Can you please tell me the basic differences (besides lineage) in the forms of tai chi? esp between yang/chen?

Question

they are all slow right? Is one less comprehensive than the other or is it simply a lineage thing? thank you!

Answer 1

If you watch the different forms of the different systems you will see some of the differences. The differences are many, but they are extremely subtle, too much so to adequately state here.  

Answer 2

The forms are not all slow.  In fact slow is not the sole goal in Taijiquan (same as tai chi) training.  Slow is to develop proper body mechanics, mind - body connection, and muscular development.  There are a ton more benefits to the slow methodology, but that could fill up tomes.  After the proper "slow" training, the practitioner must be able to apply these lessons with fast motion.  This is why Chen style taijiquan has two primary bare-hand forms: Yi Lu (first routine) and Er Lu(second routine).  Yi Lu is slow and long, while Er Lu is fast and short.  Slow is just part of the whole curriculum.  You must be able to apply the principles in combat pace, which is fast.

I am not a Yang Taiji practitioner, but one of the differences is that Chen has a wider curriculum as far as weapons are concerned.  In fact Yang gets it lineage from Chen style through 14th Generation Successor, Chen Chang Xing.

Does it mean that any Taiji is better than another?  NO.  That all depends on the instructor and the practitioner.  I have met amazing people in ALL styles.  It's just that Chen Style Taijiquan speaks more deeply to me.  The most important thing to do is to do your research and find what speaks to you.  Good Luck.