TAICHI HISTORY and PHILOSOPHY

Tai Chi philosophy is an extension of the traditional Chinese philosophy and way of life
where Taoism and Confucianism were seen as two distinct responses to the social, political
and philosophical conditions of Ancient China. Confucianism is concerned with social
issues, conduct and human society. Taoism has a much more individualistic and mystical
character, greatly influenced by nature.

Taoism is based on the idea that behind all material things and all the change in the world
lies one fundamental, universal principle: the Way or Tao.

Thus the Tao Te Ching could be translated as The Law of Virtue and it’s Way.

The tai chi Treatise became known as the way the philosophy of Tao is put in action.

Lao Tzu taught that one should endeavour to do engage in Wu-Wei and to discern and
follow the natural forces by following the flow of events and not to pit oneself against the
natural order of things. By acting naturally and letting things be, one becomes in harmony
with their own essence, the Tao. The core of the idea is that the Tao gave birth to the One.

good example of that tai chi philosophy in action is told in the story of The Emperor, the
Bird and the tai chi Master.

When the One, created the Two, the forces of Yin and Yang were exposed. These opposite
forces of nature are locked in an eternal struggle that neither can win. At the very point that
one reaches its highest power it gives way to the other. For man to live in harmony with the
Tao, he must live in accordance with the forces of Yin and Yang, while maintaining a
non-interference approach to life.

Yang is represented by maleness, the sun, heat, light, Heaven, day and so on. Yin is the
principles of femaleness, the moon, cold, darkness, night and so on. As all phenomena
have within them the seeds of their opposite state, this is called “presence in absence”.

The development of Tai Chi offered an outlet for both Taoism and Confucianism. Personal
defence was very important to China, so was satisfying Confucian imperative to act in a way
that was internally Tao.

The elements of physical action and self-improvement could strengthen both the state and
the individual. Many teachers were showing their students how to resolve many tensions,
including that of outward action and inward reflexion, which are central to Yin and Yang of
daily life.

● Everything is part of the whole

● Everything contains Yin, Yang and Chi
 ● The only constant is Change
● Let things occur naturally rather than with force (Wu-wei)
● Yin and Yang are in constant change
● Gentleness develops strength

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hy%20is%20an,issues%2C%20conduct%20and%20human%20society.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF TAICHI

There are five primary forms or “styles” of Tai Chi: Chen, Yang, Hao, Wu, Chen, and Sun. Each
follows the same premise, which is to combine meditation and martial arts, but there are some
slight variations.

CHEN
Developed in the 1600s, Chen is the oldest (and therefore the original) form of tai chi. According
to Taichi.ca, it was developed by the Chen family in the Chen Village, and is characterized by a
combination of slow and then quick movements, including jumping, kicking, and striking.

Chen also utilizes a movement called "silk reeling," which is essentially a spiral-esque,
flowing movement that starts at the feet and moves into the hands and is the foundation
of Chen-style tai chi.

YANG
Yang is often considered the most popular form of Tai Chi and is the most widely
practiced across the globe today. It was founded by Yang Lu-Ch’an in the mid-1800s
and builds off the original Chen style.

The difference is that it focuses more on improving flexibility via grand, sweeping
movements that are executed in a slow and graceful motion. Because it doesn't use the
quick fast movements of Chen, it's considered more accessible and ideal for all ages
and fitness levels, which is likely why it's so popular.

Sun
The Sun form of Tai Chi was developed by Sun Lutang, a Confucian and Taoist scholar
who was also an expert in several different forms of Chinese martial arts.
This version involves more footwork compared to the others, which is paired with soft
and silk-reeling hand movements. When you see it performed from beginning to end, it
very much resembles a beautiful choreographed dance.

Hao
Hao is considered the least popular of all five forms of Tai Chi, largely because it is quite
nuanced and requires a more advanced skill level. This form places a strong emphasis
on "controlling the movement of qi (internal force)" and isn't recommended for those
who are new to the art.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TAICHI

Relieves stress and anxiety: the meditative aspect of Tai Chi combined with the
physical movement can help calm your mind, improve focus, and can even help trigger
the release of feel-good endorphins.

Boosts cognitive abilities: In addition to improving your mental wellbeing, Tai Chi has
also been found to boost cognitive abilities. A 2013 meta-analysis published in the
Journal of Sport and Health Science stated that physical exercise, in general, improves
cognitive function and researchers specifically recommended Tai Chi for elderly people
since it’s a gentler and more accessible form of physical exercise that also combines
mental exercises via repeated “choreography.”1

Increases flexibility and agility: Similar to yoga, Tai Chi often involves extensions of
the body that can generally improve upon your flexibility and agility. This comes in
handy in your day-to-day life but can also make you more agile and capable in other
sports.

Improves balance and coordination skills: In addition to improving flexibility and

agility, the intricate “yin and yang” of Tai Chi movements can help you with balance and
coordination. Again, this skill is useful in your daily life (those fine motor skills can even
help prevent trips, stumbles, and falls) and in other sports.

Enhances strength and stamina: As with any form of physical exercise, Tai Chi can
build upon your existing strength and stamina. With ongoing practice, you might find
you’re leaner, that your muscles are more defined, and that you’re able to exercise for
longer periods of time.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-tai-chi-5073074#:~:text=The%20Five%20Differen
t%20Types%20of,there%20are%20some%20slight%20variations.