Tai Chi Chuan    Benefits    Self Defense

Tai Chi (Supreme Ultimate) is the reality of the universe, or the first principle. It is universal, omnipresent and includes all things. The emblem of Tai Chi is a ball, (not a circle). It contains a positive portion (Yang) and a negative portion (Yin). Through the interaction of "Yin" and "Yang" (motion and stillness), the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth) are produced. "Chuan" literally means "fist" or marital art. The movements of the arms of a Tai Chi Chuan player appears circular and continuous from one action to another as the planets revolve around the sun. The movement of one leg is positive (fully weighted or substantial) while the other is negative (insubstantial or partially touching the ground with heel, toe or foot). Tai Chi Chuan embrace the oneness of form and emptiness, stillness and motion, thought and action.

Unlike other exercises, Tai Chi Chuan focuses on developing internal energy "Chi". Chi is the universal cosmic energy that is in all things. When Chi is weak or stagnant in out body, we become ill. Through the relaxed and graceful movements of Tai Chi Chuan, we learn to circulate " Chi" throughout our body, relaxing and healing our body and calming our mind.

Tai Chi Chuan is also known as a moving meditation. Each movement is controlled by the Mind and Breath. It’s very good for stress and relaxation, and each movement can be used in self-defense. Its exact translation is "Grand Ultimate Fist".

To truly understand Tai Chi Chuan, one needs to experience the feeling, the flow of "Chi" through the graceful circular movements.

Tai Chi Chuan can be practiced in high, medium or low postures, with no physical exertion. It is suitable for men and women of all ages. It emphasizes proper respiration rather than only muscular development. It is good for one’s health and well being.

Tai Chi is believed to:

  • Boost the Immune System

  • Slow the aging Process

  • Lower High Blood Pressure

  • Reduce the incidence of "Anxiety", "Depression" and overall mood disturbances


    • Tai Chi Chuan is proven to be the most effective balance and coordination exercise in the world.

    Every movement in Tai Chi Chuan can be used in self-defense. During practice, the movements appear slow. The reason for slow motion is to let the player reason how to breathe properly and how to apply each movement for defense. This way of learning requires a longer period and greater patience. The action during practice is slow, but in case of unexpected peril or attack, the response is subconsciously carried out at Lightning speed.

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    Zhang San-Feng (reputed to live in either the 12 or 13th century), also known as Zhang the Wise, is believed by many to be the founder of Tai Chi Chuan. As the legend goes, Zhang created Tai Chi Chuan on Wudang Mountain (during the Yuan dynasty) after witnessing a fight between a crane and a snake. After witnessing the fight he was inspired, by the Yin and Yang qualities of their attacks and evasions, to develop Tai Chi Chuan.

    Another legend says that Zhang created Tai Chi Chuan from a dream after being summoned to the capital by the emperor HuiZong (during the Song dynasty). Along his journey, he was attacked by bandits and had to flee. While resting, he was visited by the spirits of Wudang Mountain and shown a new Wushu routine. The next day he used the new routine to defeat 100 bandits.

    Modern theorists content that Zhang San-Feng may have been two separate monks or that he didn't exist at all. These later theorists believe he was created to give the Yang style of Tai Chi deeper historical roots and that the Tai Chi Chuan systems as we know them today were really created in Chenjiagou village by military officer and martial artist Chen Wang-Ting.

    It is probably best that you do your own research on Zhang San-Feng and the creation of Tai Chi and come up with your own theories.

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