TAI CHI

CARENZA LOU B. FELIX

PATHFIT 1 Instructor
Tai chi has many different
styles. Each style may subtly
emphasize various tai chi
principles and methods. There
are variations within each style.
Some styles may focus on
health maintenance, while
others focus on the martial arts
aspect of tai chi.
Tai chi, also called tai chi
chuan, is a noncompetitive,
self-paced system of gentle
physical exercise and
stretching. Each posture flows
into the next without pause,
ensuring that your body is in
constant motion.
BENEFITS OF TAI CHI
1 Chen-Style
Around the 17th century, the Chen family of the Chen Village in the Henan province of China were
practicing their own unique form of martial arts which became the Chen family style of tai chi. Chen is
the oldest form of the five primary tai chi styles. The others are derived from the Chen family style of tai
chi.
 
Chen style tai chi is characterized by its explosive movements including jumps, kicks and strikes. Silk
reeling—spiral movements that flow from the feet to the hands—is the foundation of Chen style tai chi.
Low, powerful stances develop strength and agility.
 
Slow, graceful movements are alternated with quick, forceful ones. Chen style tai chi provides a good
cardio workout, but requires more athleticism and physical coordination than some of the other styles of
tai chi. This style appeals to young practitioners and martial artists. However, the elderly and those
dealing with back or knee issues may find it challenging.
2 Yang-style
The second most popular style of tai chi is the Wu family style,

3
founded by Wu Ch’uan-yu. This military officer cadet trained under
Yang Lu-ch’an—founder of the Yang style and martial arts
instructor of the Chinese Imperial Guards.
Wu style tai chi is unique in its emphasis on the extension of the body Wu-style
by leaning forward and backward rather than remaining centered,
as one does in the other styles of tai chi. The back leg serves as a
counterbalance, allowing for added extension without losing balance.

Wu style uses a medium stance, and its movements are smaller and
more.
4 Sun-style
5 Hao-style

Practiced by few—even in China—Hao is the least popular of the five styles. This
style puts a strong emphasis on internal qi. Practitioners learn to focus internally
and make significant internal movements to trigger subtle outer movements.
Externally, the movements may look quite similar.
Hao is a more advanced style of tai chi. With a strong focus on controlling the
movement of qi (internal force) this style is not recommended for beginners.
Forms of Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Hand Form
Tai Chi
Hand
Form
Tai Chi Fan Form
TAI CHI SWORD FORM
THANK
YOU!