Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art. Initially developed for combat and self-defense, for most practitioners it has evolved into a sport and form of exercise. As an exercise, tai chi is performed as gentle, low-impact … See more

Traditionally, the foundational tai chi practice consists of learning and practicing a specific solo forms or routines (taolu). This entails learning a routine sequence of movements that emphasize a straight spine, abdominal breathing and a natural range of motion. … See more

Chinese origin
The five major styles of tai chi are named for the Chinese families who originated them: See more

The name "tai chi", the most common English spelling, is not a standard romanization of the Chinese name for the art (simplified … See more

Chinese philosophy, particularly Taoist and Confucian thought, forms the conceptual background to tai chi. Early tai chi texts include … See more

Early development
Tai chi's formative influences came from practices undertaken in Taoist and Buddhist monasteries, such as Wudang, Shaolin, … See more

More traditional practitioners hold that the two aspects of health and martial arts make up the art's yin and yang. The "family" schools … See more