The practice of Tai Chi Chuan (Taiji) has had an unmeasurable influence on those that have partaken. This site is dedicated to tai chi'ist that are musicians (professional or no-professional) or musicians that offer the musical background for our practice.
What is Tai Chi?
What is Tai Chi? Tai Chi is a Taoist system of exercise for health, meditation, and self defense.
The name "Tai Chi" is a technical term from Taoist cosmology and is often translated 'supreme ultimate.' Tai Chi refers to the state of the universe when it first came into existence and yin (receptive) and yang (active) energies had just been differentiated. The familiar "yin yang symbol" is the symbol of this state, and is called the "Tai Chi T'u."
Tai Chi Chuan (Supreme Ultimate Fist, or Supreme Ultimate Boxing) is the most widely practiced form of Taoist exercise. It's origins in China date back over 1,000 years. There are four contemporary styles of Tai Chi Chuan: Chen, Wu, Yang and Sun.
Tai Chi Chuan is a series of postures (called a "Form"), linked together by meditative movement, which is done slowly and precisely. This pace allows the practitioner to relax and clear the mind while moving through the form. Each of these postures and transitions have a martial application which is taught throughout the program.
Tai Chi Chuan is suitable for all ages (over 18) and varying levels of physical ability. It is a perfect complement to other activities and other forms of exercise.
Tai Chi is an art form, a gift from the past that was caringly and thoughtfully developed by centuries of experimentation, reflection, and scholarship. It is an art that can be practiced at any stage of life because it relies on internal strength versus external strength. It is portable; it can be practiced anywhere.
