What is T'ai Chi Chuan or as some people say Taijiquan
It translates as
SUPREME ULTIMATE FISTIn China Tai Chi Chuan was a Martial Art fitness regime using the Taoist principles of Yin and Yang to develop a healthy body and tranquil mind on a daily basis. This was then extended into Feng Shou (kung Fo) for self defense so you could protect your family and village from an enemy.
In the West Tai Chi now is thought to be a soft gentle art to keep you fit, used more for defending against illness than an enemy, although yes it is soft and gentle the principles are the same now as it was back then and can still be used to protect ourselves which today can be more verbal than physical force.
There are many styles of T'ai Chi which have been developed over time in China and the rest of the world
The style that I practice and Teach is called the "Lee Style T'ai Chi Chuan" with a basic hand form that has 140 movements which are broken down into 42 sequences with various titles which within each one has a spiritual meaning, these sequences are again broken down into 13 stances and 7 hand positions which control the energy of the body which is known as the Chi energy or life force energy.
The movements are done in an upright position following the golden principles using the breath to give a gentle rhythm and coordinated flow so as we move our feet into a stance and breath In recalling our Chi energy with our hands harmonizing the internal mind and body then breath OUT moving our feet into another stance extending our Chi energy out with our circular hand movements completely relaxing the body ready to begin the next breath IN giving us continuity of movement.
When we have finished our daily practice we are energized and completely refreshed ready for a well balanced Chang Ming meal.