Tai Chi Chuan (also spelled Taijiquan and Taiji Quan)  translates as “supreme ultimate boxing.”  This does not mean that this style is the best style in the world but rather the name relates to the yin yang diagram.  The diagram can be used to describe everything in the universe because it describes relationship.  The yin yang diagram has a white portion and a black portion.  These two parts are considered opposites but cannot be separated.  In the diagram they are always balanced.  This balance is the key to Tai Chi Chuan.

Yang style Tai Chi

The Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan which emphasizes relaxation and a smooth constant exertion of force while practicing.  The movements of the form are slow, open, expanded, and rounded.  While moving slowly through the postures and expressing the qualities of the form the body is trained to move in a connected manner.  To achieve this the mind must be in control of every part of the body and this ensures that there are no breaks or inconsistencies in the postures.

 Yang style Curriculum

Please note that the curriculum comes from several different sources and from each of these the Long Form was just the “Long Form.” The names- Spiral/Effortless/Traditional are our way to label the different forms based on the focus of training. It is not necessary for most students to learn multiple versions of the Long Form. The basic training and the 13 and 8 movement Forms are covered in the curriculum of the Nei Jia Quan Program.

• Basics – Zhan Zhuang, Tai Chi Walking, Single Postures
• Short Forms
• 13 Movement Spiral From
• 8 Movement Effortless Form

• 24 Movement Short Form
• 64 Movement Form

• Effortless Long Form (focuses on coordination and relaxation)
• Spiral Long Form (focuses on changing the tendons and developing spiral force)
• Traditional Long Form (takes 45 minutes to complete 1 round of the Form)

• Weapons
• Sword
• Broadsword
• Long Staff Power Training

• 2 Person Training
• Tui-Shou (Push Hands)
• Da-Lu
• 88 2 Person San Shou

Yang style Tai Chi Lineage

Chen Style Tai Chi

The Chen style of Taiji is more dynamic in its appearance in that it has hard and soft clearly demonstrated in its movements.  The form changes from soft and flowing movements to explosive Fa Jing (release of power).  This style uses a lower stance and specializes in spiral energy of the joints.

Chen style Curriculum

We teach 2 versions of the First Road (Yi Lu) Form

• Yi Lu 64 Posture Old Frame
• Yi Lu Practical Method

Wu style Tai Chi

The Wu style of Taiji is more compact than the other styles.  The stances are higher and the movements are more internalized.

Wu style Curriculum

• Wu style Short Form (the first section of the Long Form)
• Wu style Long Form