An ancient Chinese martial art based upon the theories of Taoism, Tai Chi (also spelt Taijiquan) is famous for its slow moving, dance like, hand form, and its many health benefits.

 

Recently its martial aspect is being rediscovered; the martial art of the Imperial Guards of China had to be effective, yet a famous modern Karate master and student of Tai Chi stated that “only supermen can fight with Tai Chi”.  This perceived difficulty is due to Tai Chi Chuan’s basis on Taoist philosophy, which requires that the practitioner concentrate on achieving the state of Sung and receives the opponent’s attacks without resistance (Yin) until the advantage can be seized (Yang).

 

Sung is a state of prepared relaxation in which the mind and body are relaxed and calm, yet alert and ready for action. This state of calm preparation, combined with correct bio-mechanical function, in terms of respiration and body alignment, is why Tai Chi is an effective method of prophylactic health care, capable of improving many conditions.

 

Today, many people all over the world practice Tai Chi for relaxation and health improvement,  there is a growing international competition scene with Tai Chi exponents competing in either full contact (San Shou) where the winner is frequently decided by a knockout, or the gymnastic performance of demanding Tai Chi hand and weapon forms (Tao Lu) and the two person contest of pushing hands (Tou Shou) where competitors try to upset the balance of their opponent, whilst maintaining their own mental and physical equilibrium.