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Taijiquan may be defined as the exercise or martial art based on the theory of yin and yang.
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What is in a name?
  • 太極拳 (Traditional)
  • 太极拳 (Simplified)
  • Taijiquan
  • Tai chi chuan
  • T'ai Chi Chu'an
  • Taiji or
  • Tai chi
All of the above are simply different spellings of the same (mandarin) Chinese word. It is often abbreviated as "tai chi" or "taiji." No matter how it is spelled, the pronunciation is the same.
"Tai jee chwan"

Most scholarly publication on the subject use the "pinyin" romanization of the word (taijiquan). But the term "tai chi chuan" is still in popular use.

The first part of the word (taiji or tai chi), refers to the philosophical concept of yin and yang. The second part ("quan" or "chuan") literally means "fist" or "martial art" but is also used to refer to exercise routines or systems.taijiquan translationtaichisabre


Healing Art, Martial Art, or Fine Art?

Taijiquan is as much an art as it is martial. Performances of solo and paired routines are often beautiful and mesmerising - simultaneously relaxing and compelling. Music is often used in practice and in performance to great effect. It seems that every year a new demonstration pushes the boundaries of the art and creates something new.

Styles


Most styles of taijiquan are named for the person or family who developed them. Here is a list of some of the more important styles and their creators:
Chen style (Chen Wangting)
Yang style (Yang Luchan)
Wu/Hao style (Wu Yuxiang)
Wu style
(Wu Quanyou / Wu Jianquan)
Sun style (Sun Luntan)
Zhaobao style
(developed in the town of Zhaobao)taichihittiger
Wu Tunan at 102 years of age.

Taijiquan (Tai Chi)

太极拳 (太極拳)

Martial art or healing fitness system?

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, including men and women of all ages and fitness levels.

In addition, people of different ages are attracted to tai chi for a variety of reasons. Some people like it because it gives them strength, flexibility, agility, and the power to defend themselves against bigger, stronger opponents. Some like it because it helps them to be healthy, and even formidable, no matter what their age. Some 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.

Health Benefits

Many health benefits of tai chi are now well documented. Some research now suggests that regular practice of traditional tai chi:

• Improves cardiovascular function
• Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol
• Improves balance and reduces falls
• Is safe for arthritis sufferers
• Improves symptoms of some types of arthritis
• Slows the rate of Osteoporosis
• Reduces risks of injury
• Aids with asthma and other breathing problems
• Improves immune function
• Improves flexibility and strength
• Improves endurance
• Reverses symptoms of ageing
• Can aid in weight loss
• more...

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.
The main elements of tai chi practice are Qigong, Forms, Tuishou, and Sanshou.


Recommended Videos and Books:


For beginners learning the 24 form tai chi or the 32 sword routine, there is no better reference than these books and videos by Grandmaster Shouyu Liang. He may well be the only person in the world who has been teaching these routines constantly since they were created. "Taijiquan: The Art of Nurturing, The Science of Power" by Master Yang Yang, is one of the most important books for any student or teacher of tai chi to have in their library. It presents the theories and principles from both Eastern and Western perspectives, examining mental, physical, and spiritual aspects. The book also gives priceless advice on everything from proper practice methods to finding a good teacher.
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