Clear Tai Chi is a complete system of Tai Chi Chuan. Founded by Master Richard Clear, the Clear Tai Chi Chuan style values Student Results over dogmatic Lineage preferences. The emphasis is on the clear understanding of the principles of Tai Chi Chuan that are common to all styles. Clear Tai Chi is open to training methods from all Tai Chi styles and systems.

Clear Tai Chi Chuan training methods focus on clear teaching and explanations that deliver results quickly and reliably. Richard Clear is a modern, Western-educated person. The Clear Tai Chi Chuan style is a complete system of traditional Tai Chi Chuan, taught in ways that are relatable to modern Western students.

Richard Clear is a 3rd generation lineage holder in Lee’s modified Yang Style Tai Chi, which still heavily informs the Clear Tai Chi Chuan style. The Clear Tai Chi system also uses high-level (indoor) training methods from Wu style for Internal Power and body skill. The Chi Kung in the Clear Tai Chi system comes largely from Wudang Mountain, while the Combat Tai Chi training has a practical fighting mindset that is much more like Chen style.

Although Clear Tai Chi has influences from Yang, Chen, and Wu styles, there are a few things that make Clear Tai Chi stand out. One such hallmark of Clear Tai Chi is the use of pre-1948 movements in the Forms. These are the original Tai Chi Chuan movements, without interference from political agendas. Although some of the movements in the Clear Tai Chi Forms can be called “Yang style,” many of the pre-1948 movements are noticeably different from modern Yang schools.

Clear Tai Chi puts an emphasis on the practical application of Internal Power over choreography. Clear Tai Chi uses ultra-short Forms to build and practice Internal qualities. Longer Forms are taught later in the system, adding more "moves" only when the student is prepared and the Internal qualities are correct.

Sigung Clear believes that the most important skill in Clear Tai Chi Chuan is Ting / Sensitivity. This is where we get our motto, “Feel the Energy!” The ability to feel subtle energies is critical to making them usable. Ting is essential for getting accurate feedback from your training, and it is a foundational skill in the Clear Tai Chi Chuan style.

One of the first Internal qualities in the Clear Tai Chi Chuan style is Root Energy. This is a powerful source of Internal Power that overcomes a lot of other Internal Skills. By focusing on Root Energy early in the training, Clear Tai Chi students develop a strong understanding of Power and how to express it. 

Clear Tai Chi takes a “Power First” approach, then progressively makes that Power softer and much more effortless as the student progresses. This method of training builds Ting (sensitivity) and ability with Li (physicality), Chi (energy), Yi (mind intent) & Jin (refined Internal Power).