

I am thinking about training in tai chi to complement my kung fu, so I would like to find a style that will stick with the martial aspect, I am led to believe that tai chi is done slowly, but the sticky hands part can be done a bit faster.

So I am looking for a good all rounder tai chi style

ik

[Wanderer]

In general, Wu style movements are smaller. Yang style movements are bigger. Chen style is the original Tai Ji.

They are all good.

If you may explain a little your Kung Fu, I may be able to give you some pointers on Tai Ji.


:)

[ikthius]

Sorry about the long delay in the reply,

Well my style is based around Lau Gar kung fu.
http://www.laugar-kungfu.com/Classificat.htm

hope the link helps.

I am asking because I found a place near me teaching Wu Chi, I have never heard of it, but I was looking for something that is traditional and yet still does the fighting side of tai chi, like the sticky hands thing.

ik

[Wanderer]

Cool link!

If you have a good foundation with the 5 animal sets and are interested in Tai Ji.

Yang style is the most popular.

Wu and Sun are also good.

Personally I studied Chen Tai Ji when I was in Taiwan in the 80'.

I did study external Kung Fu first. Shaolin Quan, Tai Tzu Chang Quan, Tong Bei Quan and Praying Mantis.

I have a steep learning curve for Tai Ji myself after doing external over a decade beforehand.

In general, Yang may be easier to learn and Chen may be harder. But they are all good.

Whatever is closer or available is always a good way to start.

If you have any question directed to Chen Tai Ji, more than happy to answer for you.

Best of luck.

:)

[Wanderer]

You may have to start with standing practice (Zhuang gong) and spiraling practice (Chan Si Jin), basic moves and steps, then move on to the short and then long form.

There are Qi gong breathing exercises.

There are Jin gong practices: Ti, Anh, Peng Lui Jih Anh Tsai Lei Zhou Kao and Tan Do, etc.

This is the practice of knowing yourself. (Zhi Ji).

Pushhand is to practice to know the opponent's Jin (Zhi Bi).

There are also Qin Na, punch and kicks, too. But mostly push and pull to make the opponent fall.

:cool:

[nzric]

Taiji is about moving naturally and using the most economical methods to achieve a result (either internal health or beating someone up).

First you need to unlearn all the old habits of movement that you've developed since childhood
Then you need to learn how to move naturally
Then you need to learn about economy of movement
Then you need to practice until these movements become smaller, more condensed (economical) and ingrained in your subconscious

It's practiced slowly because of the above reasons, but the more you know your own body, the faster you will be able to practice. Your movements will become more refined but they will be faster. This is the same for any style of taiji.

[ikthius]

Thanks guys,

I will look into it more soon.

I have just found out that someone that comes into my gym teaches tai chi, when I see them I will find out more about it.

About the Wu Chi health and fitness place, this looks like one of those places that will close down in 6 months time without warning..

ik