Chen Zhaokui, a master of Chen-style Tai Chi, once said, “The essence of Tai Chi is martial arts; every movement of the hands and feet has its purpose. The hand shapes cannot resemble a five-fingered fork nor the orchid hand of Du Jinfang. Different hand shapes are used according to different applications. The palm techniques … Read more
1. Why is it called Tai Chi Chuan? A. The Tai Chi diagram divides Yin and Yang, and Tai Chi Chuan is situated between emptiness and fullness, hence the name Tai Chi Chuan. B. The Tai Chi diagram divides Yin and Yang; Tai Chi Chuan emphasizes full-body relaxation, leading with the crown, containing the chest … Read more
Today, those learning Tai Chi often start with the Thirteen Postures (Tai Chi, commonly referred to as “pan jia zi” or “long fist”). After practicing for 3 to 4 months, they may claim to have grasped the basics. However, it is important to note that predecessors typically began with foundational practices such as Ma Bu … Read more
Xu Ling Ding Jin, Chen Jian Zhui Zhou, Han Xiong Ba Bei, Qi Chen Dan Tian… What do these Tai Chi terms mean? How should they be understood? How can they be achieved? This article organizes common Tai Chi terms and explains them in detail. If you like it, don’t forget to bookmark and share. … Read more
01 Scientific Breathing Method Tai Chi emphasizes abdominal breathing, whether through natural breathing or the movements of the form, it stresses abdominal breathing.Breathing is also coordinated with intention; during inhalation, the internal energy rises along the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) up the spine, and during exhalation, it descends along the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) down … Read more
Tai Chi Chuan is not a mystical or esoteric martial art, nor is it merely a form of soft exercise or dance. Tai Chi Chuan is a genuine martial art, characterized by internal power. It is a martial art that integrates both internal and external practices, with fitness as its foundation, mental cultivation as its … Read more
Taijiquan Philosophy Basic Methods: Taijiquan employs basic methods such as “peng, lu, ji, an, zhong, elbow, kao, jin, tui, gu, pan, ding”. The movements are slow and smooth, requiring the practitioner to maintain a straight back, relaxed jaw, and upright posture, embodying a sense of floating like clouds. At the same time, Taijiquan places great … Read more
Regarding the origins of Tai Chi, there have been claims that it originated in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, even as far back as the Tang dynasty. However, through historical research, it has been proven that these claims are unfounded. Historical records and field investigations confirm that Tai Chi was created in the … Read more
Tai Chi (太极拳) is a treasure of traditional Chinese martial arts, integrating the philosophies of Daoism (道家), Confucianism (儒家), and Buddhism (佛家) to achieve a state of unity between body and mind, as well as harmony between humanity and nature. Practicing Tai Chi requires adherence to twelve essential philosophies, including the concepts of Wu Ji … Read more
1. Zhuang Gong (Stance Training) Zhuang Gong is the primary issue in practicing Tai Chi. So, which stances should one practice in Tai Chi? There are many stances in Tai Chi, including Kai He Zhuang (Opening and Closing Stance), Xia Zuan Zhuang (Squatting Stance), Ma Bu Zhuang (Horse Stance), Shou Hui Pi Pa Zhuang (Hand … Read more