A Brief History of Tai Chi Chuan

The origin of Tai Chi is somewhat obscure as there aren't many written records prior to the 17th Century.


15th Century
Zhang Shanfeng (Zhang San Feng), the Taoist Priest, really did exist. (Whether or not the fight between the white crane and the snake actually happened is another matter.) It is believed that the Chen family may have studied with him.


1678
Chen Wangting "creates" Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan. This is considered the oldest style because it was the first style to be recorded and shared. 


Early 1800's
Yang Luchan (see the legends of Yang Luchan) learns Chen Style and then creates a variant named Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan.


Mid-1800's
Hao Style and Wu Style Tai Chi are both created.


1900's
Sun Style Tai Chi is created by combining Ba Qua Chang, Hsing Yi, and Hao Style.

• Ba Qua Chang strongly resembles a dragon chasing its own tail. The motions turn back on themselves so the practitioner appears to be trying to catch their own shadow.
• Hsing Yi uses longer steps (so the feet are farther apart) and is often referred to as "taking no prisoners".

Source: in class lecture
Image: http://www.jadecobrasociety.com/images/tai-chi-silhouettes.jpg