T'ai Chi Chuan has inspired many explanations that attempt to unravel the essence of this ancient art, the ‘grand ultimate fist’, now commonly known as Tai Chi.
Clouded in legend and blurred by time, there are many stories and historical events that attempt to tie the basis of Tai Chi origins and evolution together. Chen style Tai Chi is only one style of this ancient holistic art.
The Wu Dang mountain in China is said to be the location where a wise Taoist man observed a bird, many records say a white crane, attempting to capture a snake. The bird struggled against the flexibility and suppleness of the snake, the bird failed to capture the snake so that the snake lived another day. This softness overcoming strength became what Zhang Sanfeng (Chang San-Feng) then developed into what became Tai Chi Chuan.
Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, (1368 - 1664), some 700 years ago, Tai Chi also finds its roots in the art of Qi- Gong (Chi Kung), internal energy work developed by Chinese Taoist monks in the Wu Dang mountain region. During an era of oppression, these monks developed the self defense aspect of the art. Strict principles of non-violence were adopted, excesses avoided, with the belief that all life is sacred. This internal energy work is a meditative practice that was taught, and still is, for its health benefits and increased longevity.
Today, Tai Chi and Chi Kung are practiced all over the world, by men and women alike for its health benefit and self defense, and as a spiritual art. The health benefits of regular Tai Chi practice, both physiological and psychological, are now well documented and studied as a means to personal stress management and whole person well being, with much research now having been conducted, with further studies looking at Tai Chi as a form of therapy to assist with a variety of illnesses and associated medication plans.
There are many texts that discuss the history, philosophy and theories behind Tai Chi. Some of this literature can be found listed at recommended reading.
Key Benefits
- Stress and Anxiety Management
- Cardiovascular Health
- Flexibility
- Balance Control
- Spiritual Wellbeing