Major styles

Changquan, literally "Long Fist", refers to a martial arts style from northern China. It emphasizes fully extended kicks and striking techniques, and by appearance is considered a long-range fighting style. In some changquan styles the motto is "the best defense is a strong offense", in which case the practitioner launches a preemptive attack so aggressive that the opponent does not have the opportunity to strike.

Nanquan, literally "Southern Fist", refers to Chinese martial arts styles that originated south of the Yangtze River, including Hung Kuen, Choi Lei Fut and Wing Chun. Contemporary nanquan features vigorous, athletic movements with very stable, low stances, extensive hand techniques and a vocal articulation called fasheng ("releasing shouts"), which are the predecessors of Japanese and Korean martial arts.

Taichiquan, literally "Supreme Ultimate Fist", is currently the most popular Chinese martial arts style worldwide. Featuring slow-motion body movements in low-sitting gestures, tai chi emphasizes the integration of physical fitness and psychological health. It has evolved in line with Chinese philosophical disciplines such as Taosim and Confucianism. Medical research has found that practicing tai chi is helpful for improving balance and for general psychological health. It is also associated with general health benefits for older people.

(China Daily European Weekly 07/04/2014 page22)