HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT

Introduction of Tai Chi Chuan

More than 300 different known martial arts styles are practiced in China, classified under two main Chinese Martial Art Systems. The systems are the internal and the external systems. 

The external system includes Shaolin, Long Fist, Southern Fist, and other boxing styles. The system emphasizes on the training starting from physical strengths, i.e. muscles.

The internal system includes Tai Chi, Xing Yi and Bagua styles. The system emphasizes the training starting from internal vitalization, i.e., internal organs, mindedness. 

There are many different styles or families of Tai Chi Chuan. The four which are practiced most commonly today are the Yang, Chen, Wu, and Sun styles. All Tai Chi styles are derived from the original Chen family style, based on different thoughts and experience.

Tai Chi was created from traditional Martial Arts. Through time, it has evolved into a soft, slow, and gentle form of exercise which can be practiced by people of all ages. Emphasis of strength, balance, flexibility, and speed are maintained. 

Peter Z categories the purposes of Tai Chi into Healing, Health, and Combat. Thus principles and training methods of each differ. Different inputs for different results.