It is commonly referred to and written as “Tai Chi”, as seen on our website “Tai Chi Chuan”. However, Tai Chi Chuan is a meditative, internal Chinese practice, while Tai Chi is a Taoist term that encompasses it.
Tai Chi Chuan is, in its original essence, a martial art, but today it is widely practiced and taught for the purpose of strengthening and improving mental and physical health.
Despite countless people practicing it every day all over the world, the majority of people are not aware of what the term “Tai Chi Chuan” actually means. The most popular answer is a translation of “Grand Ultimate Fist.”
First, let’s look at what the “Tai Chi” part of “Tai Chi Chuan” means. To understand this, you must first understand that “Tai Chi” is a term. It is a term directly related to Taoism, an ancient spiritual, nature-based philosophy native to China.
Taoists sought to understand the truth and how we are a part of it and exist under its natural laws. Taoists explained that before the universe came into being, everything (nothing?) was in a state of "Wu Chi." When you understand the concept of "Wu Chi," you will instantly have a deeper understanding of what "Tai Chi" means.
“Wu Chi” 無極 means “No Polarity.” In essence, it is the nameless, incomprehensible state of emptiness or nothingness. If there is nothing, then there can be no differentiation. It is, in a sense, the absence of nothingness.
When there is a “change” in the Wu Chi state, then there is a differentiation – At this moment we can speak of the original Wu Chi and the changed part of it. This state of differentiation is a stage called “Tai Chi”. It literally means “great polarity”. The opposite poles of this polarity are called “Yin” and “Yang”. Just like plus and minus, each opposite exists because of the existence of the other. Taoists say that Yin and Yang (born from the Tai Chi state) create everything and processes in the universe.
"Chuan" means fist. It implies the martial arts practice and discipline of something. (transition from non-polarity to great polarity). Therefore, Tai Chi Chuan makes a serious study of the physical, mental and spiritual balance of Yin and Yang. The aim is to understand the balance in yourself through practical application and to be able to bring about a change in your Yin and Yang balance. You can develop this exercise by focusing on the field of combat to eliminate your opponent/enemy.
Tai Chi Chuan is described as the ancient, genuine Taoist martial arts discipline officially recognized in China and is regarded by the Chinese as one of their cultural treasures.