How many tai chi forms are there (yang and chen style only)?
As someone who is learning Tai hi mainly from DVDs, I started on Yang 8 Step, then 24 Step, now on 42 and 48. Is this a good standard?
In Chen style i have practised basic lao jia long form, also some xin jia forms. But I just wonder is there a comprehensive list of forms – not sure the list on wikipedia is accurate?
Many thanks for your help.
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Just to answer from the Chen point of view in my lineage from 19th Generation Successor, Cheng Jin Cai:
Lao Jia Yi Lu and Er Lu (Old Frame 1 and 2)
Xin Jia Yi Lu and Er Lu (New Frame 1 and 2)
Straight Sword
Saber
Staff
Double Straight Sword
Double Saber
Spear
Kwan Dao
Tui Shou (Push Hands)
San Da (free fighting)
Shortened, modified, or modern forms and exercises:
Chen Style Jibengong
Chan Si Jing
Bafa
13 Section Form
American Competition Form
56 Section Form
Other forms related to Chen Style that are taught by other lineages:
Xiao Jia 1 and 2
Zhaobao Taijiquan
Huleiquan
Double Maces
Double Staffs
Flail
The most important are Lao Jia 1 and 2. These form the core of the Chen Family System as it is practiced in the Chen village. As said earlier, please try your best to find a proper Chen Instructor with a verifyable lineage as this will yield the best results for your training. Good luck.
The main three are Chen, Yang and Wu.
There’s also Sun, Cheng Man Ching, and this new one I forgot that is basically commissioned by the government.
Wikipedia is an excellent listing.
I suppose the real point is why are you doing tai chi?
If you want oldest authenticity then its Chen Old Frame1&2 or Yang 108 which are the most traditional. Give up learning from DVDs – you must learn from a proper teacher if you are serious. Even then you’ll need one of repute – so many have very superficial forms/teaching.