The History Of Sun Style Tai Chi

Sun style tai chi gets its name from its founder, Master Sun Lu Tang (1861-1932). Sometimes it is called Sun Style Taijiquan. Although most schools of tai chi were meant to train soldiers, Master Sun hoped Sun Style tai chi would used for peaceful purposes, such as to promote health and well-being. This school of tai chi is considered one of the easiest for anyone to learn, as most positions and movements are done with your feet on the floor and no more than shoulder width apart. You don’t have to worry about going upside down or playing a martial arts version of Twister.

About Master Sun

Master Sun Lu Tang was born weak and malnourished. He was from a poor family, so food was an unsure commodity. But, like every other Chinese boy, he had to work. He did have some schooling, but his family’s poverty forced him to quit and get a job as a servant boy. His master’s son beat him up regularly. Wanting to know how to protect himself, he eventually trained with a local martial arts instructor. He fell in love with the dance and motion of tai chi.

Eventually, he was able to leave his job and work in his uncle’s calligraphy workshop. There he met many people who helped and encouraged his tai chi training. Eventually, he was allowed to study with the famous and respected Master Li Kui Yuan, who taught Xing Li tai chi.

As the years progressed, Master Sun mastered three schools of tai chi. After such study, he devised Sun Style tai chi, which incorporated what he thought was the best of the three tai chi movements that almost anyone could learn and benefit from. No longer was he a poor weak boy who got beat up. But, from all accounts, he was a gentle, humble man who had found happiness in Sun style tai chi and wanted to teach others.

Modern Times

Master Sun had many followers who shared their knowledge of Sun Style tai chi. You can see Sun Style tai chi in books, YouTube videos and instructional DVDs and videos. You can get instruction from real people, if you so choose, in many places. Although one of the youngest schools of tai chi, Sun Style tai chi is also one of the most popular. You really should try the beginner lessons before advanced, just to give your body the proper strength to handle the repetitive advanced movements.