Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art. Its full name is Tai Chi Chuan, a Chinese phrase which can be translated as approximately meaning supreme ultimate fist. Tai Chi is a relatively new martial art, with its concrete origins sometime around 1820, although it likely existed for some time before that. It is what is known as a soft style of martial combat, putting an emphasis on relaxed muscle positions and the use of an opponent’s momentum, as contrasted with the hard styles, which emphasize muscles in a high-state of readiness, and meeting an opponent’s force with one’s own force. In addition to the martial aspects of Tai Chi, there is a great deal of stress placed on the concepts of meditative calm, and overall physical health. Indeed, for many people living in the modern world, Tai Chi is not thought of as a martial art, but rather as a system of movement and breathing meant to be therapeutic. In much the same way that yoga in the West has become divorced from its original intent, so too has Tai Chi become something quite different. In many ways, Tai Chi is a very Taoist tradition. It teaches such things as learning to move with the world – both in a literal, physical sense in terms of martial self-defense, and in a more abstract, meditative sense. Indeed, the core of Tai Chi could be described as simply learning to react appropriately to whatever is offered.
This is one reason why many in the modern world find it so valuable as a discipline. Practitioners of Tai Chi usually find that within a relatively short period of time, they are better equipped to handle stressful situations, and find themselves less prone to being caught off balance either physically or mentally. In order to cultivate this state of mind, Tai Chi practitioners focus on two main types of formal training. In the first, the student learns a number of movement poses that they undertake on their own. These poses work on steady, healthy breathing, supple posture, and a smooth movement of the body’s joints. In the second, the student works with another practitioner to understand how these forms interact with another person’s movement. These pushing hands poses help teach a sensitivity, as well as helping to improve the solo poses through a more rigorous exercise. In addition to these poses, which one often sees Western practitioners doing in isolation in public parks, or in group classes, Tai Chi also makes use of more traditional martial art techniques. Sparring takes place between two practitioners, and is similar to sparring in many other widely-known martial art forms. Tai Chi practitioners may also make use of various weapons, including the spear or staff (chang or chiang), the broadsword or sabre (tao or dao), the straight sword (chien or jien). Other weapons like the chain or fan can be used as well.
by Dancing with Fire January 3, 2011
also pronounced Taiji. classified as an internal martial art, it is a taoist fighting art that originated from Pin Yin village in northern china and developed from there into many different styles over time, but mainly branched from the very oldest form of Tai Chi: Chen style Taijiquan
so far, the main styles are as follows:
Chen (style)
Wu (style)
Sun (style)
Yang (style)
Hao (style)
being an extremely misunderstood art, Tai Chi or Taiji is not just a mere exercise. it is a fighting art dedicated to taking down the opponent using no effort by either disabling them, knocking them out, or killing them.
so far, the main styles are as follows:
Chen (style)
Wu (style)
Sun (style)
Yang (style)
Hao (style)
being an extremely misunderstood art, Tai Chi or Taiji is not just a mere exercise. it is a fighting art dedicated to taking down the opponent using no effort by either disabling them, knocking them out, or killing them.
by Devon Wright June 18, 2005
Ameri-Chinese for "Old Man Move Slow", this is practised daily by millions of Chinese (and increasingly, old white people) who practice it as a low-impact cardiovascular activity. Usually their forms are so sloppy you wouldn't know if they were excercising or having a slow-motion convulsion. Not to be confused with Taiji quan, (translated: "supreme ultimate fist") which is one of the most effective and difficult to master martial arts in the universe.
by Kredd January 22, 2007
A combination of yoga and meditation which is popular amongst the Chinese population. One of the body movements invloves extending both arms out from the chest (with openned palms)which looks like a 'pushing' motion. In urban terms, it means 'pushing', or more appropriately, delegating own work to others. It is often a negative expression to indicate that a person has been avoiding responsibility by asking others to do his/her job.
by Janopi May 24, 2005
Tai Chi Chuan, also known as Taijiquan, is translated to Supreme Ultimate Fist which is a type of Chinese martial art that was originally used the in imperial Chinese military. It can also be used as a transitive verb as an action onto which one was beaten by Tai-chi.
by Suijen June 1, 2005
A series of movements one undertakes whilst attempting to find cellphone reception, resulting in an impromptu tai chi-like dance. The Cellphone Tai Chi generally involves the person holding their cellphone in the air while simultaneously walking slowly in circles.
Jiminy: Man, the reception here is really bad.
Harris: Gee, I agree. Look, Timmy's already doing the Cellphone Tai Chi over in the corner of the room.
Harris: Gee, I agree. Look, Timmy's already doing the Cellphone Tai Chi over in the corner of the room.
by Emily in Australia January 31, 2010
The best exercise class in the entire planet led by a gorgeous, segsy, milky, Awoga , hot, handsome, despair bellybuttoned, fine, incredible, throbbing hard, stuffed bear who says he’s not a stuffed bear but is a stuffed bear named Monokuma. Come get you milk and bread Hajime ;)
by ₽₽ September 27, 2020