We can trace the roots of Tai Chi all the way back to ancient China. Tai Chi is as old as Chinese heritage itself. It consists of 5 major styles named for the Chinese families that created each one. This ancient martial art teaches balance, flexibility, speed and strength. It is characterized by a lower stance and bursts of power. A somewhat mythical Taoist monk, Zhang Sanfeng, is credited with developing T’ai Chi Ch’uan. Originally, this style of Tai Chi consisted of 13 postures. As time passed, many forms of Tai Chi matured into a soft and subtle martial art.

There is some dispute over who actually conceived Tai Chi. Another possible founder was a Ming Dynasty general, Chen Wangting. As a soldier, Chen Wangting may have used his skirmish and fighting experience to develop his Tai Chi methods. Various forms of boxing that existed during this time period may have contributed to Chen Wangting’s particular form.

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No one really does know the real history behind Tai Chi. Full of mystery and various legends, the history of Tai Chi extends back as far as the Chinese culture does.

The Birth of Both Yin as well as Yang

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T’ai Chi Chuan, generally known as Tai Chi, is a very old form of Chinese fighting that has been taken up as an exercise routine; this is because of the improvements it brings to one’s overall health and lifespan. Rather apparent is the fact that this fighting style has grown to become an exercise routine since the Chinese characters in the term Tai Chi Chuan, despite arguments, can be interpreted in the English language as “Supreme Ultimate Fist”. At the same time, long-established educators in Tai Chi approach it as being both an exercise/meditation and self defense mechanism. Initially, this system developed from the philosophy of the Chinese Chen family to the Yang family in the year of 1820. Tai Chi is an international practice in today’s world, arranging a set of efficient, elegant exercises for meditation, respite and retaining a continual flow of ‘Qi’ energy.

This ancient method is concentrated on channeling ‘Qi’ (Ki, Chi), the inner power that allegedly offers the human body with spiritual energy, physical endurance and vigor. This is the prana, orgone, soul or life-force energy that is emanated from all living things. However, there are some who say that the Qi begins and flourishes from within all things. Mankind must find a way to nurture the Qi in their lives while incorporating the Qi energy within their bodies into their surroundings, utilizing it in such a way that brings about an overall improvement in the quality of life.

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Tai Chi is both a martial art and a common, gentle exercise of Chinese origin practiced by millions around the world for its promotion if good health. Tai Chi is not only good for your bodily health, but your mental health as well, it also has an aesthetic visual appeal. The more combative use of Tai Chi has waned over the years mostly thanks to increased attention paid to more intensive and versatile forms of martial arts.

You may be surprised to learn that the health benefits of Tai Chi are quite robust. As in any martial arts practice, especially those of East Asian origins, it can promote muscle loosening, increased stamina and flexibility. Tai Chi is generally practiced at a slow tempo, one should concentrate on distributing their weight and moving their body in fluid motions, using balance to increase the strength of the limbs. Good flexibility is required to flow from one move and position to the next, it’s as elegant as dance and a powerful tool to improve your body. Tai Chi uses every muscle in the body and requires the full use of each limb, those who have practiced for a while have good balance and strong, toned muscles.

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