Over the centuries, various styles of Tai Chi have evolved. Although Tai Chi’s origins are within the soft martial arts, its development and practice today is often influenced by health concerns, resulting in two major focuses of practice.

Martial Arts Tai Chi
One of the soft kung fu fighting arts, the practice of Tai Chi as a martial art is believed to date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It differs from external forms because it develops strength through concentrating on one’s inner being, rather than on one’s muscular strength. Emphasis is placed on “the soft overcoming the hard,” wherein the practitioner learns how to use his opponent’s own strength against him, allowing the physically weaker to overcome the stronger. There are many schools of Tai Chi, the four most popular being Chen, Wu, Yang and Sun. Practice of Tai Chi as a martial arts involves learning the solo practice, “push hands” — working with an opponent to learn to anticipate their moves and hide your own intent, and weapons practice — using the sword, saber and staff as an extension of your energy flow,. directed out from the body through the weapon, to the opponent. Practicing Tai Chi as a martial art confers all of the health benefits as well.

Health-Oriented Tai Chi
More and more during the last century, Tai Chi has developed to focus on the maintenance of well-being and health within the body and mind. To this end one develops an increased awareness of, and control over, the body. In 1956 the Chinese National Council of Sports and Physical Education developed a combined style of Tai Chi that was easier to learn and took less time to practice. The government subsequently promoted this form which is now practiced by millions in China. Evidence of its health benefits have mounted as a result of numerous research studies and in the last 20 years, Tai Chi’s practice as a healing art has spread throughout the West.

Content last modified on Nov 25, 2002