The Origin, History and Evolution of Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan , one of the most important Martial Arts in Chinese uushu , was established upon the basis of Taoist breathing exercises, applying the theory of yin and yang and the theory of jingluo in traditional Chinese medicine.

The essence of Tai Chi Chuan lies in the diagram of cosmological scheme. Tai Chi Chuan is famous for its smooth movements and yin and yang as its philosophical essence . With rich contents , it is designed not only to attack and defend, but also to cultivate oneself, Therefore, it is a highly-valued, health-care exercise.

Based on the historical study by wushu historians, Tai Chi Chuan made its debut in Wenxian County, Henan Province in early Qing Dynasty . During its over 300 years of development, it has been improved and enriched by a number of masters. Among different Tai Chi Chuan schools are the Chen style, the Yang style, the Wu style, Wu yuxiang style and the Sun style, which are different styles each with their own distinct characteristics.

Every Tai Chi Chuan school sets its own package of skills and steps. The Chen style Tai Chi Chuan falls into two types---the old and the new frames. The old frame has five sets. Two sets are seen in modem Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan. One set with 83 forms,the other 71 forms. The new frame Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan includes “Small Circle Boxing ” and “ Zhaobao Frame ” . The Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan comprises 85 moves, while the Wu-style includes the old frame of 83 moves and the simplified form of 37 moves . At present the 24-move , the 32-move and the 48-move simplified Tai Chi Chuan have gained great popularity across the country.

The 24-move simplified Tai Chi Chuan is developed from the Yang style under the principle of being easy to learn and practise , and from simple to complex, Its charm is in part attributable to its beautiful background Chinese folk music. In the opening ceremony of the 11 th Asian Games, it was shown as a group performances, which caused a great sensation in the spectators' circle.

Tai Chi Chuan is characterized by features like: softness, wholeness, continuity, circular movements.

• Softness: The stances of Tai Chi Chuan are steady and stretchy. The movements are slow and soft, tightened but not clumsy, relaxed but not slack, which is a good example of tempering force with softness.

• Wholeness: Tai Chi Chuan requires wholeness in actions, in other words, different parts of the body move or stop in harmony and coordination . There is an association of activity and stillness.

• Continuity: All the stances of Tai Chi Chuan are performed consistently from start to end with a smooth shift between every two postures. It is known to be a continuum of force and movements, which should be practiced at a stretch.

• Circular movements: All the movements take such shapes as a circle, a curve or an oval. A firm standing and good coordination between the left and the right is necessary.

Nowadays, with a broader cultural communication, Tai Chi Chuan has carried with itself good wishes wherever it goes in the world. A lot of foreigners are fascinated by this charming Chinese sport . They come to China to learn Tai Chi Chuan and take home taiji spirits, May Tai Chi Chuan forever flourish and shine in martial arts home and abroad.