Different Types of Tai Chi

The three most popular style of Tai Chi are Yang, Tai Chi Chih and Wu. The Yang style of Tai Chi features 24 movements within a simple form. In the traditional form there are 108 movements. This is an extremely demanding style because you must ensure that your stance is kept wide and the knees must be bent the majority of the time.

In the Wu style, there are between 24 and 36 movements in the short form. In the traditional form there are 100 movements. This is a much gentler style because it utilizes a stance that is higher and narrow. The knees are not as bent to the same degree as within the Yang style.

In the Tai Chi Chih style there are 20 movements. This style also features a higher stance, but the difference is that there is a lower degree of weight transfer from one leg to the other leg. This style is often favored by beginners because it utilizes a stance that is narrow and high, which could make it easier to achieve balance.

Regardless of the slight differences between the different styles, all of the movements are conducted gracefully, deliberately and slowly. Above all, each movement is intended to flow in a seamless manner into the next movement with no hesitation in between.