Yong Chen
I. A Profile of Taiji Quan
Originated in China and belonging to the world, Taiji Quan is one of Chinese national precious cultural heritage. The mysterious charm of Taiji Quan is deeply rooted in the unique oriental culture consisted of Chinese classic ancient philosophy, aesthetics, ethnics and medicine. Owing to the ever better understanding of its healthy and medical functions, Taiji Quan is getting increasingly popular both at home and abroad.
Legends about the origin of Taiji Quan varies. One tradition has it that Taiji Quan was developed in the 12th century. In Son Dynasty (960—1279A.C. ), a Taoist priest at Mount Wudang named Zhang Sanfeng received an imperial summons ot the capital, Kaifeng. On the way he was set upon be a band of more thatn 100 robbers and forced to take refuge. During the night, he was visited in a dream by the Spirit of Mount Wudang, who told him the methods of a martial art style. The next day, Zhang used his new skills to drive off the robbers. This style was then passed on through the centuries, becoming known as the “Internal School of Boxing,” that is today’s Taiji Quan.
According to historical record, Master Chen Wangting was the first man who compiled Taiji Quan into modern routines in 17th century. Through his long and profound research on the Chinese ancient philosophic ideas and folk martial arts, Chen Wangting menlt in his Taiji Quan with Taiji, Yin and Yang, Qigong, Chinese medicine principle as well as various schools of martial arts.
Through its long history of development, Taiji Quan today is characterized by its soft and slow movements. Its techniques can be used both for defense and, more beneficially in our daily life, for improving health, preventing diseases, enhancing life quality and gain longevity.
Because of its long history, Taiji Quan now has many styles and schools. Among which the main five styles are Chen Style Taiji Quan, Yang Style TAiji Quan Wu (Wu//吴) Style Taiji Quan, Sun Style Taijji Quan and Wu (Wu/v武）Style Taiji Quan. Based on these five styles, China National Physical Education Association, have compiled and issued a series of Taijji Quan Routines, including competition routines.
More over, as Taiji Quan is a popular healthy physical and mental practice in China, more new styles and routines are coming into being. Taiji Quan is not only practiced in its hometown, China, it is now flying over the national boundary to every corner in the world on its strong wings and arming features.
II. Taiji Quan is a way of life cultivation
In order to understand the life cultivation of Taiji Quan, it must be understood first the theoretic principle of it. Taiji Quan was originally created based main, except others, the two aspects of Chinese ancient philosophy: Yin and Yang and Qigong. The Taiji Quan theoretic principle goes that the cosmos (Taiji) is combined with two parts, Ying and
