Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art, its full name is Tai Chi Chuan which can be translated as “supreme ultimate fist”. It was created as an internal, soft Kung Fu Combat Style, putting an emphasis on relaxed muscle positions to let the Chi flow freely. It stands in contrast to all the hard styles, which meet opponent’s force mostly with force. Tai Chi is rather trying to neutralize the force coming in and using the opponent’s momentum to overcome him. Its a continuous way of yin and yang, of being full and being empty.

Tai chi is today practiced around the world as a health-promoting exercise.  It is a form of exercise which can be practiced by anyone regardless of age or physical ability.  The more formal name is tai chi chuan, which translates to “supreme ultimate boxing.”  Tai chi is an ancient martial art developed in China that’s often referred to as a “moving meditation.”  Tai chi’s slow, graceful movements are accompanied by deep circular breathing. Though tai chi is practiced slowly for health benefits — stress relief, improved balance and flexibility — it can be sped up and used as a fighting form in very advanced classes.  The movements are working with what is called “qi” or life force, a type of “flow” that everyone has.  Within every tai chi movement is the principle of yin and yang — the idea that there is unity within opposites.  Tai chi is often referred as a “treasure of Chinese culture”; studying it is like holding a beautiful jewel, where each time you turn, you see a new facet.”  Each tai chi posture has a classical Chinese name, such as “Wave Hands Like Clouds,” “Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg,” “High Pat the Horse,” “White Crane Cools Its Wings” and “Shoot Tiger with Bow.”  Beyond the forms, there is sparring called “push hands,” in which two practitioners try to unbalance one another by redirecting the other’s energy.