Sun style Martial Arts Association - Bulgaria

Sun style taijiquan (開合活步太極拳) was developed by Sun Lutang (孫祿堂), who was considered expert in two other internal martial arts styles: xingyiquan (形意拳) and baguazhang (八卦掌) before he came to study taijiquan (太極拳). Today, Sun-style ranks fourth in popularity and fifth in terms of seniority among the five family styles of taijiquan. He was also considered an accomplished Neo-Confucian and Taoist scho

lar, especially in the Yi Jing and the Taiji classics. Sun style taijiquan is well known for its smooth, flowing movements which omit the more physically vigorous crouching, leaping and "fa jin" of some other styles. The footwork of Sun style is unique, when one foot advances or retreats the other follows. It also exhibits small circular movements with the hand. Its gentle postures and high stances make it very suitable for geriatric exercise and martial arts therapy.