What Type of Tai Chi Should I Learn?

What Types of Tai Chi Are There, and Which One Should I Learn?

There are many different styles of Tai Chi. So which one should you choose to study? Below is an introduction to the main classifications of Tai Chi.

In fact, all styles are based on the same underlying principles, so any style is beneficial to learn. However, we recommend starting with a traditional Tai Chi routine.

If you're looking to learn Tai Chi in a more systematic and professional way, the author of this article suggests that Yang-style 85 Form is the most suitable for beginners, followed by the Chen-style 18 Essential Form.

If you're interested, you're welcome to register for free in our Program section and start learning!

Classification of Tai Chi (Taijiquan)

Over the course of its development, Tai Chi has evolved into five major traditional styles: Chen, Yang, Wu (Hao), Wu (Jianquan), and Sun. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, simplified and standardized routines such as the 24-form (Simplified Tai Chi), 42-form, 48-form, 88-form Tai Chi, as well as the 32-form and 42-form Tai Chi sword routines, have also been developed.

I. Classification of Traditional Tai Chi

After centuries of inheritance and development, Tai Chi can now be broadly classified into two basic types: traditional Tai Chi and modern Tai Chi.

Traditional Tai Chi refers to styles that have been passed down through generations and have distinct characteristics. These styles have long lineages with numerous renowned practitioners and various branches. The main traditional styles include Chen, Yang, Wu (Hao), Wu (Jianquan), Sun, and He-style Tai Chi.

1. Chen-style Tai ChiOriginated in Chenjiagou, Henan, and was passed down through Chen Changxing, with Chen Fake being one of the most famous exponents. Its characteristics include a combination of softness and strength, fast and slow movements, and variations such as New Frame, Old Frame, Large Frame, and Small Frame.

2. Yang-style Tai ChiYang Luchan studied under Chen Changxing, later taught in Beijing, and passed the style to his son Yang Jianhou, and then to Yang Chengfu who widely promoted it. This style is known for its gentle, smooth, and open movements.

3. Wu (Hao)-style Tai ChiWu Yuxiang first studied under Yang Luchan, then learned from Chen Qingping in Zhaobao, Henan. His brother Wu Chengqing later obtained Wang Zongyue’s Tai Chi Classic. Wu Yuxiang deeply researched and refined the style. Its movements are agile, and the footwork is light and quick.

4. Sun-style Tai ChiDeveloped by Sun Lutang, based on the teachings of Hao Weizhen. Its characteristics include coordinated opening and closing, compactness, agility, and lively steps.

5. Wu (Jianquan)-style Tai ChiWu Jianquan studied under his father Wu Quanyou, who was a disciple of Yang Luchan. He developed the style into a system of its own. This style is gentle, compact, and moderately sized.

II. Classification by Frame Size

Tai Chi can also be classified by the size of the frame (stance/posture):

1. Large FrameRepresented by Chen-style, Yang-style, 88-form, 24-form, and 42-form. It features expansive and graceful movements with both lightness and stability.

2. Medium FrameRepresented by Wu (Jianquan)-style, characterized by moderate movement size and an emphasis on softness and fluidity.

3. Small FrameRepresented by Sun-style, known for compact, tight movements with agile footwork and a lively body.

III. Contemporary Tai Chi Forms

Modern Tai Chi developed especially after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, building on traditional styles with modifications for easier practice and mass promotion. These include standardized routines created by the national sports authorities for promotion, competition forms, self-designed routines inspired by traditional styles, and newly created routines by individual practitioners.

The main state-promoted routines include:8-form, 16-form, 24-form, 32-form, 42-form, 48-form, and 88-form Tai Chi.Additionally, routine variations have been created for different styles:40-form Yang-style, 56-form Chen-style, 45-form Wu-style, 73-form Sun-style, and 46-form Wu (Hao)-style.

1. 24-form Tai ChiAlso known as Simplified Tai Chi, created in 1956 by the State Sports Commission to strip away sectarian elements and reduce martial characteristics. Based on Yang-style and compiled by masters such as Chu Guiting, Fu Zhongwen, Cai Longyun, and Zhang Yu. It is simplified for national fitness promotion and takes around six minutes to perform.

2. 32-form Tai ChiA designated routine for 4th-level practitioners in the Chinese Wushu Duanwei system. Mainly based on Yang-style, with techniques drawn from Chen, Wu, and Sun styles. It is standardized and elegant, representing a deeper progression after beginner levels.

3. 42-form Tai ChiA competition form using Yang-style as its foundation, incorporating elements of Chen, Wu, and Sun styles. It maintains the continuous, soft, circular, and natural movement of traditional Tai Chi, emphasizing the integration of intent and movement, softness and strength. It has a moderate level of difficulty and physical demand.

4. 48-form Tai ChiCreated in 1979 by the Wushu Research Institute under the State Sports Commission. It includes 48 movements divided into six sections. Based on Yang-style with elements from other styles and some innovations, it emphasizes symmetry and completeness. It takes about 8 minutes to perform and is ideal for both fitness and promotion.

5. 88-form Tai ChiA standardized Yang-style large-frame routine compiled by the Chinese Sports Commission. It serves as an advanced practice and model for Tai Chi enthusiasts and researchers.

IV. Major Differences Between Traditional and Modern Tai Chi

1. Martial ApplicationTraditional Tai Chi retains a strong focus on martial arts application. As a form of Chinese martial arts, it embodies techniques such as dynamic stillness, yielding to overcome force, responding to changes, and combining offense with defense. Its principles emphasize realism and combat effectiveness.

   Modern Tai Chi, on the other hand, has relatively weaker martial applications. With advances in military technology and changing social needs, Tai Chi has evolved from emphasizing combat to promoting health and artistic expression. Since the founding of New China, the government has actively promoted Tai Chi as part of a national fitness initiative. Its qualities of relaxation, balance, fluidity, and wellness benefits make it highly suitable for this purpose.

2. Difficulty LevelTraditional Tai Chi is more complex. It includes not just routines, but also push hands, sparring, and internal energy training. Its theories and methods are profound, making it harder to learn and master.

   Modern Tai Chi focuses mainly on routines. While it borrows from traditional forms, it simplifies and standardizes the movements, making it easier to learn and more accessible for the general public.