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Taijiquan



Taijiquan (or Tai Chi) is a physical practice that has been practiced for at least two thousand years. It is made up of relaxed, circular movements that work with breath regulation and the cultivation of a righteous and neutral mind. It is said that it originated in Wenxian County, Henan Province of central China in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.

Taijiquan has been around for hundreds of years and is believed to offer numerous physical and mental benefits. Its name comes from the philosophical term Taijiquan, the first known written reference which appeared thousands of years ago in the Book of Changes, during the Zhou Dynasty (1100-1221 BC). The essential principles of Taijiquan are based on the philosophy of Taoism, which stresses the natural balance of all things and the need to live in harmony with the patterns of nature.

Based on this philosophy, the universe is composed of two opposite, but entirely complementary, elements of yin and yang, working in a perpetually balanced relationship. Taijiquan consists of exercises equally balanced between yin and yang, which is why it is effective. A Taijiquan practitioner uses the basic movements of "wubu" (five steps) and "bafa" (eight techniques) with a series of routines and exercises, and a hand-pushing skill. The elements of Taijiquan have evolved into several styles called after a clan or a master's name, which are influenced by Daoist and Confucian thought and theories.

For over 300 years, Taijiquan has evolved into five elements, known as Chen, Yang, Wǔ, Wú, and Sun. These elements are transmitted via a clan-based system of transmission or through master-apprentice relationships. These relationships are established with the traditional ceremony of "baishi". Taijiquan is also incorporated into formal education. Moreover, it is significant to highlight that these elements were derived from the yin and yang cycle and the idea of united heaven and mankind. It has been disseminated through legends, proverbs, and rituals, as well as other means of expression.

To this day, Taijiquan continues to be used for self defense, mindfulness nurturing of well-being, and fitness enhancement. However, it has been expanded to more contemporary applications that concentrate on promoting physical and mental health, enhancing general well-being, and being an effective clinical intervention for diverse medical conditions.

As Taijiquan's popularity has grown, it is now practiced by millions of people across the world for health improvement. It has also gained international recognition. Taijiquan has narrowed cultural gaps between China and the West, offering opportunities for people from different cultural backgrounds to connect, promote health, and enjoy performances of this ancient art.


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