Tài Jí Quán 太極拳 (also Tai Chi Chuan or Tai Chi) is a Kung Fu style belonging to the so-called “internal” systems, this is, based on smooth and relaxed movements whose effectiveness depends more on the control of internal energy or qì 氣 than on generation of external power.
In this section we will study its history, characteristics and any other aspect of this martial art from northern China.
The “ten essential points” of Tàijíquán (太極拳十要 Tàijíquán shí yào) are a series of key principles for the practice of this martial art. They were dictated orally by Master Yáng Chéngfǔ 楊澄甫 and recorded by his disciple Chén Wēimíng 陳微明.
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Yáng Lùchán 楊露禪 was a master of Tàijíquán 太極拳 and one of the greatest martial artists of his time. He is considered the founder of the Yáng style of Tàijíquán 楊氏太極拳 and was an essential figure in the popularization of this martial art.
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Many martial styles incorporate meditation practices in different ways or have an important meditative component in their practice. But, what is meditation, and why is it related to martial arts?
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According to the theory of Tài Jí Quán 太極拳, this martial arts system uses eight types of energy or strength (jìn 勁). This word refers to an energy cultivated by the practitioner in a specialized manner, that is, it is the result of a prolonged training, as well as the combination between physical energy, 力 lì, and internal energy, 氣 qì.
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After Jeong Yim 張炎, two very relevant figures in the field of Choy Li Fut 蔡李佛 in southern China were the Masters Chan Ngau-Sing 陳吽盛 and Woo Van Cheuk 胡云绰 (Hú Yún Chuò).
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