The goal of this web site is to provide an abundant source of information for those who are curious about Taiji Quan, are currently practicing and would like more information, those interested in obtaining helpful literature on the art, or those who are looking for elements missing from their current practice. It is my hope that you find the contents of this web site to be a helpful supplement to your training.

Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan) is a complex martial art with immense health benefits. A number of it’s styles feature gentle movements which can be practiced by the young and old, and it’s intensity adjusted to fit it’s particular practitioner. There are 6 well known styles:

Chen- Founded by Chen Wangting (陈王庭, 1600-1680,) who put together the various fighting principles and drills from various sources including the Classics of Qi Jiguang, techniques from various martial arts, and Taoist principles into what today is called Taiji Quan.
Zhaobao- Founded in part by Chen Qingping (陳清苹, 1795-1868) by combining the indegnious arts of Zhaobao village with the Chen family art taught to him by Chen Youben (陳有本)
Yang- Founded by Yang Luchan (杨露禅, 1788-1872) a student of Chen Changxing (陈长兴.) Yang brought the art into Beijing, elevating it's status from a mere family art into what it is today.
Wu- (吳家 Wujia) founded by Wu Ch'uan-Yu (吴全佑, 1834-1902,) a student of Yang Luchan.
Wu- (武氏 Hao style) founded by Wu Yu-hsiang (武禹襄, 1812-1880,) student of Yang Lucnah, and possibly Chen Qingping.
Sun- Founded by Sun Lutang (孙禄堂, 1860-1933,) a student of Hao Wei-chen (郝為真.)

As a rule, Yang-derived styles of Taiji Quan are gentle, flowing, circular, and balanced. It contains numerous elements of Taoist theory, such as the interplay of the Yin and Yang elements, fast/slow, hard/soft, bent/straight. It also contains strong elements of Qi Gong as can be seen by it’s meditative applications, and it’s overwhelmingly positive effect on mental and physical health.

In it's martial applications, there are sublte elements of grappling, takedowns, joint locks and throws similar in some ways to those of Judo and Jiu Jitsu, various striking techniques, and redirection of the opponent's force not unlike that of Aikido. The practice of push hand, or tui shou (推手,) helps in establishing a gentle method of sticking to the opponent, while reading his or her intention, ready at a moment's notice to uproot their center of balance. Similarly, ta-lu, or "great pull," is a dynamic back and fourth drill used to acquaint the practitioner of the art with some of the more subtle locks, throws, and takedowns.

From a Qi Gong perspective, Taiji Quan's whole body movements help to clear away any blockages among the body’s 12 energy channels, and regulate the flow of Qi smoothly and evenly. For these reasons, the Qi Gong aspect of Tai Chi Quan is an ideal art for both the young and the elderly, the sick wishing to improve their health, and the healthy wishing to maintain their well-being.

In it’s meditative and medicinal elements, Taiji Quan has been proven to relieve such ailments as arthritis, back pains, stress, insomnia, asthma, joint pains, depression, and countless others. In it’s slow contemplative movement, Taiji Quan is a moving meditation, providing the practitioner with a blissful state or relaxation.