Brief History of Tai Chi Quan

1. Who created Tai Chi?
The popular stories credit: Xu Xuanping (618-907) of Tang Dynasty; Song Dynasty Taoist Zhang Sanfang (960-1279) and Ming Dynasty Taoist Zhang Sanfeng (1271-1368). But none of them is supported by historical evidence.

2. The evolution of Tai Chi after Mr. Chen Changxing (1771-1853) of Chenjiagou, Henan Province has not been disputed.

Chen (陈) school: Mr. Chen Changxing and his descendants.

Yang (杨) School: Mr. Yang Luchan (1799-1872) studied under Mr. Chen Changxing. He then brought the art to the people outside of Chenjiagou, formed his own style, and funded Yang School. His grandson, Yang Chengfu (1883-1936) finalized Yang Style to make it the most popular sport in China and well known overseas. Sadly Yang style seems to be a process of making Tai Chi easier so more people could practice it.

Wu (吴) School: Mr. Wu Jianquan (1870-1942) studied under Mr. Yang Luchan’s son, developed his own style, and funded Wu School.

Wu (武) School: Mr. Wu Yuxiang (1812-1880) studied first under Yang Luchan then Chen Qingping of Zhaobao Style (an offspring Chen Style), developed his own style, and founded We School.

Sun (孙) school: Mr. Sun Lutang (1861-1932) studied under We Yuxiang and later developed his own School.