Taijiquan is a form of Chinese martial arts originated about a thousand years ago. It is believed that Taijiquan owed its origin to the legendary Zhang Sanfeng during the Song Dynasty. Taijiquan is based on the concept of the union of Yin and Yang , and consists of a sequence of continuous, alternating opening and closing movements. This continuous cycle from open to close to open again mirrors the Chinese philosophical concept of an endless cycle of Yang to Yin to Yang and so on. Yang is the state when Taiji is in motion, while Yin is the resting state. Yin and Yang are opposites, but they are in unity while in opposition. Yin and Yang counteract each other and maintains a balance. When their intereaction reaches its end, they naturally revert in the opposite direction and the cycle repeats. Force and balance result from the interaction of Yin and Yang.
Taijiquan is often referred to as Taiji for short. It has become enormously popular as a hobby and exercise throughout the world, mainly because of the efforts of Yang Chengfu who popularized the easy-to-learn Yang Style Taiji.
Most people can recognize Taiji from its characteristic forms which tend to be long, slow, continuous sequences of smooth, connected movements. The characteristic smooth, flowing motion is powered from the movement of the waist, anchored by the legs exerted against the ground. The softness of the relaxed upper body together with the driving power of the lower body gives the Taiji practitioner's upper body an appearance like that of whips or snakes in motion. Taijiquan involves a set of "inside-outside union" movements. Every movement is slow, even and light, and involves the joints of torso and limbs, while synchronizing with the breathing rythm.
Taijiquan's philosophy is derived from Yijing and Laozi's Daodejing . When one practises Taiji, one has to maintain a state of "inward calmness" (mind) and "relaxation" (body). Throughout the exercise, one has to focus on the "force" and breathe in a natural, relaxed way.
Many people who practise Taiji believe that it helps to strengthen their mind and body.
