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Tai Chi 太极: in Chinese, Tai 太means the highest or supreme. Chi 极 (traditional pin yin) or ji (modern pin yin) means the last or the ultimate. Quan 拳means fist.
The word “Tai Chi” first appeared in the ancient book “The Book of Changes” 易经, which was written more than 3000 years ago, in a reference to the most primitive state of the universe, the origin of all changes or the highest realm of existence. Here Tai Chi refers to the origin of changes, the most primitive sate from which everything evolves. It is the highest state of existence. Ancient philosophers believed that when Tai Chi moved, it gave birth of Yang 阳（positive）. When the movement reached its peak, it quieted down into motionless to become yin 阴 (negative). At its extreme point, yin began to move and turn down yang. The polarized motion and the stillness or yang and yin produce and promote one another.
Wang Zongyue, a martial arts master of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), named Tai Chi Quan after the Tai Chi yin-yang theory to signify that Tai Chi Quan is based on this fundamental principle of the universe as well as on the belief that people are an integral part of nature. The name also represents Tai Chi Quan’s combining firmness with gentleness.
Tai Chi Quan as a martial art is noted for its relaxed, calm and gentle movement that are performed slowly and continuously. Tai Chi Quan provides an exercise for both the mind and the body through practice as a way to keep fit, to cultivate one self and for self defense. Tai Chi Quan as a martial art emphasizes waiting in stillness to allow the opponent to initiate movement and then to get the better of the opponent through a faster and earlier strike. Since Tia Chi Quan basic training emphasizes keeping calm, relaxed, gentle and steady – Tia Chi Quan naturally developed into a calm and relaxed sport characterized by slow, steady, rounded and flexible movements.
In last century, Tai Chi Quan developed as never before. Many schools gradually appeared. The major ones are: Yang 杨 style Tai Chi Quan, Chen 陈style Tai Chi Quan, Wu 吴style Tai Chi Quan, Wu 武style Tai Chi Quan, Sun 孙style Tai Chi Quan. Our short term program focuses on 24-forms Tai Chi from Yang style that is the most popular style in contemporary China.
Health Benefits of Tai Chi Quan
1, on the Nervous System: when practicing Tai Chi quan, your mid should be calm with all movement initiated and directed by the mind （意）. This is a kind of active rest that is a helpful treatment for the modern sickness caused by too much tension and lack of exercise.
2, on the Cardiovascular system: the gentle and coordinated movements of Tai Chi Quan can make the blood vessels more “springy” and the nerves steadier, thus more adaptable to change in temperature and unexpected trauma.
3, on the Respiratory System: to allow qi to sink to the dantian, Tai Chi Quan uses deep abdominal breathing in a way that intensifies the exercise of the diaphragm.
4, on the Bones Muscles: to practice Tai Chi Quan, one needs to keep the body upright, the feet steady and the joints flexible. The exercise will enable the practitioner to keep in good shape, have strong legs and an agile, pliable, energetic and well coordinated body.
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