Tai Chi Styles

The slow forms of Tai chi or tai chi chuan, the dedicated form of slow movement marital art from China include the fast to slow, large and small circle, different leverage expressions through joints and even low and high sitting degrees. There are also solo forms of tai chi routines that address weight-bearing knee stretches. In this style the knees are kept bent throughout the routine and this style improves conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism tremendously. Most masters who teach the ancient art in the west offer dedicated instruction in the art of pushing hands, which is by far one of the core training elements in the art.

The exercises of tai chi are in sync with the philosophy behind every style. For example, if one uses hardness or strength to resist violent an attacking force, then both sides of the body are certain to be injured and this calculation is done mentally and fast. The calculation, at least to some degree, reduces the impact and injury, according to tai chi dedicated theory. The exercises help to formulate an individual way to counter the natural consequence instead of implementing the technique of meeting of brute force with an equal and opposing brute force.

The tai chi students are taught to evade a direct fight and/or resist any force coming towards them. How? Well, the secret lies in meeting the attack with softness. The student of Tai chi or tai chi chuan, the dedicated form of slow movement marital art from China follows the motion of the attacking force and locks on, while remaining in physical contact. This generates a loss of will in the opponent as the incoming force actually ends up exhausting itself. It is then that the art form helps to safely redirect the force and successfully ensure the meeting yang with yin.