Tai Chi – Basic Background Information

The origin and roots of Tai Chi, are based on written information, oral interpretations, and word of mouth. Also, many of the practitioners often went by different names and spellings there of. This presented information is by no means complete nor precise but is offered as a basic understanding of the origin of these ancient methods.

Many history scholars and martial arts enthusiasts have spent much time and effort debating the details of the origins. While it might be interesting for some, it is suggested not to lose the meaning behind the knowledge and the practice methods. To become a walking encyclopedia of information, but having no true understanding of the methods can lead to a somewhat imbalanced understanding of Tai Chi. More in-depth understanding can come from actual physical practice, mental understanding, self-awareness as well as spiritual cultivation.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art, that is practiced as a graceful form of martial arts, low-impact exercise, and moving meditation. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, smooth, and focused manner with accompanied Qigong (mindful breathing exercises). Tai Chi, also called Taiji, Tai Chi Chuan or Taiji Quan, on the fitness level, is a self-paced system of gentle physical exercises and stretching. Each exercise or posture flows into the next without pausing, ensuring that the body is in constant motion. Tai chi is similar yet different from Yoga which is another type of meditative exercise and practice. Tai Chi and Yoga include various physical postures, deep breathing techniques, and often along with meditation. Tai Chi is sometime referred to as “Yoga in motion”.

Tai Chi has many different types or styles. Each style emphasizes various Tai Chi principles and methods. There are also variations within each style. Some styles or teachers focus more on health benefits, history, or philosophy, while others might focus on the martial arts aspects of Tai Chi.

History:
Chen, Yang, Wu, and other Tai Chi Styles
There are differing theories as to the true origins of Tai Chi. Tai chi is a type of moving qigong, which has roots in yoga. Some believe Chen Wangting to be the original founder of Tai Chi and the Chen style. Chen style is practiced typically with explosive movements including jumps, kicks, and strikes. Slow, graceful movements are alternated with quick, forceful ones. Low, strong stances develop strength, stability, and agility. Silk reeling is spiraling movements that flow from the feet to the hands, which is the foundation of Chen-style Tai Chi. Chen style can provide a good cardiovascular workout but requires more athleticism and physical coordination than some of the other styles of Tai Chi. All styles can be adjusted by the practitioner.

From the Chen Style came the most popular and practiced Yang style, with its founder Yang Lu Ch’an. It is thought that Yang learned his system from the Chen family while working as a servant in their village and secretly observing their training and practice routines. In 1850, the Imperial family hired Yang Lu Ch’an to teach his modified, less athletic adaptation to their elite palace guards. The Yang style improves flexibility by expanding and contracting the body using exaggerated movements and practices slowly and gracefully.

The Yang Style ultimately produced the Wu Style, another popular style of Tai Chi founded by Wu Ch’uan Yu. This military officer cadet trained under Yang Lu Ch’an, the founder of the Yang style and martial arts instructor of the Chinese Imperial Guards. Wu style is unique in its focus on the body leaning forward and backward rather than remaining centered, as one does in the other styles of Tai Chi. The back leg serves as a counterbalance, allowing for added extension without losing stability and balance. Wu style uses a medium stance, with movements being smaller and more compact than those used in Yang style.

Beyond these three original styles came others such as the Hao, Sun & Li styles. There are then the many variations or sub-styles that emanate from the original family styles. There is also the Wudang style from Wudang Mountain which is also thought to be the original style, originating from the Daoist monk Chang San Feng.

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