The Story of Tai Chi (or Taijiquan)

1.  The Concept of Taijiquan   

The word “Tai” （太）means “Supreme”, “Ji” （极or Chi) means “Boundary” and the word “Quan” （拳or Chuan) means “fist” or “movement”.  Together the term “Taijiquan” implies a method of movement to cultivate a form of power that has no boundary.   

Over hundreds of years of development Taijiquan has absorbed the essence of Chinese healing arts and traditional cultural thoughts(Breslow 1999) and has been shaped by the principles of Chinese Martial Arts(Yang 1996).  Through this process Taijiquan has synthesized into one of the most popular and effective mind and body exercises in the world.  

The concept of Taijiquan (Pinyin) or Tai Chi Chuan (Wade-Giles) originated from ancient Chinese cosmology and philosophy. It first appeared in the writings of “Yì Jīng” （易经）, one of the oldest of the Chinese classic texts describing an ancient system of cosmology and philosophy that is intrinsic to ancient Chinese cultural beliefs.   

Written some 3,000 years ago, the book “Yi Jing”, also frequently called the “Book of Changes” in English translation, seeks to explain the causes and laws of motion and change in the natural world.  The tenets are: 

1. Change (or evolution) is an inevitable process of all matter. 

2. All changes follow certain laws and are predictable.   

3. Balance or the state of equilibrium is a part of this constant evolution.   

4. The constantly evolving material world as well as all matter (Change – balance –change –balance) is the result of the antagonistic movement of two great opposing material forces called Yin and Yang. 

5. The longevity of this evolving process for any matter arises from the interactions of two types of opposite energies (Yin & Yang);  

6. The force that gives birth to Yin and Yang and ultimately is responsible for the ever- evolving matter is called “Taiji”.  

7. “Taiji” is a form of energy that is supremely immeasurable and is without tangible limit. It exists everywhere and breeds all things.   

 

2. Yin & Yang and Five Elements Theories in Chinese Medicine  

The concepts discussed in “Yin Jing”, including “Taiji”, “Yin &Yang” （阴阳） and the “Five Elements Theory” （五行), provided the foundation for the birth and development of Chinese classical philosophies including Confucianism and Taoism.  The same concepts have also evolved and are currently incorporated into the fundamental and theoretical principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  

The first systematic discussion on the concepts of “Yin & Yang” and “Five Elements” in relation with the human body and health appeared in the book of “Huangdi Neijing” (黄帝内经）also known as the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, or "The Classic of Internal Medicine."  It was compiled more than two millennia ago and has been treated as the fundamental doctrinal source for Chinese medicine.   

Written in the form of a conversation between the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) and his court physician, it discusses the origins of diseases and cures for them.  It prescribes: 

1. The human body is part of a larger cosmos and therefore its functional development follows the laws that apply to all other matter. 

2. The condition of the human body is constructed and shaped by two flowing energies, Yin & Yang, that are opposed to each other but exist side by side, and even within each other.  

3. The energies of Yin & Yang regulate the ceaseless emergence, variation, and change in the human body.  Any change in the functional conditions of the body is the result of the interplay of these two forces.  Therefore, a state of equilibrium, i.e. a healthy state, is manifested by the apparent harmonious interaction between the two energies.  

4. When the state of equilibrium is threatened, or when the normal relation between the two forces is disturbed, functional disorders will occur.  According to this principle, improper diet, hygiene, lifestyle, emotions, harmful environmental factors and bodily injuries not only would dampen the quality and exhaust the quantity of Yin & Yang leading to inadequate relations between the two, but they would also stagnate the pathways of these vital energies inside the human body causing dysfunction within the organs.  Therefore, to maintain health and prevent illness, it is essential to sustain a state of equilibrium between Yin & Yang by engaging in activities that would promote a balanced growth and functionality of Yin & Yang energies.  

5. The maintaining of a balanced and quality interaction between Yin & Yang energies would not only promote the vital health energy (Qi circulation within one’s body) thus preventing illness, but also it is the most effective method of body healing.   

The "doctrine of Five Elements" holds that the living human environment is constructed of five fundamental materials: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.  As a microcosm, or little universe, each person therefore is also composed of the five elements, which interact with each other to provide a dynamic balance.   

Applied to the human body, this theory defines all human organs and tissue as analogous to the five elements.  The quality of a person's health is determined by the interaction between the environment surrounding these organs and tissues, and the dynamics among the organs and tissues themselves.  The theory of the Five Elements provides a model for the interaction among the organs of the body and for the transmission of disease when one of them fails to function properly.   

The formulation of the Yin & Yang and Five Elements theories were major achievements in ancient Chinese thought.  This synthetic approach of viewing all natural systems, including the human body, in terms of the two doctrines has shaped the epistemology and methodology of all subsequent Chinese science, including traditional medicine. Spanning several thousands of years, this concept of "integration"--the basis of both Yin-Yang and the Five Elements medical philosophy -- has expanded into a multi-faceted system of theory and practice. 

The Classic of Internal Medicine states: "A wise man prevents diseases rather than treating them, and prevents disorder rather than restoring order."  This is the keystone of the entire system of Chinese traditional medicine.  Over centuries, the concepts of prevention and the beliefs about illness causation and health maintenance have informed the consciousness and daily life of the Chinese people.  Proper diet and personal behavior, emotional balance, and exercise have been seen not only as ways to prevent illness, but also as the most important method for treating health problems.  

 

3. The Development of Taijiquan 

Like many other traditional healing arts in the world, the origin of Taijiquan also abounds in myths and legends. Although historical records are ambiguous and unclear about these legends, they indicate that the attempts at integrating the concept of Taiji, Yin & Yang and the Five Elements theories into physical exercises promoting health and dealing with illness began during the early part of the western Han Dynasty (汉朝206 BC to 24 AD).  An exercise named Dao-Yin-Shu（导引术-the art of promoting internal circulation) integrated various physical movements including bending, expanding, contracting, and extending with breathing techniques promoting the Qi circulation.  Several hundred years later, a well-known physician, Hua Tuo （华佗- 141-208 A.D.), created the form of Wu Qin Xi （五禽戏- Five Animal Play) by devising movements that were similar to the movements of five different animals (tiger – 虎， deer –鹿, bear – 熊, ape –猿 and bird – 鹤) and integrating them with  breathing techniques.  Throughout Chinese history, the exercise of Five Animal Play has been one of the most popular disease prevention and life prolonging methods due to its effectiveness in regulating the movements of Qi （气）and blood （血）, nourishing the viscera and strengthening muscle and bones.   

    During later periods in Chinese history, the observations and knowledge about the powerful effects of soft and supple movements that are able to unite one’s mind and body into one for the purpose of subduing even a vigorous external attack by using gentle and circular motions, attracted many military officers and martial artists.  Especially after the Song dynasty （宋朝960–1279 A.D.), movements similar to modern Taijiquan were categorized and developed as a form of internal martial art and gained popularity in military training as well as among martial artists.  

The emergence of modern Taijiquan with systemically detailed theories and practicing methods began during the late Ming Dynasty （明朝1368-1644 A.D.).  According to the historical writings, after retiring from his military post to his native village-- the Chen village of Henan province-- Gen. Wangting Chen （陈王廷1597-1664) integrated the principles of martial arts and his own battlefield experiences with the Yin & Yang and Five Elements theories.  This created the first modern form of Taijiquan– the Chen style Taijiquan (陈式太极拳).   Since its emphasis originally was on martial applications, the movements in the first Chen style Taijiquan are alternatively slow, quick and explosive motions.  Every move is performed with reference to battle.  For several hundreds of years, this teaching was limited to a small group of individuals within a specific geographic area.  As it spread, it was modified into various styles, mainly by individual martial artists based on their own interpretations and martial arts training backgrounds.   Generally, there have been five commonly recognized styles of Taijiquan:  

1. Chen Style - Wangting Chen （陈王廷1597-1664) 

2. Yang Style  - created by Mr. Luchan Yang （杨露禅1799－1872) based on the Chen style Taijiquan;  

3. Woo Style – created by Mr. Yuxing Woo (武禹襄 1812-1880) based on the Chen and Yang styles;  

4. Sun Style – created by Mr. Lutang Sun (孙禄堂 1860-1933) based on his training in internal Chinese martial arts including Ba Gua Zhang, Xing Yi Quan and Taijiquan.   

5. Wu Style – created by Mr. Jianquan Wu (吴鉴泉 1870-1942) based on the Yang Style Taijiquan. 

 

Although these styles differ in forms and techniques, they share underlying principles and methods, and they have been equally respected by all Taijiquan communities and its members.   

It is important to note that although the characteristics of body movements in the several newer styles (in reference to the Chen style), with the Yang style in particular, had moved away from traditional Chen style Taijiquan with  moves becoming  less apparent in expressing martial applications, for a long time even the newer forms  did focus on improving one’s ability in the battlefield as the main purpose for learning and practicing Taijiquan, so that  learning and practicing  was somewhat exclusive to certain groups.  

However, despite this historical particularity, Taijiquan practice has always been an effective means of maintaining a healthy mind and body.  By the middle of the twentieth century Taijiquan began to become popular throughout China, especially the Yang style Taijiquan.  Contrasted to the other styles, the movements of Yang style Taijiquan are much gentler, smoother and its movements flow together at a more even pace, thus it attracts a wider range of people.     

In order to effectively promote public health with limited resources, the newly established Chinese government decided to promote Taijiquan along with other traditional healing arts. In 1956, commissioned by the Ministry of Health and based on the characteristics of Yang style Taijiquan, a standardized and simplified form of Taijiquan with 24 postures was developed by a group of Taijiquan masters.  This form of Taijiquan significantly shortened the number of moves that older traditional Taijiquan forms possessed and made it easier to learn and practice for beginners.  The 24 Postures of Taijiquan soon became popular throughout China and grew to be one of the most accessible forms of the self-healing arts practiced by people of all ages and health conditions throughout the world.    

Now there are about a dozen standardized Taijiquan forms, including sword forms, being practiced in China, as well as throughout world including in the United States.    

 

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF TAIJIQUAN 

 

1. Principles of Taijiquan 

In spite of the variations of movements among different styles, they all share the following principles:   

1. The Mind Commands the Body Movement 

One of the main features and principles of Taijiquan is that all movements are initiated by the commanding of the mind (intentionality).  While the mind is calm, it connects through the lower back with every part of the body and directs its movement according to the purpose of the movement (yielding, redirecting, etc.).     

With the calming mind commanding and embracing the body movements, the structure of the body is held with minimal or no tension and all parts of the body, especially the joints involved in the movement, are connected and integrated to perform the movement.   

2. Moving with Calming and Gentle Force   

 Taijiquan practice emphasizes the use of pliable muscular strength in performing the movement while relaxing, loosening, and sinking at all the joints.  The proper relaxation of the musculature and avoiding the use of tensed strength while moving at the same slow pace not only helps to develop body sensitivity and motor control (balance for example), it also improves the circulation of energy and blood throughout the body providing an ideal environment for healing.   

3. Moving with Synchronizing and Harmony  

One of the most essential principles in the art of Taijiquan is synchronization of body movements.  In performing each movement, the internal activities (mind intention and breathing) must coordinate with the external movements (body movements).  Hence, propelled by the mind and led by the lower back, all of the body movements are synchronized as one system in creating a unified flow of energy.   

4. Circular Motion and Rounded Posture 

As we discussed earlier, Taijiquan grew out of the ancient Chinese cosmological view.  According to this view, all matter evolves cyclically forming a never-ending pattern.  It is the circular motion that creates the flow of energy sustaining the life of all matter.    

Based on this principle, Taijiquan requires that all body movements are performed in circular motions with the center of the circle being one’s Dan Tian (丹田the Chinese acupuncture point located in the lower abdomen between the navel and the public bone).  The process of repeatedly forming and transforming one posture to another circularly not only effectively creates an infinite pathway of Qi (energy) movement, but it also helps to generate a new level of healing energy within one’s body.   

5. Flow and Continuality  

In order to follow the way that all natural beings sustain their lives and rejuvenate energy through engaging in the infinite circle of movement, Taijiquan exercise requires that all movements, from the beginning to the end, be performed in a continuous flow, uninterrupted like a flowing stream or moving clouds.