how many forms of taichi martial arts are there,and compare them-Oh yeah, which is the better one?

Question

well, my son told me of an attack he once witnessed. the attacker came full force with a blunt object, with the intent on hurting and robbing his victim. though caught by surprise,the victim was able to disarm the attacker,without hurting him or himself effortlessly,even after the attackers second attempt, though empty handed,finally ran off in confusion. when my son asked what was that he was doing,the reply was-taichi.he was amazed and so was i,thus my curiosity

Answer 1

As far as I know, there are four major schools of Tai Chi named after the Family names of the Masters who developed them. These are:
1. Chen-the original style from the Chen clan.
2. Yang- the style developed by a student of the Chen style.
3. Wu- the style developed by a student of the Yang style.
4. Sun- the style developed by a student of the Wu style.

The difference between the four is in the length of the forms and in the execution of the techniques. As for which one is better, it's like asking which flavor of ice cream is better? Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry or Mango? It all depends on one's individual taste.

Answer 2

Tai Chi has a number of forms, and because of the "spiritual" nature of the art, many people do not attempt to learn the martial aspects of any of them.

The most commonly practiced in the west is Yang style. This is what you will find in most "meditation" Tai Chi classes. The focus here is on slowing movements to achieve the perfect motion.

Chen style is growing in popularity, this aspect focuses more on balance and speed, although the form is still slower than a more traditional western martial art.

Others to note are Lu, Li and Cheng. I am sure there are others.

If you are interested in classes, be sure the teacher knows the martial applications at the very least of each form s/he teaches.

I have heard numerous stories like this one. I have never witnessed it, however.

Answer 3

Obviously you dont understand the arts...its not about being better fighter, its a spiritual path to better health, phisically, mentally and spiritually. Yes, another purpose is about self defense but not the point. the point is there is NO "better" or "best" form of ANY style...so the question is, what are you looking for? All tai chi can be used in selfdefense. Sun style taichi is the slow more relaxed style...the others, i dont know too much on but yin style and yang style are two others as well...

Answer 4

ummm...... there are tons of branches. I wouldn't even scratch the surface in a short response. However, none of them is 'better' than the other.

My knowledge in Tai Chi is limited to my shaolin-do school. I don't know whether or not it is a particular style. However, I believe they teach many styles, since the grandmaster of Shaolin owns the schools. However, this is just speculation.

It is a martial art that focuses one skill and coordination between mind and body. There is no violence in the art of the ultimate fist. As such, the branches do not compete for superiority.