Tai Chi
History
In Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Wudang Taoist priest Zhang Sanfeng started Neijia Fist in China. He created Tai Chi 13 Shi, a form with 13 sets of postures, which is the prototype of Tai Chi. Later it developed into what we call Wudang Tai Chi.
Tai Chi (or Taiji) basically means supreme ultimate, which is derived from Wuji (non-ultimate). In the Book of Changes (I Ching), Tai Chi is composed of two different states (liang yi), Yin and Yang. From Liang Yi comes sancai (three components) and sixiang (four kinds of appearances). Bagua(eight symbols) also comes from sixiang.
Features
As a style of Neijia Fist, Tai Chi absorbs the quintessence of Chinese classical philosophy and traditional Chinese medicine theory, making it a physical and mental exercise emphasizing natural harmony and balance, and spiritual integration and attainment.
Tai Chi moves are featured by their relaxation, slowness, coherence, coordination, attentiveness, following an arc to move, and the method of breathing. The attack skill of Tai Chi is Protector’s Strike, which is like “away the rock with water”. Following the principle of yin and yang, Tai Chi achieves a balance in both moves and attack skills. Using the force received to break up the coming force.
In early Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), Chen Wangting created Chen style Tai Chi, and Yang style Tai Chi appeared based on Chen. Later, other styles Sun and Wu style Tai Chi were gradually created. Now there are weapon forms in Tai Chi, such as Tai Chi broadsword, Tai Chi staff, and Tai Chi fan.
Benefits
Research has shown that practicing Tai Chi plays a beneficial role in the prevention and cure of chronic diseases. It is suitable to people of all ages to practice. Tai Chi gently and joyfully creates oneself a healthy, harmonious, peaceful, and whole being.
