Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art . Initially developed for combat and self-defense, it has evolved into a sport and form of exercise . Tai chi is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise in which practitioners perform a series of deliberate, flowing motions while focusing on deep, slow breaths. Often referred to as " meditation in motion," tai chi aims to concentrate and balance the body's qi (vital energy), providing benefits to mental and physical health.
55-670: (Redirected from Yilu ) The different slow motion solo form training sequences of tai chi are the best known manifestations of tai chi performed for the general public. The forms are usually performed slowly by beginners and are designed to promote concentration, condition the body and familiarize students with the inventory of motion techniques for more advanced styles of martial arts training. There are also solo weapons forms, as well as much shorter and repetitive sequences to train power generation leverages. The laojia yi lu ( Chinese : 老架一路 ; pinyin : lǎojià yī lù ) postures listed below are
110-1138: A Frame ( 披架子 ; Pī jiàzi ) Overturning Flowers and Waving Sleeves ( 翻花舞袖 ; Fān huā wǔ xiù ) The Fist of Covering Hand and Arm ( 掩手肱拳 ; Yǎn shǒu gōng quán ) Subduing the Tiger ( 伏虎 ; Fú hǔ ) The Arm Brushes the Eyebrow ( 抹眉肱 ; Mǒ méi gōng ) Yellow Dragon Stirs the Water Three Times ( 黄龙三搅水 ; Huánglóng sān jiǎo shuǐ ) Left Thrust Kick ( 左冲 ; Zuǒ chōng ) Right Thrust Kick ( 右冲 ; Yòu chōng ) The Fist of Covering Hand and Arm ( 掩手肱拳 ; Yǎn shǒu gōng quán ) Sweeping Legs ( 扫堂褪 ; Sǎo táng tuǐ ) The Fist of Covering Hand and Arm ( 掩手肱拳 ; Yǎn shǒu gōng quán ) The Whole Cannon Fist ( 全炮捶 ; Quán pào chuí ) The Fist of Covering Hand and Arm ( 掩手肱拳 ; Yǎn shǒu gōng quán ) Double Forearm Punches ( 捣叉捣叉 ; Dǎo chā dǎo chā ) Left and Right Forearm Punches ( 左二肱右二肱 ; Zuǒ èr gōng yòu èr gōng ) Turning Around Forearm Punches ( 回头当门炮 ; Huítóu dāng mén pào ? ) Punches under
165-741: A book by a Chen family member, Chen Xin, published after he died in 1929. Chinese philosophy , particularly Taoist and Confucian thought , forms the conceptual background to tai chi. Early tai chi texts include embedded quotations from early Chinese classics like the I Ching , Great Learning , Book of Documents , Records of the Grand Historian , and Zhuangzi , as well as from famous Chinese thinkers like Zhu Xi , Zhou Dunyi , and Mencius . Early tai chi sources are grounded in Taiji cosmology. Taiji cosmology appears in both Taoist and Confucian philosophy , where it represents
220-639: A comprehensive conclusion. Tai chi has been promoted for treating various ailments, and is supported by the Parkinson's Foundation and Diabetes Australia , among others. However, medical evidence of effectiveness is lacking. A 2017 systematic review found that it decreased falls in older people. A 2011 comprehensive overview of systematic reviews of tai chi recommended tai chi to older people for its physical and psychological benefits. It found positive results for fall prevention and overall mental health . No conclusive evidence showed benefit for most of
275-538: A disciple of Yang Chengfu , was the first known proponent of tai chi to openly teach in the United States, beginning in 1939. His son and student Choy Kam Man emigrated to San Francisco from Hong Kong in 1949 to teach tai chi in Chinatown . Choy Kam Man taught until he died in 1994. Sophia Delza , a professional dancer and student of Ma Yueliang , performed the first known public demonstration of tai chi in
330-464: A key principle in tai chi is to avoid using force directly against force (hardness against hardness). Laozi provided the archetype for this in the Tao Te Ching when he wrote, "The soft and the pliable will defeat the hard and strong." Conversely, when in possession of leverage, one may want to use hardness to force the opponent to become soft. Traditionally, tai chi uses both soft and hard. Yin
385-406: A later text, possibly completed in 1875 by Yang Luchan's son, Yang Banhou , or no later than the first decade of the twentieth century by one or more of Yang Banhou's disciples. By the second decade of the twentieth century, Yang Chengfu 's disciples and Sun Lutang were using the term taijiquan in their publications, including in the titles of some of the tai chi classics. It then appeared in
440-533: A routine that would be much less difficult to learn than the classical 88 to 108 posture solo hand forms. Another 1950s form is the "97 movements combined tai chi form", which blends Yang, Wu, Sun, Chen, and Fu styles. In 1976, they developed a slightly longer demonstration form that would not require the traditional forms' memory, balance, and coordination. This became the "Combined 48 Forms" that were created by three wushu coaches, headed by Men Hui Feng. The combined forms simplified and combined classical forms from
495-602: Is also seen as an important step towards effective self-defense . Tai chi movements were inspired by animals, especially birds and leopards. There are also numerous other supporting solo practices such as: There is no scientific evidence for the existence of qi, nor any demonstrating the effectiveness of acupressure or traditional Chinese medicine beyond that of placebo treatment. Further training entails learning tuishou (push hands drills) , sanshou (striking techniques), free sparring, grappling training, and weapons training. The fundamental training concepts of
550-425: Is connected with Henan's Thousand Year Temple and a nexus of nearby villages: Chen Village, Tang Village, Wangbao Village, and Zhaobao Town. These villages were closely connected, shared an interest in the martial arts and many went to study at Thousand Year Temple (which was a syncretic temple with elements from the three teachings ). New documents from these villages, mostly dating to the 17th century, are some of
605-520: Is exactly the same as Laozi 's 'concentrating the qi and developing softness'". As such, tai chi considers itself an "internal" ( neijia ) martial art focused on developing qi . In China, tai chi is categorized under the Wudang group of Chinese martial arts —that is, arts applied with internal power. Although the term Wudang suggests these arts originated in the Wudang Mountains , it
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#1732779977007660-641: Is said to be the mother of Yang, using soft power to create hard power. Traditional schools also emphasize that one is expected to show wude ("martial virtue/heroism"), to protect the defenseless, and to show mercy to one's opponents. In December 2020, the 15th regular session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage included tai chi in
715-407: Is somewhat uncertain because of the lack of a record of spoken usage. Before the mid-nineteenth century, it appears that outsiders generically described the art as zhanquan ( 沾拳 , "touch boxing"), "Long Boxing"( 長拳 ), mianquan ("Soft/Cotton/Neutralizing Boxing"; 軟/棉/化拳 ) or shisan shi ( 十三式 , "the thirteen techniques"). In the mid-nineteenth century, the art began to be associated with
770-474: Is typified by its slow movements, many styles (including the three most popular: Yang , Wu , and Chen ) have secondary, faster-paced forms. Some traditional schools teach martial applications of the postures of different forms ( taolu ). Taolu (solo "forms") are choreographed sets of movements practiced alone or in unison as a group. Tai chi is often characterized by slow movements in Taolu practice, and one of
825-613: Is used only to distinguish the skills, theories, and applications of neijia from those of the Shaolin grouping, or waijia (hard/external styles). Tai chi also adopts the Taoist ideals of softness overcoming hardness, of wu wei (effortless action), and of yielding into its martial art technique while also retaining Taoist ideas of spiritual self-cultivation. Tai chi's path is one of developing naturalness by relaxing, attending inward, and slowing mind, body, and breath. This allows
880-634: The Song Dynasty (960–1279), and there is no mention in the Ming (1368–1644) histories or hagiographies of Zhang Sanfeng of any connection between the immortal and the martial arts." Another common theory for the origin of tai chi is that it was created by Chen Wangting (1580–1660) while living in Chen Village (陳家溝), Henan. The other four contemporary traditional tai chi styles (Yang, Sun, Wu and Wu/Hao) trace their teachings back to Chen village in
935-563: The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists in 2020 for China. The five major styles of tai chi are named for the Chinese families who originated them: The most popular is Yang, followed by Wu, Chen, Sun, and Wu/Hao. The styles share underlying theory, but their training differs. Dozens of new styles, hybrid styles, and offshoots followed, although the family schools are accepted as standard by
990-582: The Wade–Giles system as " tʻai chi chʻüan ". But English speakers abbreviated it to " tʻai chi " and dropped the mark of aspiration. Since the late twentieth century, pinyin has been officially adopted in China and replaced Wade–Giles as the most popular system for romanizing Chinese. In pinyin, tai chi is spelled taijiquan ( tàijíquán ). In English, tai chi is sometimes referred to as " shadowboxing ". The etymology of tai chi's Chinese name
1045-454: The "Chen-style national competition form" is the "56 Forms". The combined forms are "The 42-Form" or simply the "Competition Form". In the 11th Asian Games of 1990, wushu was included as an item for competition for the first time with the 42-Form representing tai chi. The International Wushu Federation (IWUF) applied for wushu to be part of the Olympic games . Tai chi was added to
1100-1898: The "old frame, first routine" of the Chen style with focus on silk reeling . Chen tai chi Laojia Yi Lu hand form [ edit ] Begin tai chi ( 太极起势 ; tàijí qǐshì ) Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar ( 金刚捣碓 ; Jīngāng dǎo duì ) Lazily Tying Coat ( 懒扎衣 ; lǎn zhā yī ) Six Sealing and Four Closing ( 六封四闭 ; liù fēng sì bì ) Single Whip ( 单鞭 ; Dān biān ) Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar ( 金刚捣碓 ; Jīngāng dǎo duì ) White Crane Spreads Wings ( 白鹤亮翅 ; Bái hè liàng chì ) Walking Obliquely ( 斜行 ; Xié xíng ) Brush Knee ( 搂膝 ; Lǒu xī ) Stepping Forward Three Steps ( 上三步 ; Shàng sān bù ) Walking Obliquely ( 斜行 ; Xié xíng ) Brush Knee ( 搂膝 ; Lǒu xī ) Stepping Forward Three Steps ( 上三步 ; Shàng sān bù ) Hidden Thrust Punch ( 掩手肱拳 ; Yǎn shǒu gōng quán ) Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar ( 金刚捣碓 ; Jīngāng dǎo duì ) Draping Fist Over Body ( 撇身拳 ; Piē shēn quán ) Green Dragon Emerges from Water ( 青龙出水 ; Qīnglóng chūshuǐ ) Double Pushing Hands ( 双推手 ; Shuāng tuīshǒu ) Fist Under Elbow ( 肘底看拳 ; Zhǒu dǐ kàn quán ) Stepping Back and Wrapping Upper Arms ( 倒卷肱 ; Dào juǎn gōng ) White Crane Spreads Wings ( 白鹤亮翅 ; Bái hè liàng chì ) Walking Obliquely ( 斜行 ; Xié xíng ) Flashing The Back ( 闪通背 ; Shǎn tōng bèi ) Hidden Thrust Punch ( 掩手肱拳 ; Yǎn shǒu gōng quán ) Six Sealing and Four Closing ( 六封四闭 ; liù fēng sì bì ) Single Whip ( 单鞭 ; Dān biān ) Cloud Hands ( 云手 ; Yún shǒu ) High Patting on Horse ( 高探马 ; Gāo tànmǎ ) Brushing Right Foot ( 右擦脚 ; Yòu cā jiǎo ) Brushing Left Foot ( 左擦脚 ; Zuǒ cā jiǎo ) Turn and Kick with Left Heel ( 转身左蹬脚 ; Zhuǎnshēn zuǒ dēng jiǎo ) Stepping Forward Three Steps ( 上三步 ; Shàng sān bù ) Pounding
1155-467: The "tai chi classics" were not distributed widely for many years. The first public association between taiji and the art was a poem by Imperial Court scholar Weng Tonghe describing a tai chi performance by Yang Luchan . It is not clear whether Weng was making a new connection or whether the new name was already in use. Written evidence for the Yang family's adoption of the name taiji first appeared in
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#17327799770071210-754: The Armpits ( 窝底大捉炮 ; Wō dǐ dà zhuō pào ) Dragging the Waist and Hitting with the Elbow ( 腰拦肘 ; Yāo lán zhǒu ) Hitting with Elbow ( 顺拦肘 ; Shùn lán zhǒu ) Side Lower Punch ( 窝底炮 ; Wō dǐ pào ) Turning Around Elbows ( 回头井拦直入 ; Huítóu jǐng lán zhírù ) Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds the Mortar ( 金刚捣碓 ; Jīngāng dǎo duì ) Closing the form ( 收势 ; Shōu shì ) Single Straight Sword 49 movements ( Dan Jian ) [ edit ] Taijijian Beginning Posture ( 太极剑初势 ; Tàijí jiàn chū shì ) Face
1265-690: The Crotch ( 指裆 ; Zhǐ dāng ) Chopping Hands ( 斩手 ; Zhǎn shǒu ) Overturning Flowers and Waving Sleeves ( 翻花舞袖 ; Fān huā wǔ xiù ) The Fist of Covering Hand and Arm ( 掩手肱拳 ; Yǎn shǒu gōng quán ) Dragging the Waist and Hitting with the Elbow ( 腰拦肘 ; Yāo lán zhǒu ) Wave Hands ( 大肱拳小肱拳 ; Dà gōng quán xiǎo gōng quán ) Jade Girl Works at Shuttles ( 玉女穿梭 ; Yùnǚ chuānsuō ) Riding Dragon Backwards ( 倒骑龙 ; Dào qí lóng ) The Fist of Covering Hand and Arm ( 掩手肱拳 ; Yǎn shǒu gōng quán ) Wrapping Firecrackers ( 里变里变 ; Lǐ biàn lǐ biàn ) Beast Head Pose ( 兽头式 ; Shòu tóu shì ) Wearing
1320-697: The Form ( 预备势 ; Yùbèi shì ) Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar ( 金刚捣碓 ; Jīngāng dǎo duì ) Lazily Tying Coat ( 懒扎衣 ; Lǎn zhā yī ) Six Sealings and Four Closings ( 六封四闭 ; Liù fēng sì bì ) Single Whip ( 单鞭 ; Dān biān ) Overturning Flowers and Waving Sleeves ( 翻花舞袖 ; Fān huā wǔ xiù ) Protect the Heart Fist ( 护心拳 ; Hù xīn quán ) Walking Obliquely ( 斜行 ; Xié xíng ) Buddha's Warrior Attendant Turns Around and Pounds Mortar ( 回头金刚捣碓 ; Huítóu jīngāng dǎo duì ) The Punch of Draping over Body ( 撇身捶 ; Piē shēn chuí ) Point to
1375-799: The Groin ( 指裆捶 ; Zhǐ dāng chuí ) White Ape Presents Fruit ( 白猿献果 ; Bái yuán xiàn guǒ ) Single Whip ( 单鞭 ; Dān biān ) Dragon on the Ground ( 雀地龙 ; Què de lóng ) Stepping Forward to Form the Seven Stars ( 上步七星 ; Shàng bù qīxīng ) Stepping Back to Ride the Tiger ( 退步跨虎 ; Tuìbù kuà hǔ ) Turn Back and Double Wave Lotus ( 转身双摆莲 ; Zhuǎnshēn shuāng bǎi lián ) Head On Blow ( 当头炮 ; Dāngtóu pào ) Buddha's Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar ( 金刚捣碓 ; Jīngāng dǎo duì ) Close tai chi Form ( 太极收势 ; Tàijí shōu shì ) Chen tai chi Laojia Er Lu hand form [ edit ] Beginning
1430-645: The Ground ( 击地捶 ; Jī de chuí ) Double Jump Kick ( 踢二起 ; Tī èr qǐ ) Protect-the-Heart Fist ( 护心拳 ; Hù xīn quán ) Tornado Foot ( 旋风脚 ; Xuànfēng jiǎo ) Kicking with the Right Heel ( 右蹬脚 ; Yòu dēng jiǎo ) Hidden Thrust Punch ( 掩手肱拳 ; Yǎn shǒu gōng quán ) Small Catch and Hit ( 小擒打 ; Xiǎo qín dǎ ) Embracing Head and Pushing Mountain ( 抱头推山 ; Bào tóu tuī shān ) Six Sealing and Four Closing ( 六封四闭 ; liù fēng sì bì ) Single Whip ( 单鞭 ; Dān biān ) Forward Move ( 前招 ; Qián zhāo ) Backward Move ( 后招 ; Hòu zhāo ) Parting
1485-500: The Mud ( 燕子啄泥 ; Yànzi zhuó ní ) White Snake Spits Out ( 白蛇吐信 ; Báishé tǔ xìn ) Diagonal Flying Form ( 斜飞式 ; Xié fēi shì ) Eagle & Bear's Battle of Wits ( 鹰熊斗智 ; Yīng xióng dòuzhì ) Swallow Pecks the Mud ( 燕子啄泥 ; Yànzi zhuó ní ) Pluck Star and Return It ( 摘星换斗 ; Zhāi xīng huàn dòu ) Scoop Moon from Under the Sea ( 海底捞月 ; Hǎidǐ lāo yuè ) Immortal Pointing
1540-879: The Sea ( 哪吒探海 ; Nǎ zhā tàn hǎi ) Python Turns Itself Around ( 怪蟒翻身 ; Guài mǎng fānshēn ) Weituo Presents Pounder ( 韦驼献杵 ; Wéi tuó xiàn chǔ ) Mill Stone Turning Sword ( 磨盘剑 ; Mòpán jiàn ) Return to Original Posture ( 太极剑还源 ; Tàijí jiàn hái yuán ) Single saber 23 movements (Dan Dao) [ edit ] Preparation stance ( 预备式 ; yùbèi shì ) Shielding heart with saber ( 頀 心刀 ; Hù Xīn Dāo ) Green dragon leaves water ( 靑龍出手 ; Qīnglóng Chū Shuǐ ) Wind tearing wilted flower ( 風卷殘花 ; Fēng Juǎn Cán Huā ) White cloud moves overhead ( 白雲益頂 ; Bái Yún Yì Dǐng ) Black tiger searches mountain ( 黑虎搜山 ; Hēi Hǔ Sōu Shān ) Su Qin carries sword on back ( 蘇秦背劍 ; Sū Qín Bēi Jiàn ) Golden rooster stands on one leg ( 金鷄獨立 ; Jīn Jī Dúlì ) Face forward, then roll away ( 迎鋒滾閉 ; Yíng Fēng Gǔn Bì ) Slice
1595-888: The Snake ( 拨草寻蛇 ; Bō cǎo xún shé ) Gold Rooster Stand on One Leg ( 金鸡独立 ; Jīnjī dúlì ) Immortal Pointing the Way ( 仙人指路 ; Xiānrén zhǐ lù ) Cover and Pull Back ( 盖拦式 ; Gài lán shì ) Ancient Tree Roots ( 古树盘根 ; Gǔ shù pán gēn ) Hungry Tiger Pounces on Prey ( 饿虎扑食 ; È hǔ pū shí ) Green Dragon Swings Its Tail ( 青龙摆尾 ; Qīnglóng bǎi wěi ) Backward Arm Circling ( 倒卷肱 ; Dào juǎn gōng ) Wild Horse Leaping Ravine ( 野马跳涧 ; Yěmǎ tiào jiàn ) White Snake Spits Out ( 白蛇吐信 ; Báishé tǔ xìn ) Black Dragon Swings Tail ( 乌龙摆尾 ; Wū lóng bǎi wěi ) Zhong Kui 's Sword ( 钟馗仗剑 ; Zhōngkuí zhàng jiàn ) Luohan Subduing Dragon ( 罗汉降龙 ; Luóhàn xiáng lóng ) Black Bear Turns Backward ( 黑熊反背 ; Hēixióng fǎn bèi ) Swallow Pecks
1650-697: The Sun ( 朝阳剑 ; Zhāoyáng jiàn ) Immortal Pointing the Way ( 仙人指路 ; Xiānrén zhǐ lù ) Green Dragon Flies Out of Water ( 青龙出水 ; Qīnglóng chūshuǐ ) Sword protects the knees ( 护膝剑 ; Hùxī jiàn ) Closing the Gate Form ( 闭门式 ; Bì mén shì ) Green Dragon Flies Out of Water ( 青龙出水 ; Qīnglóng chūshuǐ ) Turn Body And Chop with Sword ( 翻身下斩剑 ; Fānshēn xià zhǎn jiàn ) Green Dragon Turns Its Body ( 青龙转身 ; Qīnglóng zhuǎnshēn ) Diagonal Flying Form ( 斜飞式 ; Xié fēi shì ) Spread Wings and Bow Head ( 展翅点头 ; Zhǎnchì diǎntóu ) Parting Grass To Find
1705-632: The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 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. Tai chi relies on knowing the appropriate change in response to outside forces, as well as on yielding to and redirecting an attack, rather than meeting it with opposing force. Physical fitness
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1760-682: The United States at the New York City Museum of Modern Art in 1954. She wrote the first English language book on tai chi, T'ai-chi Ch'üan: Body and Mind in Harmony , in 1961. She taught regular classes at Carnegie Hall , the Actors Studio , and the United Nations . Cheng Man-ch'ing opened his school Shr Jung tai chi after he moved to New York from Taiwan in 1964. Unlike the older generation of practitioners, Cheng
1815-891: The United States) while living in Hong Kong in the late 1950s. More traditional practitioners hold that the two aspects of health and martial arts make up the art's yin and yang . The "family" schools present their teachings in a martial art context, whatever the intention of their students. Tai chi's health training concentrates on relieving stress on the body and mind. In the 21st century, tai chi classes that purely emphasize health are popular in hospitals, clinics, community centers and senior centers. Tai chi's low-stress training method for seniors has become better known. Clinical studies exploring tai chi's effect on specific diseases and health conditions exist, though there are insufficient studies with consistent approaches to generate
1870-773: The Way ( 仙人指路 ; Xiānrén zhǐ lù ) Phoenix Nods Its Head ( 凤凰点头 ; Fènghuáng diǎntóu ) Swallow Pecks the Mud ( 燕子啄泥 ; Yànzi zhuó ní ) White Snake Spits Out ( 白蛇吐信 ; Báishé tǔ xìn ) Diagonal Flying Form ( 斜飞式 ; Xié fēi shì ) Push A Thousand Jin Leftward ( 左托千斤 ; Zuǒ tuō qiānjīn ) Push A Thousand Jin Rightward ( 右托千斤 ; Yòu tuō qiānjīn ) Swallow Pecks the Mud ( 燕子啄泥 ; Yànzi zhuó ní ) White Ape Presents Fruits ( 白猿献果 ; Bái yuán xiàn guǒ ) Flowers Falling Form ( 落花式 ; Luòhuā shì ) Jab Upward then Downward ( 上下斜刺 ; Shàngxià xié cì ) Diagonal Flying Form ( 斜飞式 ; Xié fēi shì ) Nezha Searches
1925-1071: The Wild Horse's Mane ( 野马分鬃 ; Yěmǎ fēn zōng ) Six Sealing and Four Closing ( 六封四闭 ; liù fēng sì bì ) Single Whip ( 单鞭 ; Dān biān ) Fair Maiden Works Shuttles ( 玉女穿梭 ; Yùnǚ chuānsuō ) Lazily Tying Coat ( 懒扎衣 ; lǎn zhā yī ) Six Sealing and Four Closing ( 六封四闭 ; liù fēng sì bì ) Single Whip ( 单鞭 ; Dān biān ) Cloud Hands ( 云手 ; Yún shǒu ) Swing Foot Drop Down ( 擺腳跌叉 ; Bǎi jiǎo diē chā ) Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg ( 金鸡独立 ; Jīnjī dúlì ) Stepping Back and Wrapping Upper Arms ( 倒卷肱 ; Dào juǎn gōng ) White Crane Spreads Wings ( 白鹤亮翅 ; Bái hè liàng chì ) Walking Obliquely ( 斜行 ; Xié xíng ) Flashing The Back ( 闪通背 ; Shǎn tōng bèi ) Hidden Thrust Punch ( 掩手肱拳 ; Yǎn shǒu gōng quán ) Six Sealing and Four Closing ( 六封四闭 ; liù fēng sì bì ) Single Whip ( 单鞭 ; Dān biān ) Cloud Hands ( 云手 ; Yún shǒu ) High Patting on Horse ( 高探马 ; Gāo tànmǎ ) Crossed Feet ( 十字单摆莲 ; Shízì dān bǎi lián ) Punch
1980-419: The art are detailed in a few dozen classical texts originally written in classical Chinese by tai chi masters, the " tai chi classics ". In these texts, it is noted that the physiological and kinesiological aspects of the body's movements are characterized by the circular motion and rotation of the pelvis, based on the metaphors of the pelvis as the hub and the arms and feet as the spokes of a wheel. Furthermore,
2035-528: The art for its health benefits. Tai chi was included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. The name "tai chi", the most common English spelling, is not a standard romanization of the Chinese name for the art (simplified Chinese: 太极拳 ; traditional Chinese: 太極拳 ; lit. ' Taiji boxing'). The Chinese name was first commonly written in English using
2090-522: The conditions researched, including Parkinson's disease , diabetes , cancer and arthritis . A 2015 systematic review found that tai chi could be performed by those with chronic medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , heart failure , and osteoarthritis without negative effects, and found favorable effects on functional exercise capacity. In 2015 the Australian Government's Department of Health published
2145-416: The earliest reference indicating a connection between Zhang Sanfeng and martial arts is actually a 17th-century piece called Epitaph for Wang Zhengnan (1669), composed by Huang Zongxi (1610–1695). Aside from this single source, the other claims of connections between tai chi and Zhang Sanfeng appeared no earlier than the 19th century. According to Douglas Wile, "there is no record of a Zhang Sanfeng in
2200-434: The earliest sources for the practice of tai chi. Some traditionalists claim that tai chi is a purely Chinese art that comes from ancient Taoism and Confucianism . These schools believe that tai chi theory and practice were formulated by Taoist monk Zhang Sanfeng in the 12th century. These stories are often filled with legendary and hagiographical content and lack historical support. Modern historians point out that
2255-658: The early 1800s. Yang Luchan (1799–1872), the founder of the popular Yang style , trained with the Chen family for 18 years before he started to teach in Beijing , which strongly suggests that his work was heavily influenced by the Chen family art . Martial arts historian Xu Zhen claimed that the tai chi of Chen Village was influenced by the Taizu changquan style practiced at nearby Shaolin Monastery , while Tang Hao thought it
Chen-style Laojia forms - Misplaced Pages Continue
2310-747: The eastern United States until other teachers immigrated in larger numbers in the 1990s. He taught until his death in 1975. Moy Lin-shin arrived in Toronto, Canada , from China in 1970, where he started teaching tai chi and related internal arts. Norwegian Pytt Geddes was the first European to teach tai chi in Britain, holding classes at The Place in London in the early 1960s. She had first encountered tai chi in Shanghai in 1948, and studied with Choy Hok Pang and his son Choy Kam Man (who both also taught in
2365-527: The international community. Other important styles are Zhaobao tai chi , a close cousin of Chen style, which is recognized by Western practitioners; Fu style, created by Fu Zhensong , which evolved from Chen, Sun and Yang styles, and incorporates movements from baguazhang ; and Cheng Man-ch'ing style, which simplifies Yang style. Around the world in the 20th and 21st centuries, some Chinese emigrants who had learned tai chi in China continued to practice it together in their new communities. Choy Hok Pang ,
2420-407: The original Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun styles. Other competitive forms were designed to be completed within a six-minute time limit. In the late 1980s, CSC standardized more competition forms for the four major styles as well as combined forms. These five sets of forms were created by different teams, and later approved by a committee of wushu coaches in China. These forms were named after their style:
2475-490: The philosophy of taiji (see Conceptual background ). This association may have originated in the writings of the founders of Wu (Hao)-style tai chi , perhaps inspired by a tai chi classic attributed to the semi-mythical Wang Zongyue that begins with the words " Taiji is born from Wuji ; it is the mother of Yin and Yang ". However, as the Wu (Hao) founders had no financial need to promote their art, their contributions to
2530-584: The practitioner to become less tense, to drop conditioned habits, to let go of thoughts, to allow qi to flow smoothly, and thus to flow with the Tao . It is thus a kind of moving meditation that allows us to let go of the self and experience no-mind ( wuxin ) and spontaneity ( ziran ). A key aspect of tai chi philosophy is to work with the flow of yin (softness) and yang (hardness) elements. When two forces push each other with equal force, neither side moves. Motion cannot occur until one side yields. Therefore,
2585-537: The precise origins are not known, the earliest documented practice is from Chen Village and Zhabao Village in Henan , which are located a few hundred miles from the Shaolin Monastery on Song Mountain. Most modern styles trace their development to the five traditional schools: Chen , Yang , Wu (Hao) , Wu , and Sun . Practitioners such as Yang Chengfu and Sun Lutang in the early 20th century promoted
2640-754: The reasons is to develop body awareness. Accurate, repeated practice of the solo routine is said to retrain posture, encourage circulation throughout students' bodies, maintain flexibility, and familiarize students with the martial sequences implied by the forms. Usually performed standing, solo forms have also been adapted for seated practice. Tai chi practices involving weapons also exist. Weapons training and fencing applications often employ: More exotic weapons include: Tai chi's formative influences came from practices undertaken in Taoist and Buddhist monasteries, such as Wudang , Shaolin , and The Thousand Year Temple in Henan . The early development of tai chi proper
2695-400: The respiration of breath is coordinated with the physical movements in a state of deep relaxation, rather than muscular tension. Tai chi is a complete martial art system with a full range of bare-hand movement sets and weapon forms, such as the jian (straight sword), dao (curved sword), and qiang (spear), which are based on the dynamic relationship between yin and yang . While tai chi
2750-449: The results of a review of alternative therapies that sought to identify any that were suitable for coverage by health insurance . Tai chi was one of 17 therapies evaluated. The study concluded that low-quality evidence suggests that tai chi may have some beneficial health effects when compared to control in a limited number of populations for a limited number of outcomes. A 2020 review of 13 studies found that tai chi had positive effect on
2805-815: The sea ( 夜叉探海 ; Yèchā Tàn Hǎi ) Turn right then chop down ( 右翻身砍 ; Yòu Fān Shēn Kǎn ) Turn left then chop down ( 左翻身砍 ; Zuǒ Fān Shēn Kǎn ) White snake spits out its tongue ( 白蛇吐信 ; Bái Shé Tǔ Xìn ) Embracing the moon ( 怀中抱月 ; Huái Zhōng Bào Yuè ) Closing stance ( 收式 ; Shōu shì ) External links [ edit ] Chen Xiaowang demonstrating the Chen-style tai chi laojia form [1] Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chen-style_Laojia_forms&oldid=1216000209 " Categories : Tai chi styles Neijia Hidden category: Articles containing Chinese-language text Tai chi Many forms of tai chi are practiced, both traditional and modern. While
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#17327799770072860-422: The single source or mother of yin and yang (represented by the taijitu symbol [REDACTED] ). Tai chi also draws on Chinese theories of the body, particularly Taoist neidan (internal alchemy) teachings on qi (vital energy) and on the three dantian . Cheng Man-ch'ing emphasizes the Taoist background of tai chi and states that it "enables us to reach the stage of undifferentiated pure yang, which
2915-540: The white snake in two ( 腰斬白蛇 ; Yāo Zhǎn Bái Shé ) The sun turns three times ( 日套三環 ; Rì Tào Sān Huán ) Scatter clouds to see the sun ( 拔云望日 ; Bō Yún Wàng Rì ) Parting the grass to find the snake (right side) ( 右拔草尋蛇 ; Yòu Bō Cǎo Xún Shé ) Parting the grass to find the snake (left side) ( 左拔草尋蛇 ; Zuǒ Bō Cǎo Xún Shé ) Green dragon leaves water ( 靑龍出手 ; Qīnglóng Chū Shuǐ ) Wind tearing wilted flower ( 風卷殘花 ; Fēng Juǎn Cán Huā ) Wild goose tucks golden wings ( 雁別金翅 ; 雁別金翅 ) Yecha searches
2970-466: Was cultured and educated in American ways, and thus was able to transcribe Yang's dictation into a written manuscript that became the de facto manual for Yang style. Cheng felt Yang's traditional 108-movement form was unnecessarily long and repetitive, which makes it difficult to learn. He thus created a shortened 37-movement version that he taught in his schools. Cheng's form became the dominant form in
3025-554: Was derived from a treatise by Ming dynasty general Qi Jiguang , Jixiao Xinshu ("New Treatise on Military Efficiency"), which discussed several martial arts styles including Taizu changquan . In 1956, the Chinese government sponsored the Chinese Sports Committee (CSC), which brought together four wushu teachers to truncate the Yang family hand form to 24 postures . This was an attempt to standardize tai chi for wushu tournaments as they wanted to create
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