Different Types of Tai Chi Exercises

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How Many Types of Tai Chi Exercises Exist?

There are five types of Tai Chi styles and each one is named after the family who taught it. They are not easy to learn so don't expect to learn them as part of a free Tai Chi lesson:

Ch'en

This style is considered the originator of the other forms of Tai Chi, although it isn't the most popular one. In Ch'en, students don't only train empty handed, they also use different types of weapons. It may be considered the hardest version of Tai Chi.

Yang

This is the most popular type of Tai Chi, its creators removed the strong aspects of Ch'en and emphasized slow and soft movements, gaining lots of adepts for it's ease. It is considered the branch of Tai Chi who made this martial art popular around the world.

Wu/Hao

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It's the least popular of the five versions of Tai Chi. This style focused on small movements, forcing the student to maintain his balance and embrace his sensitivity and the existence of his qi (according to traditional Chinese medicine, the qi is the inner energy that every being possesses).

Wu

Considered second in popularity, it uses some kinds of weapons and possesses distinctive hand exercises.

Sun style

The main distinction of this martial art is the small circular movements. It combines styles from the other four types of Tai Chi and it isn't very popular.

Basic Guidelines for Tai Chi

Tai Chi follows the same holistic approach of traditional Chinese medicine. The student should make flow like movements, letting him feel the harmony between his physical training, his mind and his reality.

A similar procedure is done while dancing, in which your body moves to the flow of the music, adjusting to the rhythms and synchronizing itself with the sound. In that state, the mind wanders free and produces a sense of satisfaction.

What Are The Benefits?

There are many benefits of Tai Chi. The main one is the elimination of stress. Chinese think, correctly, that inactivity brings physical and emotional damage to people. Don't believe it? Try to sit in the same position for many hours and you will find yourself going nuts. Although it isn't as extreme as this example, many people spend hours in their seats, concentrated on their work. If time goes by, the body will start to accumulate the degrading effects of inactivity. Unavoidable, the mind will also suffer.

Once the student has overcome the initial steps, he will find that he has attained an increased flexibility. It may not be noticed at first, but as you progress on Tai Chi, you will find routines that are more and more complicated. Little by little, your body will gain the capacity to stretch itself to limits you didn't expect.

Finally, it may be used to combat the black hole of emotions: depression. Although it has been known for a long time that exercise produces natural chemicals that improve your humor, many people dismisses it. Patients who suffer from this psychological illness should be encouraged to practice Tai Chi as part of their treatment.

And What about the Risks?

As with any new physical activity, you should consult your doctor and your possible trainer. As you can see, there are several types of Tai Chi styles, and each one of them has different levels of difficulty. It will be wise to inform yourself before submitting your body to a stressful routine.

Interested? Give it a try! Learn Tai Chi online in the comfort of your own house or take a free Tai Chi course at your local community. You may find a new, mystical world within this martial art.