Internal Styles
Internal styles are a stark contrast to their external counterparts. Training in these forms requires slow and precise movements. It is in these moments where students learn to control their minds and body to gain insight into the minute subtitles. The goal is to involve the entire body in every movement, to stay relaxed and maintain perfect balance.
Wu Style Tai Chi Quan | 武式太极拳
Tai Chi Quan is a traditional internal Chinese martial art. It is designed to develop “internal” power. Its movements are practiced very slowly and smoothly. In this way, one can develop connections through one’s entire body. This training is very good for health, as has been shown in a recent study from Harvard University.
Wu Style Tai Chi Quan is a style of Tai Chi that is very difficult to find outside of Mainland China. For many years, the style was only taught to members of the Wu family. It differs from other Tai Chi styles in that its movements tend to be smaller, and more focused on moving from one’s center (core). Generating motion in this way uses all parts of the body. This is why high-level Tai Chi can be such an effective martial art. More importantly, it is why Tai Chi is such a healthy exercise.
Shang Style Xing Yi Quan | 尚派形意拳
Xing Yi Quan (形意拳) translates to Form-Intention Boxing. While Xing Yi Quan is not common in western countries it is very popular in China. It is one of the first Martial Arts to be promoted for its health benefits as well as its martial effectiveness. Xing Yi Quan naturally complements Traditional Tai Chi due to the fact that they are both designed to make the practitioner healthy by moving internal power.
