Tyler

I used to be very into chess, and so the other day for some reason I decided to visit http://www.joshwaitzkin.com/ - I was amazed to find out that he is now a Tai Chi Chuan champion!

So then, what is Tai Chi Chuan exactly? And where can I see some of it in 'action' (online video clip)?

Bryan

The way that I understand it is...

Tai Chi Chuan is more of a "relaxtion" therapy art. Though it does incorporate Martial Arts and it can be deadly when used correctly, it is more or less to relax, meditate, and therefore is theuroputic.

It's more of an elegant, graceful art. When I was studying Shaolin Kung Fu, they also taught Tai Chi. It's a beautiful art that ... albeit can be boring at times, it's takes great patience, strength, and balance.

kickboxerkid

Tai Chi Chuan is something that has to be rigorously scrutinized and practised, in order to be able to achieve full benefits from its form.

It's the most complete form of inner peace and concentration one can gain from a 'martial art'. It's beauty and elegance alone are something to be admired.

I have never studied myself, however around the Dojo I hear people discuss it frequently.

Bryan

Well I also plan on studying Tai Chi when I'm an old dinosaur. It's an easy art to get into, and it doesn't require physical strength, just inner being.

Thats why a majority of the classes for Tai Chi are mixed and jumbled with senior citizens. It helps you stay healty, and it sure as hell beats something boring like pilates or yoga.

TsuaSai

Tai Chi is a soft, flowing, slow-paced, low-impact, form of exercise that
builds strength, increases flexibility, and enhances balance. It is also a style of martial art, which originated in China as a form of Kung Fu.

All the movements of Tai Chi are natural and rounded so there is no stress on the joints. All movements are done after the weight is shifted fully onto one foot or the other so there is no damage or impact to the knee joints.

Splinter

Everyone's already pretty much summed up what it is. Has anyone ever tried it or known any one that has?

My 67 year old grammpa is studying it, and hes very very healthy. He does it early in the morning, and his school trains at 5 30 AM every day until 7 AM. He's very fit and healthy. His limbs are very flexible, and he can handle himself in any situation.

sparky

Ive never done it myself but it does improve your flexibility and your general well being. I might look at it as I get older

platinum

Is Tai Chi Chuan known commonly just as Tai Chi? Or is this a different form of Tai Chi?

Dizaster

Anyone seen Side Kicks with chuck norris? You remember that one girl who goes into the martial arts competition and basically dances? is that what this tai chi thing is?

Matt Walker

Tai Chi Chuan and Tai Chi are the same art. However, there are several styles of Tai Chi. The different styles include:

• Chen Style
• Hao (or Wu Shi) Style
• Hu Lei Style
• Sun Style
• Wu Style
• Yang Style

Tai Chi can be described as a moving meditation; you can see demonstrations of it here: http://www.dongtaichi.com/movies/.