History of Tai Chi Chuan
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By Suzy Chan | Published April 2006

Tai Chi Chuan literally means “Supreme Ultimate Fist” and it is regarded as one of the finest products of Chinese philosophy and culture. Tai Chi is based on the principles of the I Ching, known as the Book of Changes, and the philosophy of Yin and Yang, which means there must be balance in life, as night and day, man and woman, heaven and earth.

There have been different theories as to how Tai Chi Chuan originated. One story is that a wise man, Zhang San Feng, saw a crane and serpent fighting and observed their movements. Based on the soft and circular techniques used by the serpent against the direct firm movements of the crane, he created the movements of Tai Chi using the theory of soft against hard. Another theory is that when he saw the monks practicing with too much force and outer strength, he felt that they had no balance and were clumsy. He then combined the theory of Yin and Yang (balance), with the principles of the Book of Changes (I Ching) and created movements with the inner strength to produce Tai Chi.

However, the oldest form of Tai Chi Chuan that is documented is the Chen style, originating over three hundred years ago in China, during the Ming Dynasty. This style had been handed down to the Chen family by a general, Chen Wang Ting, who was from the Wen District, Henan Province, China. In later years, one of their servants, Yang Lu Chan would sneak and watch them practicing the movements and became very interested in learning. In those days, all secrets were passed down only from generation to generation, and were never taught outside of the family. However, Yang Lu Chan was so interested to learn that Chen Chan Hsing accepted him as a student and taught him the Chen style.

As the Chen style consists of many twisting, pounding and dynamic movements, Yang Lu Chan gradually modified the movements by making the form softer and easier to learn; thus the birth of the Yang style of Tai Chi Chuan. Yang Lu Chan is now recognized as the originator of the Yang style and is responsible for spreading this style all over China. The Yang style is the most popular style of Tai Chi today especially as it was popular among the royalties due to the ease and softness of the form.

Although the Yang style is the most popular, there are many different styles of Tai Chi that people practice all over the world. The basic movements are similar, even though some postures and movements may differ from one style to another. It is also noteworthy to mention that the movements differ from one person to another due to one’s physique and abilities.

Today, the more popular styles of Tai Chi Chuan include the Chen, Yang, Wu and the Sung.

Part II - Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan in the next edition of Asia Trend Magazine.