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Tai Chi

The following is a brief and basic description of what constitutes Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese health and self defence system.

The words ‘Tai Chi’ or the full name ‘Tai Chi Chuan’ translates to grand or supreme ultimate fist.

Most people learn the health aspects of Tai Chi these days, rather than the self defence component.

There are five components of Tai Chi:

  1. The Form – a series of movements that are connected to each other
  2. Push Hands – sensitivity exercises – one hand, two hands, free style, Da Lu
  3. Chi Kung/Nei Kung – health and self defence chi development
  4. Self Defence
  5. Weapons – usually sabre, sword, spear, staff

Major Influences:

  • Yin Yang philosophy
  • Taoism
  • Martial Arts

There are five basic styles of Tai Chi:

  1. Wu Style (Master Wu Chian-chuan)
  2. Yang
  3. Chen
  4. Sun
  5. Wu/Hao

There are two schools of thought about the origin of Tai Chi:

  1. Chen village (16th century)
  2. Chan Sang Feng (13th century)

For further reading:  Tai Chi Chuan