Styles of Tai Chi Chuan
As is natural with many martial arts, Tai Chi has progressively split into different factions over the years. Different Tai Chi masters place emphasis on different parts of the art, modifying, preserving or modernising as they see fit. There are currently five major internationally recognised styles of Tai Chi Chuan known as family styles.
Let's take a look at each of these in turn so that you can decide which style of Tai Chi may best fit you.
Chen Style
Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan is the original and most martial of all the styles. As a distinct style of martial art, Chen style can be historically traced to the Chen village in the 17th century. It was a closed secret, taught to outsiders on only one occasion (which resulted in loss of secrecy and a new style) until it was made public in the early 20th century.
Chen style concentrates more on the art of silk reeling (a continuous cycling hand technique of Chi Gung)and the application of Fa Jing (sudden explosive movements) than its subsequent off-shoots. In addition to silk reeling, a Chen style class usually begins with Chi Gung warm-up to work internal power, and stances are worked to improve overall body conditioning. Chen Style Tai Chi includes many weapon forms that are not commonly seen in the other styles such as the Kwan Dao (Halberd) form and many double weapon forms. Additionally, some weapons forms are used for partner training and body conditioning such as the Gun (staff). Pole shaking is used to strengthen arms and two person forms have one student dodging a staff, while the other thrusts it at him in a set pattern.
Chen style Tai Chi sees itself as an effective martial art and practitioners generally take the view that a student's ability in self defence is a good indication of the level of his expertise. This directly contrasts with many modern Tai Chi styles, where real world self defence ability is of little or no consequence in the discernment of excellence. Furthermore, many other styles do not teach silk reeling at all. Later, modernisations born from the Chen style could be broadly said to have removed many of the more difficult postures and weapons forms, from the original Tai Chi. Thus, it is only in Chen (and to a lesser degree Wu) that you will find explosive leaps, strikes and focus on weapons training as a way to enhanced strength.