You will not be allowed to compare more than 4 products at a time
View compare
What is
Tai Chi
Path to Health and Wellness
Beyond martial arts, Taijiquan is widely recognized as a valuable practice for improving physical and mental health. It is renowned for its benefits in enhancing body balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and stress reduction.
Harmony of Body, Mind, and Breath
Taijiquan emphasizes the integration of physical movement, mental cultivation, and breath regulation, fostering a sense of internal and external harmony.
Gentle and Slow Movements
The movements in Taijiquan are characterized by their smoothness, continuity, and slow pace. This approach promotes relaxation, mind-body coordination, and a sense of internal harmony.
Unity of Body and Mind
Practitioners of Taijiquan often experience a deep sense of unity between their overall bodily coordination and internal state, leading to a harmonious and balanced practice.
Meaning and Origin
The term "Taiji" originates from the "I Ching" (Book of Changes): "In the 'I Ching', there is Taiji, which gives birth to the Two Forms; the Two Forms give rise to the Four Symbols, and the Four Symbols give rise to the Eight Trigrams. The Eight Trigrams determine good fortune and misfortune, leading to great undertakings." Taiji represents the origin of the universe and the source of all things, symbolizing the beginning and ultimate of the world. Taijiquan is more than just a martial art; it is a form of cultivation and an aesthetic practice. As Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang points out, the essence of Taijiquan lies in centering on the dantian (the body’s energy center), moving as a whole, with each part connected and flowing seamlessly. Through long-term practice, Taijiquan promotes the smooth flow of blood and energy, enhancing health and longevity. Chen-style Taijiquan is distinct for its unique style, combining fast and slow movements, explosive power, and spiraling energy that integrates internal and external harmony. Suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and physical conditions, Taijiquan is ideal for self-cultivation. Practicing Taijiquan not only strengthens the body but also refines the mind, nurturing wisdom and character. Aesthetically, Taijiquan is a visual treasure, featuring smooth, continuous movements and coordinated postures that exude a sense of elegance and beauty.
Chen-style Taijiquan
Chen-style Taijiquan is a major branch of Taijiquan that originated in Chenjiagou, Henan Province, China. As the birthplace of Taijiquan, Chen-style Taijiquan has a long history, a well-documented lineage, and a rich cultural heritage. It is renowned for its combination of hardness and softness, varying speeds, and the integration of internal and external practices, emphasizing the techniques of counteracting movement with stillness and overcoming hardness with softness. Chen-style Taijiquan places a strong emphasis on the use of "silk reeling energy," which involves spiral movements to achieve coordinated force throughout the body. Its routines include both slow, gentle movements and fast, explosive combat techniques, showcasing the unique charm of Taijiquan's "internal power and external practice." The forms of Chen-style Taijiquan are diverse and comprehensive, covering a wide range of training from beginner to advanced levels, such as the First Form (Old Frame) and Second Form, as well as weapon forms including sword, saber, and spear. Whether for beginners or advanced practitioners, Chen-style Taijiquan offers a wealth of practice content and profound cultural depth.