Origins of Tai Chi
The most widely practiced form of Tai Chi in the world today is Yang style. Some other forms include Chen and Wu. Each school of Tai Chi is unique but they all emphasize fluid movement performed in a balanced, effortless way.
The form taught in Tai Chi for Body and Mind Fitness is traditional Yang style Tai Chi. This long form, consisting of 108-movements, has developed over hundreds of years.
Stories of the origins of Tai Chi vary greatly. A popular story says that Tai Chi originated with a Taoist monk, Chang San Feng (Zhang Sanfeng 张三丰), who created a series of self-defense exercises inspired by the movements of animals. Since the mid-20th century, Tai Chi has expanded from its origins in China to a world-wide practice.
More recently, shorter Yang styles such as 24 and 48 movements have been developed.
A popular story says that Tai Chi originated with a Taoist monk, Chang San Feng, who created a series of self-defense exercises inspired by the movements of animals.
There are Many Variations in Tai Chi
You’ll find variations even within traditional Yang style Tai Chi. Your friend may also practice Yang style Tai Chi but their movements may look slightly different than the Yang style in our videos.
Master teachers, or “Sifus”, sometimes give their own interpretation to moves. This is to be expected since not everything about Tai Chi is written down. Some information is just passed along from teacher to student.