This is a site for Tai Chi enthusiasts of all styles and experience levels to exchange understanding, insights and thoughts about the philosopy and practice of Tai Chi.
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Plea
Tai Chi and other internal martial arts or energetic disciplines are notoriously hard to write about. Discussing these topics often requires describing sensations or insights that are difficult to grasp if you have not experienced them yourself. Therefore, please be lenient towards those who express themselves on this site. Feel free to make suggestions to the authors that will improve the clarity of the contributions.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is often used as an abbreviation of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, and has no single translation. It has philosophical meanings beyond its literal translation ("grand ultimate" - see the lexicon page for more details). Tai Chi is also the name given to the Yin-Yang symbol below:
Chuan means fist, and implies a connotation of martial art. The literal translation of T'ai Chi Ch'uan would be "Grand Ultimate Fist", but the meaning is that of "Yin-Yang martial art" [1].
The aim
The aim of Yin-Yang theory (and hence of Tai Chi practice) is to obtain a dynamic balance in all things at all levels [1].
The benefits
When they practice Tai Chi, people with poor health become stronger, and those with a tendency to be hyperactive become more at ease. People who are anxious become more confident, and those who have an angry temperament become calmer. Eventually, Tai Chi produces a happy, healing feeling in everyone [1].
A lifetime's work
Remember: Tai Chi is not a goal, it is a path.
Tai Chi is a lifetime's work. Progress is gradual and over a long period of time. It is not about forcing things to happen, but about training and training, and allowing them to happen when the time is right [1].
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