When I first started Tai Chi I couldn’t tell the difference between Wu Style and a slice of bread.
It was only after I had started that I discovered that there were several styles of Tai Chi and I was doing Wu style Tai Chi.
And I continue to practice Wu style Tai Chi. Atlhough I have dabbled in Michuan Tai Chi and Yang Tai Chi.
I’ve discussed and read many points of view on which Tai Chi style is the best. And some of those views have been controversial.
What is the best style?
Well, with my limited experience and talent all I can come up with is this.
It would take several lifetimes to comprehensively review and practice all the styles of Tai Chi available. Unless you believe in re-incarnation then this is not possible.
As long as the Tai Chi you are doing obeys the Tai Chi principals then that is ‘the best Tai Chi’.
So the best style of Tai Chi is the style you are doing right now.
Regardless what style you practice, we all part of the Tai Chi community.
Separated by name only.
Footnote: Imagine the possibilities of Tai Chi if more time was spent on practicing rather than arguing which is ‘the best Tai Chi style’ 😉
Hi Chris,
following you on Twitter for a while and I am interested in your Tai Chi experience.
I am practising the Hine Tai Chi Long Form ( I think that is what it’s called). Any thoughts on that one?
Which form is the best for combat? Which one gives you the greatest work out, which one the best relaxation?
Thanks and keep on posting.
Cheers,
Volker
Hi Volker
Thanks for your comments. I haven’t heard of the Hine Tai Chi Long form. And in regards to your questions – which Tai Chi is ‘best for combat, greatest workout, best relaxation’ – I think it depends on who is teaching and how much effort you are willing to put into your Tai Chi. My bias and experience is in Wu style Tai Chi but from my understanding the other traditional styles also have what you are looking for.
Regards
Chris