About Taijiquan
What is Taijiquan
Taijiquan is a traditional physical practice characterized by relaxed, circular movements that works in concert with breath regulation and the cultivation of a righteous and neutral mind. Originating during the mid-seventeenth century in China.
Taijiquan’s basic movements center upon wubu (five steps) and bafa (eight techniques) with a series of routines, exercises and tuishou (hand-pushing skills performed with a counterpart). Influenced by Daoist and Confucian thought and theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the element has developed into several schools (or styles) named after a clan or a master’s personal name.
The element is passed down through clan-based transmission or the master-apprentice model. The latter relationship is established through the traditional ceremony of baishi. Taijiquan has also been incorporated into the formal education system. The element builds upon the yin and yang cycle and the cultural understanding of the unity of heaven and humanity. It has been disseminated through legends, proverbs and rituals, among other vehicles of expression. Safeguarding the element would increase its visibility and dialogue about the diverse ways Taijiquan is practised by different communities.
Chen Style Taijiquan
As a very important school, Chen Style Taijiquan was created by Chen Wangting（1600-1680）, a native of Chenjiagou, Wenxian County, Henan Province during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. In its early days, Chen-style Taijiquan was transmitted primarily within the Chen family. It was not until the time of Chen Changxing, the sixth-generation heir, that it began to be taught outside the family.
After more than a dozen generations of transmission, innovation, and development, Chen-style Taijiquan has spread throughout China and across the world, giving rise to numerous schools and branches.Chen Style Taijiquan has become a distinctive traditional sport that integrates philosophy, martial theory, and medical theory, and embodies diverse functions including physical fitness, mental cultivation, character development, recreation, and leisure.
Yang Style Taijiquan
Yang Style Taijiquan is one of the most important schools in the history of Taijiquan.
The founder, Yang Luchan (1799–1872), was a native of Guangfu Town, Yongnian County. In the late Qing dynasty, he studied under Chen Changxing of Wenxian County. After completing his training, he went to Beijing to teach and spread the art.
Beijing’s distinctive cultural environment provided a broad stage for the development of Taijiquan, offering both practical opportunities for martial application and a setting for systematic theoretical guidance.
Yang Luchan served for many years in princely residences. Through his interactions with leading figures in political and cultural circles, he achieved considerable distinction in both martial application and the interpretation of Taijiquan principles, becoming a pioneer who first brought Taijiquan to prominence in the capital.
Because Yang-style Taijiquan aligned with the era’s urgent call for national strengthening and survival, large numbers of patriotic and public-spirited individuals actively embraced it. As a result, Yang-style Taijiquan achieved breakthrough development during this period and exerted a broad and lasting influence on society.
Since 1956, the introduction of the Simplified 24-Form Taijiquan—created on the basis of Yang-style Taijiquan—has directly promoted its wider popularization and dissemination throughout society.
Wu (Hao) Style Taijiquan
Wu (Hao) Style Taijiquan is an important branch of Taijiquan, founded by Wu Yuxiang (1812–1880) of Guangping Prefecture in Zhili Province during the Qing dynasty.
Born into an official family and accomplished in both literary and martial studies, Wu Yuxiang declined an official career. Building upon the martial art skills taught to him by Chen Qingping in Wenxian County, he pursued diligent study and continuous refinement, eventually becoming a grandmaster of Taijiquan.
Over more than two centuries since its founding, Wu Yuxiang-style Taijiquan has been transmitted through successive generations and has achieved significant development.
Wu Style Taijiquan
Wu-style Taijiquan is an important school of Taijiquan. After studying under Yang Luchan, the Manchu practitioner Quan You (1834–1902) developed the early form of Wu-style Taijiquan through careful observation and thoughtful experimentation.
Later, through the dedicated practice and refinement of Wu Jianquan (1870–1942), Wang Maozhai, and others, the style developed its distinctive characteristics: compact and orderly postures, delicate and gentle movements, and a relaxed, natural posture, thus establishing a new Taijiquan school.
Over more than a century since its founding, Wu-style Taijiquan has been transmitted through successive generations and has undergone significant development.
Wu-style Taijiquan originated and developed in Beijing. The city’s rich cultural and geographic advantages played an important role in facilitating the spread of Wu Style Taijiquan.
Sun Style Taijiquan
Sun-style Taijiquan is an important school of Taijiquan. It was founded by the renowned modern martial artist Sun Lutang (1862–1933), who integrated Taijiquan with other internal martial arts such as Xingyiquan and Baguazhang.
Sun Style Taijiquan was founded in Beijing, developed in the southern region of China in the 1930s and flourished after the founding of the PRC.
Although it was developed later than other styles, it nonetheless achieved significant growth and influence.
Bafa Wubu
