Over the centuries many variations of the movements have been taught, but provided the principles are adhered to there is no need for the student to doubt the authenticity of what he is being taught.

 (Paul Crompton) 

Tai chi

Tai chi is more than just a martial art.
It is also:

1. a form of healthy exercise

2. a system of self defence

3. meditation training

4. the physical embodiment of taoist insights

5. a spiritual journey

What does the name mean?

Tai chi is an abbreviation of tai chi chuan. Other spellings commonly used -  t'ai chi, taiji or taijiquan.
It is pronounced 'tie jee'.

Tai chi is usually translated as 'great ultimate' but this does not explain what the words mean.
'Great ultimate' is a reference to the yin/yang process of dynamic balancing.
Chuan means fist, boxing, or martial art.

Public perception

The most common depiction of tai chi is a slow-motion choreographed set of moves known as 'form'.
Form looks quite like dance and uses soft, relaxed movements to reduce bodily tension and produce energy release.

Yet, there is so much more to tai chi than form.
Form only represents a small fraction of the syllabus and is not the only measure of skill in tai chi.

To perform tai chi correctly, you must learn to use the body in a different way.
It is not enough to simply move slowly.
You must learn how to move 'internally' and this is not an easy thing to do.


Common approaches

Common approaches you may encounter:

1. tai chi taught as a complete system of health, meditation and self defence

2. tai chi tailored for the over 50's

3. tai chi as keep fit

4. tai chi as performance art

5. tai chi as dance

6. tai chi offered alongside other martial arts by a teacher who practices a variety of systems

7. tai chi classes offered by a 'learn from a book' or 'fast track' teacher

8. tai chi as an add-on to something else, e.g. alexander technique "Let's do a bit of tai chi"

The differences between these approaches are worth some consideration.


Different approaches, common precepts

You will find that tai chi classes and approaches can differ wildly.
Tai chi is essentially a 'folk art' with no overall consensus on how the system should be practiced.

But, no matter what the style, tai chi practice must always contain the tai chi principles.
The qualities on the principles list are what make the art 'tai chi'.

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Page created 8 January 1999