History Origin theories. The origin and nature of what is now known as tai chi is not historically verifiable until around the 17th century. Documents of this period indicate the Chen clan settled in Chenjiagou (Chen Village, 陳家溝), Henan province, in the 13th century and reveal the defining contribution of Chen Wangting (陈王庭; 1580–1660).
The Wu or Wu (Hao)-style (Chinese: 武氏 or 武/郝氏; pinyin: Wǔshì or wǔ/hǎoshì) of t'ai chi ch'uan of Wu Yuxiang (1813–1880), is a separate family style from the more popular Wu-style (吳氏) of Wu Chien-ch'üan.
The Wu style is the second most popular form of tai chi, after the Yang. Its practitioners tout the increased awareness that comes with the focused internal movements of Wu style tai chi. Its practitioners tout the increased awareness that comes with the focused internal movements of Wu style tai chi.
Yang: The Most Popular Tai Chi Style. If you see someone or a group doing tai chi, odds are they’re practitioners of the Yang style. This is the most popular and widely practiced tai chi style throughout the world. Fluid, Slow Movements.