The 5 Major Taijiquan Styles

[TreacherousThrive]

I am researching the top 5, or what I consider to be the type 5 Tai Chi/Taijiquan styles. I excluded the original style though, because I'll add it later on. In other words I worked out too much and need a nap. Leave comments please.

The History and Origin of
Wu Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan)

Master Wu Chuan Yau (1834-1902) founder of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan was a Manchurian member of the Imperial Guard in Beijing. He studied Tai Chi Chuan under Master Yang Lu Chan, founder of Yang Style, and his son, Yang Ban Hau. Master Wu Chuan Yau was taught the complete system, nothing was held back; his area of specialization being neutralization.

Second generation Master Wu Chien Chuan (1870-1942), was employed by the Ching Court in the Palace Battalion of the Imperial Guard. After Emperor Puyi abdicated from the Throne, Master Wu Chien Chuan was recommended by Chief of General Staff, Yin Chuang, to President Li Yuan Hong. In 1914 he was appointed Military Instructor and Martial Arts Advisor to the Eleventh Corps of the Presidential Body Guards. Master Wu Chien Chuan did much to popularize Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan, which is named after him. He was also an accomplished archer and horseman. A very close relationship was maintained with the Yang family and Wu Chien Chuan would often practice push hands with Yang Cheng Fu. He modified his father’s form and created many new ways of utilising the Form in a practical manner, including the use of a narrow circle. Master Wu Chien Chuan established the first Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy in Shanghai in 1935 and appointed his son-in-law Master Ma Yueh Liang Vice President.

Third generation Master Wu Kung Yi (1900-1970) eldest son of Master Wu Chien Chuan did a great deal to establish Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan in the Orient. In response to a challenge about the credibility of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan as a fighting art, a famous fight took place in Macau on the17th January 1954 between Wu Kung Yi, 53 years old at the time, and 30 year old Chan Hak Fu, a highly regarded exponent of White Crane, a renowned external martial art. During the first round Wu Kung Yi incapacitated Chan Hak Fu for some time with a nosebleed. After the second round the judges were so afraid of what might happen if the fight were allowed to continue, stopped it, declaring neither side won, lost or drew. The validity of Wu Style, as a martial art, was proven. All the proceeds from the fight went to charity. Master Wu Kung Cho (1903-1983) second son of Master Wu Chien Chuan was an all-round expert in Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan.

He was the author of the classic ‘Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan’ (nicknamed The Gold Book), which was first published in Chinese in 1935, and again in 1980. It is due to be published in English for the first time. Master Wu Ying Hua (1907-1997) daughter of Master Wu Chien Chuan started to learn Tai Chi Chuan when she was 9 years and started teaching at age 15 years. She was responsible for the reopening in the late 1970’s of the Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan Academy in Shanghai. She became Chief Instructor of the Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan section of the Physical Education Palace in Shanghai.

Fourth generation Master Wu Tai Kwei (1923-1970) eldest son of Master Wu Kung Yi was a much respected martial artist; he did a great deal to consolidate Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan in the Orient, appearing regularly on television in Hong Kong and Singapore. He was also responsible for introducing Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan to Japan in the 1950’s. Master Wu Tai Chi (1926-1993) second son of Master Wu Kung Yi, taught Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan throughout SE Asia and established an academy in Malaysia. He also started the Toronto Academy in 1975. In 1976 he returned to manage the Hong Kong Headquarters of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan. Responsibility for the running of the Toronto Academy was taken on by Master (Eddie) Wu Kwong Yu. Master Wu Yan Hsia (1930-2001) daughter of Master Wu Kung Yi dedicated her life to teaching and promoting Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan, was a specialist in the Wu Style Tai Chi Sword Form and became Chairman of the Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan Academy Headquarters. Master Wu Tai Sin (1933-2005), son of Master Wu Kung Cho. After the charity fight between Wu Kung Yi and Chan Hak Fu in Macau in 1954, Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan became very popular and Master Wu Tai Chi and Master Wu Tai Sin were sent by Master Wu Kung Yi to establish academies in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Manila. Master Wu Tai Sin was a specialist in sabre training. He was Chairman of the International Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan Federation and President of Wu’s Tai Chi Chuan Academy Headquarters in Hong Kong.

Fifth generation Master (Eddie) Wu Kwong Yu (1946-), only son of Master Wu Tai Kwei, transferred from Hong Kong to Canada in 1976 to take over the running of the Toronto Academy, and promote Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan in North America. Master (Eddie) Wu Kwong Yu is Gate-Keeper of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan and is the Head of Wu Family Tai Chi Chuan. He is Chairman and President of the International Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan Federation and also holds positions in a number of influential Wushu organizations. He spends a considerable amount of time traveling around the world promoting Wu Style, including Europe and in particular, the UK. Following discussions with interested parties including the Chinese Government, he was instrumental in introducing the Wu Style International 54 Competition Round Form, which has become a worldwide standard for judging Wu Style competitors. Master Wu Hsia Fung (1949-) daughter of Master Wu Tai Kwei introduced Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan to Vietnam and received an award from the Ching Wu Society for her endeavors.

Sixth generation Master (Austin) Wu Chung Him (1972-), eldest son of Master (Eddie) Wu Kwong Yu, trains and teaches at the Toronto Academy and is a member of the Academy Demonstration Team. Master (Edward) Wu Chung Wei (1974-), second son of Master (Eddie) Wu Kwong Yu, trains and instructs at the Toronto Academy and is part of the Academy Demonstration Team.

Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan continues to grow in popularity with many thousands of practitioners worldwide. Information was received from Wu Style UK - History Of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan

[TreacherousThrive]

I could only find a limited amount of information at the moment, I'll try to get more in depth later.

The History and Origin of
Sun Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan)

Sun style Tai Chi gets its name from its founder, Master Sun Lu Tang (1861-1932). Sometimes it is called Sun Style Taijiquan. Although most schools of Tai Chi were meant to train soldiers, Master Sun hoped Sun Style Tai Chi would used for peaceful purposes, such as to promote health and well being. This school of Tai Chi is considered one of the easiest for anyone to learn, as most positions and movements are done with your feet on the floor and no more than shoulder width apart. You don’t have to worry about going upside down or playing a martial arts version of Twister.

About Master Sun

Master Sun Lu Tang was born weak and malnourished. He was from a poor family, so food was an unsure commodity. But, like every other Chinese boy, he had to work. He did have some schooling, but his family’s poverty forced him to quit and get a job as a servant boy. His master’s son beat him up regularly. Wanting to know how to protect himself, he eventually trained with a local martial arts instructor. He fell in love with the dance and motion of Tai Chi.

Eventually, he was able to leave his job and work in his uncle’s calligraphy workshop. There he met many people who helped and encouraged his Tai Chi training. Then eventually, he was allowed to study with the famous and respected Master Li Kui Yuan, who taught Xing Li Tai Chi.

As the years progressed, Master Sun mastered three schools of Tai Chi. After such study, he devised Sun Style tai chi, which incorporated what he thought was the best of the three Tai Chi movements that almost anyone could learn and benefit from. No longer was he a poor weak boy who got beat up. But, from all accounts, he was a gentle, humble man who had found happiness in Sun style Tai Chi and wanted to teach others.

Modern Times

Master Sun had many followers who shared their knowledge of Sun Style Tai Chi. You can see Sun Style Tai Chi in books, YouTube videos and instructional DVDs and videos. You can get instruction from real people, if you so choose, in many places. Although one of the youngest schools of tai chi, Sun Style Tai Chi is also one of the most popular schools. You really should try the beginner lessons before advanced, just to give your body the proper strength to handle the repetitive advanced movements. Taken from The History Of Sun Style Tai Chi, Tai Chi Website

[TreacherousThrive]

Ch'ang style is the one I plan on learning, its my preffered style.

The King of Shuai Chiao

Ch'ang style Tai Chi Chuan is the style of Tai Chi Chuan named after the late Ch'ang Dung Sheng (1906-1986). Ch'ang was one of the most extraordinary martial artists of the 20th century. His accomplishments speak for themselves. At the age of 17 he became the Grand Champion of China by winning the heavyweight division of China's national kung-fu match, a feat unheard of for someone so young, and he wasn't even a heavyweight.

He then traveled throughout China training with top masters and meeting any and all challenges. The people he fought with and trained with included the most elite Tai Chi, Bagua, Hsing-I and wrestling masters of our century. Incredibly, Ch'ang went to his grave at the age of 80 having never lost a fight.

What made Ch'ang's kung fu so remarkable? In a word (or two), Shuai Chiao. Shuai Chiao is the Chinese art of grappling and throwing, and Ch'ang was the undisputed "King of Shuai Chiao." Renowned throughout China and Taiwan for decades, his fame didn't spread to the West until the 1970s and 1980s when many top Western martial artists first learned of Shuai Chiao and the incomparable Ch'ang Dung Sheng.

Robert W Smith and Donn F. Draeger featured him in the "Gallery of Chinese Boxing Masters" in their widely read book, "Asian Fighting Arts," and Smith featured him as "The Wrestling Champion" in his "Chinese Boxing, Masters and Methods." Dozens of magazine articles appeared on Ch'ang by Americans who had trained with him.

Complete Martial System

Shuai Chiao, the oldest of China's many martial arts, goes back to the earliest days of the Shang dynasty. Then known as Chiao Ti, Shuai Chiao included the wearing of horned helmets, which contestants used to gore each other as they threw and grappled with each other. Later the helmets were discarded, but the concept of throwing and grappling remained and evolved into modern Shuai Chiao. Today's Shuai Chiao emphasizes throws and sweeps but it is a complete system that includes strikes, kicks, Chin Na and groundwork.

According to Ch'ang, any strike, kick or lock should really be part of a throw or take-down -- you should knock out your opponent or break his limbs as you're in the process of throwing him to finish him off.

Ch'ang began learning Shuai Chiao as a small boy from several famous teachers, the most notable being Ch'ang Fong Yen, the top student of the Shuai Chiao expert Ping Ching I. It was Ch'ang Fong Yen's daughter whom Ch'ang would eventually marry, attesting to the high regard his master had for him. Though already a formidable fighter as a teenager, Ch'ang had an insatiable appetite to learn more kung fu. He mastered the three major styles of Shuai Chiao (Baodin, Peking, Tientsin) and then went on to master Hsing-I Chuan, Bagua Chang, Tai Chi Chuan, Shaolin Lohan and Ba Shou Chuan. Shuai Chiao is an art form that is often classified somewhere between internal and external kung fu, so Ch'ang already understood the need to minimize Li (external strength) and maximize yi (mind intent) and chi (internal energy).

When he supplemented his Shuai Chiao with the three major internal art forms, his power became virtually unstoppable and he became so fluid and smooth that two, three or even four techniques would seem to flow into one effortless technique. This is when he earned the nickname "Flying Butterfly" in recognition of his unparalleled grace and beauty in combat. He was an unbeatable mar-tial artist -- and he was only getting better.

Meeting General Li

Ch'ang became an instructor at the famous Nanking Martial Arts Institute which was established in 1927 by the nationalist leader General Chiang Kai Shek and overseen by, among others, General Li Chin Lin, chief instructor of the fourth and fifth armies under Chiang. Several of China's most notable martial artists taught at the institute: Yang Ch'eng Fu (Tai Chi Chuan), Sun Lu T'ang (Bagua Chang) and Fu Chen Sung (Bagua Chang), to name a few.

General Li, the pre-eminent swordsman of the time and an expert fighter, challenged Ch'ang Dung Sheng to a friendly match. Much to his surprise, the young Ch'ang soundly beat him. Ch'ang, though he had beaten Li, was impressed by Li's Tai Chi Chuan, believing it came the closest of any he'd seen to the true Shuai Chiao combat forms. Ch'ang saw how the softness and yin/yang concepts could enhance his Shuai Chiao. Li agreed to teach Ch'ang his Tai Chi form, and Ch'ang in turn taught Li the Shuai Chiao applications of the form. Together they modified the form somewhat to eliminate weak postures that a Shuai Chiao master would pounce upon, and Ch'ang altered certain postures to optimize combat—and especially throwing opportunities.

Thereafter, Li was said to be unbeatable in his Tai Chi Chuan. And therein lies the origin of Ch'ang style Tai Chi Chuan.
Of all the major styles of Tai Chi Chuan, Chang's style most closely resembles the Yang style. Ch'ang told adopted godson Frank DeMaria that General Li Chin Lin's Tai Chi originally came from an unnamed Taoist source, though clearly it was also influenced by the Yang style, probably because of Li's close association with Yang Ch'eng Fu. In Ch'ang's solo form, the postures are very big and open, and the form is done at one continuous, smooth pace like the Yang style. Many of the postures correspond with Yang style postures, and even some of the sequences are alike.

Ch'ang always referred to his Tai Chi simply as "Tai Chi," never choosing to distinguish or name it as a particular style and never presuming to call it his own style. Only later did his students, and in particular DeMaria, convince him to put his name to his style and give it the recognition it deserved. With the publishing of DeMaria's book, "Ch'ang Shih Tai Chi Chuan" in 1986, which included Ch'ang's dedication and seal, Chang style Tai Chi Chuan officially came to be.

Though Ch'ang had mastered all the major internal arts as well as his Shuai Chiao, he never blended or synthesized new styles. Unlike, say, the Sun style of Tai Chi, which mixes elements of Bagua and Hsing-I with Tai Chi, Ch'ang always practiced and taught each art form separately. He believed that each style should be practiced according to its own methods and principles if one is to be able to fully develop those principles.

[TreacherousThrive]

Eliminating the Weaknesses

Once the principles are fully understood then the methods can be blended during fighting. Chang's genius was in being able to not only maintaining each style's purity, but to actually strengthen each style as he mastered it. Along with developing one of the most combat-effective Tai Chi styles, Ch'ang also modified Hsing-I to create Ch'ang style hsing jin churn, meaning "best of Hsing-I." He had a great respect for Hsing-I and practiced it all his life, but the simple fact was that no Hsing-I masters could ever beat him with conventional Hsing-I. With his keen eye and unmatched Shuai Chiao experience, Ch'ang always saw the weaknesses of their methods. Those were the very weaknesses that he eliminated from his own Hsing-I, much as he had eliminated conventional weaknesses in his Tai Chi Chuan.

In Ch'ang's Tai Chi Chuan, adhered to is every principle of the Tai Chi Classics. If you watch the solo form you will see only Tai Chi postures, not Shuai Chiao postures or principles. But when you look at the applications of the postures then the Shuai Chiao heritage comes to life. Every hit, kick, strike or lock is a prelude to a throw or sweep, and every throw or sweep Is designed to take the opponent down fast and hard. Once you see the incredible arsenal hidden within Ch'ang's form, you begin to appreciate just how devastating a fighter Ch'ang really was. He stepped with the quickness of Bagua, neutralized with the softness of Tai Chi, hit with the power of Hsing-I and leveled you with the cracking sweeps and throws of Shuai Chiao.

Every style of Chinese martial arts, internal or external, incorporates the shuai or throwing concept somewhere in its system, and often these throws can be traced to Shuai Chiao, the grandfather of all martial arts. What makes Ch'ang's style of Tai Chi unique is that every posture facilitates at least one - and more often several - throws or sweeps. And the throws and sweeps are not the same as the common twisting and dumping over the knee, as in Yang style's slant flight or the grabbing and pulling the opponent down, of needle to sea bottom.

Rather, the throws utilize pure, classical Shuai Chiao techniques designed to maim the opponent as he's in the air, then slam him to the ground to finish him off. In the solo form, the classical postures such as grasping the sparrow's tail, step back and repulse monkey, cloud hands and the others often appear similar to those of the Yang style, but Ch'ang's application of these postures differs significantly. Each posture may reveal any of several throws, or the posture may show a "set-up" or preparation move for a classical Shuai Chiao throw.

Shuai Chiao uses very specific handwork and upper bodywork to set up a throw, and often the Tai Chi postures are designed to deflect the opponent's force and control his arms and upper body in preparation for a throw.

People familiar with Shuai Chiao, or any grappling art for that matter, might wonder how it's possible to maintain Tai Chi's adage of a thousand pounds being deflected with four ounces, while executing Shuai Chiao-like throwing and sweeping techniques. The answer is that it's possible - Ch'ang did it superbly - but it's not easy. Most people who perform Shuai Chiao or judo do so poorly, using excessive force and energy to compensate for poor technique.

Internal Strength, Not External Muscle
Ch'ang always said that in Shuai Chiao only 20 to 30 percent of your strength should be used. In Ch'ang's Tai Chi Chuan, that percent has to decrease even further and the strength used must be only internal strength with chi, not external muscle strength. Much has been said and debated over the years about what constitutes internal strength, and what defines chi. Ch'ang, being very direct and pragmatic, simply taught that we all have chi power and with proper practice we can learn to stay soft and use this chi power instead of muscle power. In his mind, good technique reigned supreme over power, be it internal or external. He never advised striving to "attain" high levels of chi; he maintained that if you simply performed the internal arts properly, you would naturally be cultivating a high level of chi, which would keep you healthy, and give you power with which to fight. He believed that all things being equal, the man with better technique would always beat the man with more chi power.

How, then, does one cultivate good technique in Ch'ang style Tai Chi Chuan? First, Chi Kung and breathing exercises are learned, followed by the 143-move solo form. From there various stepping patterns unique to Ch'ang style are learned, and the practice of push hands begins. Ch'ang developed several push hands, which move in lateral circles and are designed to open up an opponent and uproot him - a tactic that is at the core of Shuai Chiao. After the push hands, then the student begins to learn Ch'ang's applications of the solo form, including the myriad hits, strikes, locks and throws. Ch'ang never developed a two-man set akin to the Yang style san shou for the simple reason that in applying his Tai Chi, one man is usually thrown down right away.

It would be awkward and ludicrous for each partner to continually get off the ground to perform the next move.
DeMaria, when he was formally adopted by Ch'ang and began learning his style, had already mastered the Yang style under Franklin Kwang, a New York based student of Yang Chen-Fu. Ch'ang recognized that DeMaria's skill at Tai Chi was at a high level, yet when he taught DeMaria his style and applications, DeMaria's Tai Chi gained a whole new element - the element of Shuai Chiao- and reached an even higher level.

Though DeMaria discarded the Yang style solo form and adopted Ch'ang's, Ch'ang encouraged DeMaria to continue the practice of the 108 push hands patterns he had learned from Kwang, as well as the Yang style Da Lu and San Shou. Ch'ang felt that these Yang style practices were beneficial to learning the jing or energies inherent in all styles of Tai Chi, and since his own style was heavily influenced by the Yang style the two can complement each other. At the highest stages of training, weapons forms and then freestyle sparring and weapons sparring are practiced. The entire Tai Chi system takes an average of ten years to learn, though like any Tai Chi style it can take a lifetime to perfect.

DeMaria, who has nearly 45 years of experience in Chinese martial arts, has promoted eight of his own students to teacher level, including the author of this article. Most of these students have trained with DeMaria for over 20 years, learning Ch'ang's styles of Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing Jin Chuan, Bagua Chang, Shuai Chiao and Shaolin Chuan. As students of DeMaria, they witnessed Ch'ang's extraordinary skills during his many visits to DeMaria's home. Though by the mid-1980's Ch'ang was already in his late 70s, he demonstrated any technique effortlessly, twirling, sweeping and kicking into the air like a man in his 20s. He seemed to enjoy taking off his shirt to expose his massive barrel chest, then inviting students to come up and feel his huge arms and chest. He was like rock, with no fat, no sagging skin, and no indications of his age whatsoever. When he demonstrated an Hsing-I strike, though he was kind and hit softly, it was nevertheless like being hit by a rock.

Like Ch'ang, DeMaria teaches each art form separately, and then encourages students to experiment with using and blending the various styles in combat. According to DeMaria, any of the styles are complete in and of themselves, but by training in cross-styles you can get additional perspectives and find new possibilities within each style.

For example, you can train in Chang style Tai Chi Chuan and have good Tai Chi with the ability to ward off, push and throw opponent, but your knowledge and skill will never be close to what it could be if you also studied Shuai Chiao. With the added study of Shuai Chiao you would be awakened to infinitely more throwing and sweeping techniques. Plus you would fine-tune the energies and movements essential to good throwing skills.

For those who argue that the study of more than one style impedes one's progress or makes everything mixed up and watered down, the counter argument would be to look at Ch'ang or DeMaria. Nothing about their kung fu is mixed up or watered down. DeMaria does insist that if you haven't mastered one internal style, you probably haven't mastered any other style, either; but once you do master an internal style, it is not only possible but also advisable to master others. For anyone seeking a style to master, Ch'ang style Tai Chi Chuan certainly has much to offer.

[TreacherousThrive]

The History and Origin of
Chen Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan)

The Chen family style (陈氏 Chen shi taijiquan) is the oldest and parent form of the five main tai chi chuan styles. It is third in terms of world-wide popularity compared to the other main taijiquan styles.

Chen style is characterized by its lower stances, more explicit Silk Reeling (Chan Si Jing) and bursts of power (Fa Jing).

Many modern tai chi styles and teachers emphasize a particular aspect (health, aesthetics, meditation and/or competitive sport) in their practice of tai chi chuan. The five traditional family styles tend to retain the original martial applicability of tai chi teaching methods. Some argue that Chen style schools succeed in this to a greater degree.

Origin Theories

The origin and nature of tai chi is not historically verifiable at all until around the 1600s when the Chen clan of Chenjiagou (Chen Village), Henan province, China appear identified as possessing a unique martial arts system. How the Chen family came to practise their unique style is not clear and irreconcilable views on the matter abound.

Sourced histories center around Chen Wangting (1600-1680), who codified preexisting Chen training practice into a corpus of seven routines. Wangting is said to have incorporated theories from a classic text by General Qi Jiguang, Jixiaoxinshu (new book of effective techniques) and Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Canon of Chinese Medicine), which described martial arts from 16 different styles.

Some legends (i.e. unsubstantiated) assert that a disciple of Zhang Sanfeng named Wang Zongyue taught Chen family the martial art later to be known as taijiquan. No mentioned of taijiquan was found in the book Biography of San Feng . On the other hand some in the Chen family claim that it was Wang Zongyue who learned taijiquan from them.

Less accepted explanations speak of Jiang Fa. Reputedly a monk from Wudang mountain who came to Chen village, he is said to have radically transformed the Chen family art for the better when he taught Chen Changxing (1771-1853) internal fighting practices. However there are significant difficulties with this explanation: it is no longer clear if their relationship was that of teacher/student or even who taught who.

Chen Village (Chenjiagou)

Historically documented from the 1600s, the Chen family were originally from Shanxi, Hong Dong. First generation, Chen Pu, shifted from Shanxi to Wen County, Henan Province. Originally known as Chang Yang Cun or Sunshine village, the village grew to include a large number of Chen descendants. Because of the three deep ravines beside the village it became to be known as Chen Jia Gou or Chen Family Village. Chen village has since been a center of tai chi learning. Ninth generation Chen Wangting is credited as performing the first formal codification of Chen family martial art practice.
Perhaps the best known Chen family teacher was 14th generation Chen Changxing (Chén Chángxīng, Ch'en Chang-hsing –his martial arts style-, 1771-1853). He further synthesized Chen Wangting's open fist training corpus into two routines that came to be known as "old frame". Chen Changxing, contrary to Chen family tradition, also took the first recorded non-family member as a disciple - the famous Yang Luchan (1820). Yang went on to develop his own family tradition (Yang style tai chi chuan) and was hired by the Imperial court to teach members of the Aisin Gioro clan and their Imperial guardsmen. Tai chi proved very popular and the other three traditional styles of tai chi chuan further sprang from Yang family tradition, some of these styles also borrowing from the Chen family "small frame" tradition (see immediately below). Chen family teaching remained hidden and was not officially "released" to the public until 1928.
Chen Youben, of the 14th Chen generation, is credited with starting a mainstream Chen training tradition that differed from that created by Chen Changxing. It was originally know as xinjia (New Form) as opposed to Chen Changxing's old form. It gradually became to be known as xiao jia or small form. Small Form eventually lead to the formation of two styles with Chen family influences - Zhaobao jia and hulei jia (thunder) which are not considered a part of the Chen family lineage.

Recent History

In recent decades Chen style Taijiquan has come to be recognized as a major style of martial art within China. In Western countries Chen style is rapidly growing in popularity for either martial art (interest in its neija skills) or healthy life-style (more lively than Yang style) reasons.

This more recent popularity can be seen to be grounded on "promotional" efforts made by leading Chen style masters at two major periods during the 1900s:

In the late 1920s the legendary Chen Fake (Chén Fākē, 1887-1957) and his nephew broke with Chen family tradition and began openly teaching Chen style - providing public classes in Beijing for many years. Chen Fake's influence was so great that a powerful Beijing Chen style tradition survived his death; it was centred around his "New Frame" variant of Chen Village "Old Frame." His legacy spread throughout China by the efforts of his senior students (e.g. Hong Junsheng, Feng Zhiqiang, Li Jingwu, Chen Zhaokui, Gu Liuxin, Lei Muni, Tian Xiuchen, Xu Rusheng, and Li Jianhua).

At this time mention must also be made of the first in-depth book ever written on Chen style. It was written by a 16th generation family member Chen Xin (Ch’en Hsin, 1849-1929) called Taijiquan Illustrated and proved very popular but was not actually published until 1932, well after Chen Xin's death.

A second significant "promotional wave" in Western countries began in the 1980s. It can be traced to changes in Chinese foreign policy and the migration of Chinese Chen stylists around the world. On a more organised level mention must be made of Chen Village's international "roaming ambassadors" known as the "Four Buddha Warrior Attendants." These specially trained sons of Chen Village are Chen Xiao Wang (Chen Fake's direct grandson), Chen Zhenglei, Wang Xian and Zhu Tiancai. They are extremely well known internationally on account of their many years of relentless global workshops and talks.

Other well known 19th generation Chen teachers active in China or overseas include: Chen Yu (grandson of Chen Fake), Li Enjiu, Zhang Xuexin, Zhang Zhijun. Growing in more recent popularity are Chen Zhonghua, Chen Xiaoxing, Chen Xiang.

Chen style schools with links back to Chen Village and Beijing have blossomed rapidly in Western countries in the last twenty years - offering a significantly different alternative to Yang family style (effectively the only tai chi known in the West before that time). Such countries with strong links back to Chen Village include USA, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. Unfortunately this information was picked up from Wikipedia, although I can vouch for atleast 90% of this being true. I say 90 because I just can’t seem to find certain things.

[TreacherousThrive]

The History and Origin of
Yang Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan)

Yang Fu Quai, alias Lu Chan, was born in Nan Quan village of Yong Nian County. He came from a farming family and during periods after harvest time, he used to work in a grocery in the west side of the county. One day a troublemaker burst into the local dispensary and proceeded to insult the proprietor, claiming that he was not a local. He did this in an attempt to shame the proprietor into reducing the price on some precious herbs that he wished to buy. Without provocation the bully struck out at the proprietor, who with a sudden thrust of his hands, sent the troublemaker hurling a few meters out of the dispensary.

The crowd that gathered was greatly impressed by the incident. Lu Chan, who was amongst them, thought to himself that the proprietor must possess outstanding Wu Shu (martial art) ability and he was filled with respect at his skill. In his youth, Lu Chan had leant Shaolin Chuan, but had never managed to acquire its techniques. He made up his mind to call on the proprietor to find out what Chuan (fist) technique he practiced.
At first the proprietor was reluctant to even discuss his technique. Later, moved by Lu Chan's sincerity and earnest desire to know more, he told him that he practiced Mien Chuan (soft / continuous fist), also called as Tai Chi Chuan. He explained to Lu Chan that his skill was limited, but that his Master lived in Henan's Chen Jia Gou (Chen family village), and was known as Chen Chang Xing (picture on the right). He advised him to seek Master Chen out, with a view to learning from him.
Lu Chan was delighted and armed with the information, he set out for Chen Jia Gou to seek Master Chen's instuction. This is how he ultimately became Master Chen's tuti (disciple). Under his Master's guidance, Lu Chan devoted himself tirelessly to the mastery of Tai Chi Chuan. Six years later, he returned to Yong Nian.

On his return, Lu Chan found that a number of people in Yong Nian were learning Wu Shu. A well known Wu Shu opponent challenged him to a test of competence. After a hard fight, Lu Chan was beaten and shortly after his defeat, returned to Chen Jia Gou.

Six years later, he again returned to Yong Nian, arriving during the festivities of the Lunar New Year. Observing his return, some of the local Wu Shu practitioners sought to test his skill by trying to crowd him, under the pretext of being in a festive mood. None of them managed to get close to him and the crowd laughed, saying that at last he had been successful in mastering Wu Shu.
There lived in Yong Nian a noble named Wu, who was related to Master Chen Chang Xing and himself was a Wu Shu expert. On hearing of Lu Chan's return, he challenged him to a competition, from which Lu Chan emerged undefeated.
After some 10 years of study, Lu Chan's Wu Shu was exceptional. However, he had still not acquired a deep understanding or appreciation of Tai Chi Chuan's intricate techniques. Thus he was prompted to return for a third time to Chen Jia Gou.

At that time, it was common practice among Wu Shu masters, not to pass every aspect of their skill to their tuti. Master Chen was no exception.

However, Lu Chan's humility and earnest respect moved his Master deeply. Chang Xing gathered his clan together and announced: "Lu Chan has been a tuti for over 10 years. He has journeyed to Chen Jia Gou on three separate occasions. His spirit and determination in perfecting his Wu Shu are traits not easily found among all of us. As I am getting on in years, I cannot allow my Wu Shu to be lost. I have decided to hand this art and technique to Lu Chan for posterity."
Following his announcement, Master Chen was still plagued by doubt as to the future of his knowledge and he decided to test Lu Chan's integrity for the last time. He did this by distancing himself from Lu Chan. His ploy had no effect and Lu Chan continued to devote his efforts towards the perfection of his Wu Shu technique. Often when they met, Chang Xing would pretend to be drunk, lying on his bed or just ignoring Lu Chan totally.

Lu Chan remained unperturbed and never uttered an ill word about his Master. Eventually, Master Chen was totally convinced of Lu Chan's integrity and he transmitted the entire essence and secret of his Wu Shu to him.

Three years later, Master Chen had completed his task and he told Lu Chan, "You may go now as you have mastered Tai Chi Chuan to distinction. You can now say that no-one compares with you."
So Lu Chan left his Master's village and some years later established himself in Beijing. There he acquired a great reputation for his matchless skill and was never defeated, earning himself the nickname of Yang Wu Di (Peerless Yang, Yang the invincible).

In his travels, Lu Chan once visited the home of the Chang family in Beijing. A family of humble origin, the Changs’ had grown wealthy through their involvement with the coal mining industry. Consistent with their new-found social stature, they employed a number of Wu Shu teachers in their household as retainers, as well as a number of aspiring martial artists. Every evening, they would gather as a family, to practice their Wu Shu in preparation for competitions.

Living in Yong Nian at that time, was a Beijing noble named Wu. He was seeking Wu Shu teachers to instruct the Chang household and agreed to introduce Lu Chan to the Chang family.
Many of the Chang family retainers were well known Wu Shu teachers, mainly of big strong physique. Lu Chan on the other hand was small and slightly built. His puny appearance caused the head of the household to consider him disparagingly. Thus on arrival at the Chang family, Lu Chan found himself relegated to an inferior position at the table to that of the other teachers. (It was customary at that time, for a host to signify his respect for the status of his guest by the position he accorded him at the table). During the course of the meal, the host asked Lu Chan what kind of Wu Shu he trained in. To which Lu Chan replied: "My Wu Shu is neither Monkey technique nor Shaolin technique. It is called Mien Chuan."
The host was not familiar with this type of boxing and he disparagingly asked if Lu Chan's Mien Chuan could be applied in combat. Being honest and unassuming, Lu Chan chose to ignore the obvious slight and responded: "The Mien Chuan I practice is not for fighting, however, should it be required for fighting, it is far superior to an iron fist."
His curiosity aroused, the host asked if Lu Chan would demonstrate his technique in a competition with some of his guests.

Now among the guests assembled, were well known and reputable Wu Shu Masters, many of whom had shown disdain at Lu Chan's puny physique. Anxious to uphold their reputation, they grabbed the opportunity in the hope that Lu Chan would be defeated and disgraced.
Unperturbed, Lu Chan agreed to his host's request, saying that, "To have an open competition, we must not stand on ceremony. That is, we must treat it in the spirit of true competition and not worry about death. Should it end in tragedy, there should be no regrets."

So, the contest began, with one Master lunging fiercely at Lu Chan with a clenched fist. A slight raising of Lu Chan's hands served to hurl his attacker several meters away, where he fell badly hurt and bleeding. One of his colleagues, enraged at his friend's plight, sprang to take his place and suffered a similar fate. The remaining teachers did not dare to take up the challenge.

Somewhat alarmed, the host immediately re-organized his seating arrangement, as a gesture of deference to the victor. Lu Chan however, thought the gesture to be hypocritical and he left the reception immediately.

Once news of the incident spread, Wu Shu experts came from far and wide to challenge Lu Chan. However, he was never defeated and lived up to Master Chen's expectations. As his reputation spread throughout Beijing, "Yang Wu Di" as he was called, became a much sought after celebrity guest in the households of the nobility. It became the vogue to invite him along to banquets and celebrations as an honored guest of the household.

Unswayed by all this attention, Lu Chan maintained the principle of not teaching Wu Shu to just anyone. He would first give much thought and consideration to each individual case. Students, who were genuinely earnest in their search, were rewarded, as he passed his knowledge to them without regard to status or influence.
Yang Lu Chan's fame also earned him enemies who envied his prowess and these people often schemed to harm him, though none dared challenge him openly.

One day, while he was fishing by a river, some 5km south of Yong Nian, Lu Chan felt someone commencing to attack him from the rear. Without moving from his position, he arched his back to "Pat the High Horse" and caused his attacker to fall into the river.

One of Yang Lu Chan's sons, Ban Hou, is upright but somewhat short-tempered. His Wu Shu students often had to put up with his temper. Lu Chan and Ban Hou both have engaged in separate challenges from a Wu Shu Master named Lieu at West No. 4, Beijing City. These challenges have since become part of Wu Shu annals.

[TreacherousThrive]

Master Lieu's Wu Shu was considered one of the best in Beijing City. His tutis were also highly regarded as being formidable. Lieu issued a challenge to Ban Hou, which was accepted. As Ban Hou emerged from Lieu's house into the garden, Lieu attacked him from behind with hands outstretched, in an attempt to gouge his eyes out. Wu Shu experts refer to this action as Duan Deng or "dimming the light." In a flash, Ban Hou turned, warding off with both hands and causing Lieu to be thrown a great distance away.

Another Wu Shu expert named "Almighty Strength", used to boast that he had been through all seven states in China and had found none who could defeat him. He was reputed to be able to grind stones into powder with his bare hands and he publicized his skills widely throughout Beijing capital. Wishing to determine which of the two was superior, he challenged both Lu Chan and his son Ban Hou to a competition.
Both father and son were at Yong Nian at that time, when villagers brought news of the challenge to them. Lu Chan was not interested in journeying to Beijing. Ban Hou however, could not resist a challenge and told his father that if he did not want to go, he (Ban Hou) would make the journey alone.

On his arrival, it was agreed that the competitors would meet at West No. 4, Beijing City, to take up their challenge. The morning of the competition saw tens of thousands gathering before the stage to witness the event. Ban Hou arrived, riding a white horse. "Almighty Strength" was already there, boasting his muscular physique to the ovation of the crowd. Ban Hou looked puny next to his opponent, as he was small and slim. Most of the spectators did not think he stood much of a chance.

The competition began with "Almighty Strength" roaring thunderously, like a tiger emerging from the jungle. By this time, the crowd was growing concerned for Ban Hou's life. "Almighty Strength" threw a punch at Ban Hou who turned to neutralize it. The punch sailed past and "Almighty's" fist landed in a large upright stone that stood by the side of the stage, causing the stone to break into many pieces. The crowd cheered, and were convinced that Ban Hou was going to lose. As "Almighty" attempted a second blow to Ban Hou's face, he emitted a loud cry and "raised hands", sending "Almighty" flying onto the ground. While the crowd applauded his victory, Ban Hou humbly mounted his horse and rode off.

Yang Ban Hou was also skilled in using the iron rod. Though the weapon was very heavy, he managed to practice with great ease. An onlooker once sneered at him while he was practicing and Ban Hou warded him off with the end of the rod, throwing him up to the rooftop. The terrified man fell to his knees pleading for mercy and Ban Hou assisted him down from the roof with his iron rod. This was the source of much amusement to spectators who witnessed the incident.

A fire once started on the south side of Yong Nian and was burning fiercely, threatening to spread towards a large area of dried reeds, which were stacked for storage. The prevailing wind picked up and the situation seemed hopeless. Lu Chan and Ban Hou happened to pass by carrying rods. They immediately made their way through the crowd and headed for the fire. Using the tips of their rods to flick the bales of dried reeds into the river, they helped prevent the fire from spreading.
Yang Lu Chan's other son, Jian Hou alias Jing Pu, possessed well-developed Wu Shu skills and was particularly agile in his form. He possessed a profound knowledge of Tai Chi Dao (Sabre), Jian (Sword) and Qiang (Spear). His eye-body coordination was superb and his movement was very fast.

He was once among a crowd of spectators in a Beijing theatre, watching an actor perform with his sword. The actor suddenly lost control of the weapon and it flew out of his hands in Jian Hou's direction. So quick was Jian Hou's reaction that he not only managed to ward off the sword, but also caused it to be flung back onto the stage.

Ban Hou has a son named Shao Pung alias Ling Shao. He took up Wu Shu from Master Chen Shu Foong. Shao Pung and his cousin Cheng Fu taught Wu Shu at Shanghai, Zhejiang and Guangxi.

Jian Hou had 3 sons. The eldest was name Shao Shang alias Shao Hou, the second was Shao Yuang, who died at an early age and the third was named Shao Ching alias Cheng Fu. When Cheng Fu grew up, he became Yong Nian's foremost Tai Chi Master and was affectionately known as Master Yang. Shao Hou had one child, a son named Zen Sen. Cheng Fu had 4 sons: Cheng Ming, Cheng Ji, Cheng Do and Cheng Gua. The elder two sons, Cheng Ming and Cheng Ji were considered to be better skilled of his progeny, in Yang's Tai Chi Chuan.

[TreacherousThrive]

Cheng Fu's eldest brother, Shao Hou was high-spirited and energetic, but rather short-tempered. He was renowned for his skill at Tui Shou (Push Hands). His movements were fast and he was always eager to retaliate.

On one occasion in Beijing's Shen Wu Place, two burly men attacked a frail person. Shao Hou witnessed the attack and became extremely infuriated. He barged in and within seconds hurled the bullies a great distance away.

From a tender age, Cheng Fu was taught Wu Shu by his father. He became very dedicated to his art and as he matured, his expertise increased greatly. As a result of his profound knowledge and understanding of his art, he was aware of the benefits from its practice. An intelligent, talented man, Cheng Fu possessed enormous stamina and energy. In time, he became the Yang Family's leading Master of Tai Chi Chuan and is reputed to have been one of the foremost Martial Artists of the 20th century.

He was once requested by a Mr. Lieu to travel to the town of Wu Han. At the time of this arrival, Wu Shan (a Wu Shu society in the town), was staging a sword competition. A well-known fencing Master requested Cheng Fu to compete with him. Cheng Fu humbly declined. However, the fencing Master persisted with his challenge and upon his third request, Cheng Fu conceded, saying, "Only if I was to compete with you using a bamboo sword, so as not to cause grievous bodily harm."

In the course of the competition, the fencing Master lunged at Cheng Fu with his sword. Cheng Fu managed to ward the attack off with his bamboo sword and struck his opponent on the wrist, fracturing his wrist. The fencing Master dropped his sword immediately, but Cheng Fu deeply regretted the pain that he had caused the opponent.

He was a kind man with a well-intentioned nature and those who knew him felt that he had inherited all his father's attributes. Cheng Fu's Tai Chi can best be described as a "needle embedded in cotton". His movements were always in harmony, while each move remained distinctive, strong and definitive. This well-defined, unexaggerated yet harmonious technique of Cheng Fu appealed to many students. He had many tuti (disciples), some of whom came from or subsequently acquired prominent positions in society.
Among Yang Cheng Fu's many disciples, Fu Zhong Wen was especially highly regarded by him for his excellent character. Zhong Wen happens to marry the great granddaughter of Yang Jian Hou, Mdm. Zhao Gui Zhen, and gave birth to another great Tai Chi Master of our time, Fu Sheng Yuan.

From the age of nine, Fu Zhong Wen, was by Cheng Fu's side, learning Wu Shu from him both by day and by night. Zhong Wen's diligence and determination in mastering the art of Tai Chi Chuan, saw him advance rapidly in the knowledge and expertise of Wu Shu. As he was learning directly from Cheng Fu, he was able to derive tremendous benefit from and gained profound insight into Tai Chi Chuan. Consequently his Wu Shu skills attained a very high standard.

As he matured in age and skill, Zhong Wen accompanied Cheng Fu in his travels around their homeland, to demonstrate their art. He also served as Cheng Fu's assistant in teaching and earned his Master's highest regard.

In their travels to Guangdong, Zhong Wen represented his Master in many local competitions, not once failing to uphold his Master's honour. So highly regarded was he by his peers that Cheng Fu's first disciple, Chen Wei Ming, wrote to him after their Master's death. Acknowledging the excellence of Zhong Wen's Wu Shu and the accuracy with which he reflected their Master's art.

On his deathbed, Cheng Fu passed leadership of Yang Shi Tai Chi Chuan to his tuti, Fu Zhong Wen.

In order to carry on the work of his Master in spreading Tai Chi Chuan to all people, Zhong Wen established the Yong Nian Tai Chi Chuan Society of Shanghai. Since then, hundreds of thousands of students have come under his instruction. In the 5th month of 1958, Zhong Wen went to Shanghai City to teach a Wu Shu group there. Under his expert guidance, many of these students were successful competitors in the National Wu Shu competitions. Tai Chi Chuan as practiced in Shanghai, is regarded as the best form of Tai Chi Chuan in the People's Republic of China (P.R.C.).

In 1959, the P.R.C. featured Fu Zhong Wen's Tai Chi Dao (Sabre) in its international sports publication. The P.R.C. also published his book, entitled Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan, in 1963. Translations of this book have reached Japan, U.S.A. and France and he was highly regarded in the International Wu Shu community.

Master Fu Zhong Wen, his son Master Fu Sheng Yuan and grandson Master Fu Qing Quan were invited to tour Japan in 1987, by the Wu Shu Society of Japan. Their tour included performances and instruction in the art of Tai Chi Chuan.

Prior to his passing in 1994, the late Master Fu Zhong Wen was:
Vice President of Shanghai Wu Shu Society
Chief Instructor of Shanghai Wu Shu Association
Consultant and Patron of Tongji University's Tai Chi Chuan Research Society
Professor of Shanghai Chemical University


Master Fu Sheng Yuan is now the 5th Generation Master of the Yang Style Taijiquan and the President of the World Yong Nian Tai Chi Federation and Fu Sheng Yuan Tai Chi Academy. He is also the honorary Chairman and Chief Instructor of the numerous Yong Nian Taijiquan Societies and Associations around the world, including the Yong Nian Taijiquan Society of Malaysia.

All taken from the Authentic Yang Family Tai Chi Book, at TAIJIQUAN (TAI CHI CHUAN) STORIES & ARTICLES from All Over The World

[TreacherousThrive]

I'm hoping that atleast some body found this information interesting since I keep running into people who really do not know what they are talking about when they speak of taijiquan. This is my first real info containing post, hope I did alright enough for some rep. Well enjoy!

[47MartialMan]

Rather long. It would have been easier to post links and book references.

[TreacherousThrive]

Ugh, guess I over did it, sorry bout that lol.