While there are numerous tai chi styles, only one is designed exclusively for women. Mulan quan (or chuan) is a modern form of tai chi created for women by a female tai
chi master, Sifu Mei Fing Ying. Literally translated, mulan quan means “wooden orchid fist”; the style, however, is named after Hua Mulan, a brave young woman who took her aging father’s place in battle. (Disney’s animated Mulan movies popularized her legendary story.)

The mulan style of tai chi includes a basic short form, a long form, a sword style and a fan style. The practice is designed to bring out a woman’s grace, power and confidence. Owing to the limited number of teachers around the world, this style is not practiced widely.

To learn more about mulan quan, go to www.
worldtaichiday.org.