Tai Chi Glossary > Sun Style (孙式)

Sun Style (孙式)

Definition: Sun Style Tai Chi (孙式太极拳) was founded by Sun Lutang (孙禄堂, 1861–1933), uniquely combining the principles of Tai Chi, Xingyi Quan, and Bagua Zhang into a single integrated system characterized by agile steps, high stances, and lively footwork.

Sun Lutang was an extraordinary martial artist — already a master of Xingyi and Bagua before he began studying Tai Chi under Hao Weizhen (a Wu Yuxiang lineage holder) in 1912. His synthesis produced the newest of the five major Tai Chi styles, one particularly noted for its accessibility and health benefits.

Key Characteristics

• Agile, lively footwork — follows a distinctive “open-close” stepping method
• Higher stances than Chen or Yang Style, reducing stress on knees
• Eliminates explosive Fa Jin — all movements are smooth and even-paced
• Integrates Bagua’s circular walking and Xingyi’s linear force generation
• Particularly suitable for beginners, seniors, and those with joint concerns

Lineage

Sun Lutang → Sun Cunzhou → Sun Shurong and contemporary heirs. Sun Lutang was also a prolific author — his writings on the Internal Martial Arts remain essential reading.

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