About Tai Chi Chuan

Tai chi chuan is normally translated as “the supreme ultimate fist”, and it can assist and develop the flow of energy throughout the entire body. The history of Tai chi is shrouded in legend and myth, the most popular theory involves Chang San Feng. He studied at the Shaolin temple and mastered its system of martial arts, then travelled to the Wutang mountain, which was populated by Taoist hermits. Here he lived and meditated. One day, after watching a snake and a stork fight and being fascinated how they could both evade and strike simultaneously, he set about adapting and incorporating the fluid movements into his already advanced style. He also developed a high degree of mastery of the bodies internal energy system, acupuncture points and pressure points (Dim mak) which he also incorporated into his system.

It was this skill in striking the pressure points of the body, that made Tai Chi the supreme ultimate Martial Art. The art was passed down in great secrecy for many generations until it reached the Wang family. They then passed it on to the Chen family who absorbed it into their own system. The Chen style was held in high regard. This attracted Yang Lu Chan to go to the Chen village where he served the Chen family, observing and learning their art in secrecy until he was eventually allowed to study with the head of the Chen family, Chen Chan Hsing. Yang became so good he was named Invincible Yang, taking on many challenges from different martial arts styles. Due to his reputation, he was ordered to teach the imperial family and the Manchu bodyguards, but he only taught them a basic version. He kept many of the applications secret to hand down to his two sons, who continued to spread their tai chi teachings.

More recently, the health benefits from practicing Tai chi were recognised and a shortened version of the style was widely practiced all over China. From there it has spread all over the world in the slow relaxing form it is seen today.

Some of the many benefits of practicing Tai chi are it helps maintain an inner calm, reduces stress and tension, develops concentration and focus and increases relaxation skills. Tai chi can also reduce strain on the cardio vascular system, and maintain and improve the range of movement and flexibility. Ta chi is suitable for all ages, male and female and for all abilities.