Tai chi is the common abbreviation for Tai chi chuan (Taijiquan, T’ai chi ch’üan, Tàijíquán, 太極拳, 太极拳).
Tai chi chuan (literally “
Tai chi is the common abbreviation for Tai chi chuan (Taijiquan, T’ai chi ch’üan, Tàijíquán, 太極拳, 太极拳).
Tai chi chuan (literally “Supreme duality martial art”) is the martial art / exercise system based on an understanding of the dualistic nature of the universe.
Chuan (“quan”, 拳, “quán”) literally means “fist” and can refer to boxing or martial arts.
Tai chi (Taiji (太极; 太極; tàijí; ‘supreme polarity’) is the name of a conceptualization of the dualistic nature of the phenomenal universe. It is referenced in various philosophies, martial arts, medical traditions, and scientific treatises. It is a key concept in taoism (daoism), Chinese Buddhism, and Confucianism. For more details, see “philosophy” below.
There are many who think of tai chi as a slow moving dance, or a moving meditation, or “old people sneaking up on trees.” These people have likely only seen the art’s characteristic slow moving routine, called a “form” (Chinese: 套路; tàolù). But there is much more to the art than simply learning the “tai chi moves.”
Basic exercises: While many schools start teaching the form to beginners on the first day, there are several types of basic exercises designed to teach flexibility, stable stances, agility, proper arm movements, integration of body movements, balance, etc.
Internal Energy Training (“Neigong” or “Qigong”) (“internal skills” often called “qigong” (say “chee gong”)
The refinement of posture, breath, relaxation, visualization, subtle awareness, and internal energy. (note: the term “energy” has a broad and complex definition, and encompasses many subtle mental and physiological processes and characteristics.
Forms / Routines (套路; tàolù):
The most recognizable element of tai chi is the slow-moving routine that forms the primary context for cultivating the subtle and profound benefits of the art.
Pushing hands (推手; Tuishou):
A two-person exercise which develops profound sensitivity, awareness, internal power, subtle neutralizing skills, and the ability to use softness to overcome brute force.
While forms teach the proper structure and movement, and pushing hands teaches the correct method of engaging an opponent, martial applications teach the actual techniques that can result from proper structure and method. These techniques can include joint control, pressure point manipulation, striking, throws, and more.
Some styles include sophisticated choreographed routines performed with a partner.
Advanced Self Defence training
Tai chi does not typically involve sparring, as it is regularly perceived. But there are many advanced training methods that vary from school to school.
All of the above elements can be extended to include
Philosophy and esoterica
The art is not merely physical. It is based on an ancient set of philosophies. But mostly, it teaches the student to seek the truth in his or her own way.
It is possible, (and quite common) to learn tai chi for health without paying much if any attention to the martial aspect of the art. But it is impossible to study tai chi as a martial art without gaining the health benefits.
The many health benefits of tai chi chuan are a direct result of the search for an effective martial art. Tai chi chuan grew from an ancient bed of knowledge that included traditional medicine, qigong (Chinese yoga), northern Chinese martial arts, daoist philosophy, and the insights of several very dedicated and gifted people.
Whether you are looking for an effective way to feel better, relax, and improve your fitness, or you wish to learn a profound martial art, then tai chi chuan has a lot to offer you.
During recent decades, much research has been done into the broad range of health benefits provided by tai chi. In addition to improvements in general health, tai chi has been shown to improve balance, reduce the risk of falls in older adults, and to reduce injuries due to falls. It can lower blood pressure, reduce cohesion of blood platelets, reduce inflammation, improve rheumatoid diseases such as arthritis, reduce anxiety, and ease depression.
Tai chi as a Martial Art
Tai chi is one of the most popular and most famous martial arts in the world. But it is also one of the least understood. There are innumerable stories about tai chi masters who, in spite of their size, age, or gender, have defeated opponents who were seemingly more formidable than they. But many people today, having only a passing understanding of the slow graceful movements of the tai chi form, see tai chi as “old people sneaking up on trees” and