The Origins of Tai Chi: From Chen Style to Modern Adaptations

Chapter Two | Free One Million Minds: Origins of Tai Chi: Tradition and Transformation

12/23/2024

Duration | 4 minutes 49 seconds
Guest: Dr. Symeon Rodger

synopsis

In this chapter, Dr. Symeon Rodger delves into the historical evolution of Tai Chi, tracing its roots to the Chen style and its transformation during the late Qing dynasty. He explains how Yang Lu Chan, a master of combat Tai Chi, simplified and slowed the practice when teaching it in Beijing, creating the version of Tai Chi widely known today. Dr. Rodger critiques this adaptation, emphasising that while it serves as a beneficial health exercise, it represents only a fraction of the original martial art’s potential.

dialogue summary

Dr. Symeon Rodger:
Tai Chi is usually taught in a very, very slow mode. There are four primary schools of Tai Chi—some people count five—and while the forms may look a little similar or quite different, they all share a common structure.
Typically, there are two forms. The first, called the “first form,” is slower and is the one most people are taught initially. The second form, developed for combat, is much faster and has distinct characteristics. However, over 90%, possibly 99%, of people studying Tai Chi worldwide never see the fast form, let alone practice it.

This divergence originates from a fascinating period in history. In the late 1800s, during the final decades of the Qing dynasty, Tai Chi was introduced to Beijing. The foundational style of Tai Chi, Chen style, originated in the Chen village. Yang Lu Chan, who would later found the Yang style, was invited to teach in Beijing.

However, he was reluctant to teach authentic combat Tai Chi to the Qing dynasty officials, who were Manchu rulers and considered outsiders by the Han Chinese majority. To avoid compromising his art, Yang Lu Chan simplified the movements, slowed them down, and taught this adapted version instead.

The result was that this simplified, slow version became the widely recognised “Tai Chi” practiced globally. While it has its merits, especially for health and relaxation, it does not represent the complete martial art.

Jamie Meyer:
So, what you’re saying is that what the general population knows as Tai Chi isn’t actually Tai Chi?

Dr. Symeon Rodger:
It’s certainly not the whole of Tai Chi. It’s just a tiny surface-level portion of it, done in a particular way.

There’s nothing wrong with practicing the slow form—it has specific uses. But it’s essential to understand the internal dynamics: the physical, energetic, and breath dynamics. When integrated properly, even the slow form can be effective.
The sad part is that most people don’t engage with these deeper dynamics. Still, Tai Chi works well as a health exercise, and that’s great. That’s primarily how I teach it. If I wanted to teach someone martial arts, I’d go with Krav Maga or Wing Chun—faster and more devastating to learn.

Credits Roll

References

Four Primary Schools of Tai Chi
Tai Chi (or Taiji) has developed into several styles over the centuries, each emphasizing different aspects of the practice. The four primary schools are:
1. Chen Style: This is the oldest and original style of Tai Chi, dating back to the 16th century in Chen Village, China.
• Characteristics: It is known for its combination of slow, flowing movements and fast, explosive actions (known as fa jing), which make it distinctive from other Tai Chi styles. Chen style also emphasizes deep stances, intricate footwork, and a more martial approach.

2. Yang Style: The Yang style is the most popular and widely practiced form of Tai Chi, developed by Yang Luchan in the 19th century.
• Characteristics: It is characterized by its gentle, smooth, and continuous movements with a focus on relaxation and the cultivation of internal energy. The Yang style is often considered more accessible to beginners due to its less physically demanding nature compared to Chen style.

3. Wu Style: This style was developed by Wu Yuxiang in the 19th century and is closely related to Yang style.
• Characteristics: Wu style features small, compact movements and a higher stance, focusing on softness, balance, and precision. It is often described as more subtle and meditative compared to other styles.

4. Sun Style: Created by Sun Lutang in the early 20th century, this style blends elements of Tai Chi with Xing Yi and Bagua, two other internal martial arts.
• Characteristics: Sun style emphasizes light, agile movements with a focus on both internal and external coordination. It features a unique “running step” and is particularly known for its focus on health benefits and joint mobility.

Chen Style Tai Chi is the foundation of all other Tai Chi styles. Its movements are typically divided into two categories:
• Slow movements: Like other Tai Chi styles, these movements promote relaxation and mindfulness.
• Fast movements: Chen style incorporates bursts of speed and explosive force, also known as fa jing, which is a key feature that distinguishes it from other styles.
The practice of Chen style emphasises strong foundational stances and dynamic transitions between soft and powerful movements.

Yang Style Tai Chi style is the most commonly practiced form of Tai Chi worldwide. It is marked by its slow, flowing movements that are designed to promote relaxation, improve balance, and cultivate inner peace. Compared to Chen style, Yang style movements are larger, with an emphasis on maintaining continuous, uninterrupted motion. It is often recommended for beginners due to its more approachable and less intense nature.

Krav Maga was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld in Israel in the mid-20th century, Krav Maga is a modern, practical martial art designed for self-defence.
• Characteristics: It focuses on real-world situations and emphasises neutralising threats as quickly as possible using strikes to vital areas, such as the eyes, throat, and groin. Krav Maga is known for its simplicity, effectiveness, and adaptability in high-stress situations.

Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art that traces its origins back to the 17th century and was famously taught by Ip Man to Bruce Lee.
• Characteristics: Wing Chun is a close-range fighting style that emphasises quick, direct strikes, efficient movements, and strong defence techniques. Its focus is on simultaneous attack and defense, using leverage rather than strength to subdue opponents. The style incorporates unique techniques such as centerline theory, where practitioners aim to control the centerline of the body in order to maintain optimal attacking and defending positions.