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A Traditional Chinese Art, practiced for mental, physical, and spiritual discipline for cultivating the internal energy system. Tai-Ji comprises a series of postures linked by slow, graceful movements and accompanied by breathing techniques that focus concentration. The sequence is designed to restore and enhance the flow of Qi, or ‘vital energy,’ exercising mind, body and spirit to bring health and an overall sense of well-being, and the achievement of improved co-ordination, flexibility and peace of mind.
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Tai-Ji is unique among the ‘Three Sister Arts’ [Xing Yi, Bagua Zhang, and Tai-Ji] in having the greatest affinity to Wuji – the first, most ancient of the Chinese Internal Arts (of which the ‘Three Sister Arts’ are the most well-known, dating as they do from more recent times) – in that both Tai-Ji and Wuji, in addition to their renowned fighting application, also provide very great benefits to mental, physical, and ultimately, spiritual well-being.
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Tai-Ji Quan’s creation is attributed to the legendary figure of the late Song Dynasty Daoist Zhang San Feng (who resided at the famous Wudang Daoist Monastery during the 12th century), but it is certain that the art was being practiced in elementary form long before his day – just as the older, partly related, lesser well known art of the Wuji has origins still more ancient.
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However, the founder of the first form of Tai-Ji in a definitive form was Chen Wang Ting (1600-1680). Chen Style Tai-Ji is the oldest of the five major styles of Tai-Ji: Yang Style being the most commonly practiced and popular of the five (Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun, Wu/Hao).
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