Untitled Document

                                         Style: Tai Chi (pronounced tie-chee)
                                         Meaning: "Grand ultimate"
                                         Country of origin: China

Did you know ?

Tai Chi merits its own listing because it differs from most other forms in significant ways. Though the movements of T'ai Chi are an effective means of self defence, a practitioner who has studied for a number of years can control her or his chi to the point of being able to use it as a weapon by "discharging" it into an attacker. This release of power can be so forceful that a small woman can knock enormous men off their feet without the use of muscular strength.

T'ai Chi (commonly spelled "Taiji") is technically a derivative of the Wushu form of martial art. It is more oriented towards the spiritual aspects of martial arts. It is made of slow movements and breathing exercises designed to allow the chi (life energy) to flow freely throughout the body. This, in turn, reduces tension, clears the mind, helps blood circulation, improves posture, and promotes good health in many other ways.

The central concept of T'ai Chi is that the mind, body, and spirit must work together to defeat an enemy. It trains the artist to combat violent attacks, physical ailments or mental illnesses.

Chi is developed in most forms of martial arts though in varying degrees. It is called "ki" (pronounced "key") in Japanese and Korean styles but is not focused on as much in any style as it is in T'ai Chi.

Similar Styles:

Qi Gong (also commonly spelled "Ji Gong" or "Chi Kung") - Technically a form of Wushu, Qi Gong is made up of slow movements.
Shintaido - Japanese style of Tai Chi developed in the 1960's around the same principles.