TAIJIQUAN 太极拳 (太極拳)

Tai chi chuan, T'ai chi chu'an, Taiji, Tai Chi
(say "Tai chee chwan")

(commonly known as "Tai Chi")

Tai chi chuan (Tai chi) is practised by millions around the world as a means to better health, fitness, and long life. What many do not know is that this relaxing and invigorating exercise is also practised by many as a martial art. Students who are seeking the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of tai chi often do not want to learn the martial aspects of the art. So, most teachers do not teach the martial aspects. However, since the health benefits are a direct result of the art's martial history, the best health benefits are achieved by learning from a teacher who at least understands the martial elements. The teacher doesn't need to teach the student combat skills. But the teacher should understand them.

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.

The masters who created tai chi chuan recognised how important it was for a martial artist to strengthen mind, body, and spirit. They also considered it self-evident that a martial artist should have a profound awareness of mind and body, and be skilled at constantly seeking peace and harmony in an inherently violent world.

These are essential qualities of high level martial artists. But they are also valuable for everyone else. That is why tai chi chuan exercises are part of China's national fitness program, and have become immensely popular throughout the world.

Tai chi chuan has become so popular, in fact, that it has often been watered down and simplified to make it easier to teach to large masses of people. Today there are even many teachers don’t fully understand the true nature of the art. It is common for people today to see tai chi as nothing but a gentle exercise for old people. However, since the initial wave of popularity, the standards for teaching are increasing, and there are a growing number of schools endeavouring to teach the complete traditional art.


Tai chi has traditionally been popular with people of all ages. The gentle grace and power, as well as the subtle and mysterious nature of this ancient art appeals to a very wide demographic.

In addition, people of different ages are attracted to tai chi for a variety of reasons. Young people like it because it gives them strength, flexibility, agility, and the power to defend themselves against bigger, stronger opponents. Seniors like it because it helps them to be healthy, and even formidable, no matter what their age. Women like it because it is safe, is graceful, is empowering, tones the body, doesn't require big muscles, and teaches the use of suppleness and sensitivity to overcome brute force.

Athletes of all ages appreciate the intense workout that tai chi can provide, while being adaptable to any fitness level. The will also find that traditional tai chi can strengthen the core, increase flexibility, co-ordination, strength, power, and speed. Many athletes cross train in tai chi for the improvements in performance it offers in such sports as golf, running, skiing, swimming, tennis, football and rugby.


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.

Martial Art

The masters who created Tai Chi recognised the importance of having healthy and strong mind, body, and spirit. They also considered it self-evident that a martial artist should have a profound awareness of mind and body, and be skilled at constantly seeking peace and harmony in an inherently violent world.
A martial artist must understand, not only the relationships between thoughts, emotions and physical movements; but also the ways that one’s own thoughts affect others. This deep level of awareness results in a deep and profound empathy and compassion for others, and also affects one’s own well-being.

Athletic Performance

The nature of Tai Chi makes it possible to practise it every day, without the need for the longer recovery time necessary for other exercises and sports. Not only that, tai chi can aid in reducing the recovery time necessary for athletes of other sports.
Tai Chi has been shown to improve athletic performance in marathon runners, triathletes, soccer players, martial artists, and other athletes.
Some studies show a 15 - 20 minute session of tai chi immediately increasing weight lifters' one rep maximums by up to 25 per cent!
Teams from hockey, rugby, football, and other sports are starting to incorporate tai chi principles to improve results.
"Sub 2:20 marathoners" are using tai chi principles to improve their times.