Archeological evidence unearthed in China in 1973 strongly supports claims that China may well be the wellspring of many Asian martial arts including Tai Chi, but  Tai Chi did not start out as a martial art.  The evidence unearthed from Muwangdui in the form of 2,200 year-old silk tapestry depicting people performing exercises designed to extend life and reduce disease holds an uncanny resemblance to modern-day Tai Chi movements.

If as many scholars believe, Tai Chi evolved from this health and longevity exercise system it was originally called Daoyin. The Daoyin practitioner assumed and held  the posture as they performed special breathing techniques, before moving to the next posture. Some of these postures still remain in modern Tai Chi such as snake creeps down and white crane Spreads its Wings.

On one of China’s misty mountains called Wudang, Daoyin transitioned into Tai Chi. Chi is a Chinese concept that means breath or vital energy. Mount Wudang is a 3,000-year old academic center.   The teachers of Wudang both men and women, practice the way of perfecting the mind and body through rigorous study. In performing Daoyin, the practitioner balances and directs their internal chi to maintain vitality and ward of disease. The act of holding a body posture and focusing on breathing can create deep relaxed meditative mental state.  This new practice found favor among the teachers and so it flourished in secret for centuries and took on the name Tai Yi Qigong(Great Mind Energy Exercise).

Transforming Daoyin into Tai Yi Qigong had an unintended consequence; bodies became supple, flexible, and super fast. A relaxed mind, body, and breath creates a powerful combination. Think about swimmers, runners, cyclist, and gymnast what do you notice? Slim lean bodies with toned muscles packed with a potential for long-haul speed and power. The Daoyin postures took on a new dimension by changing from static poses into dynamic movements.

In ancient China wild animals and robbers were an ever-present danger. The people who practiced Tai Yi Qigong remained mostly cloistered in their mountain top refuge but, from time to time ventured out into the real world. At some point these Tai Yi practitioners came under attack by wild animals or robbers. They survived these attacks through their speed and intuitive use of dynamic Tai Yi Qigong movements. This successful engagements gave rise to Taijiquan (Great Ultimate Hand) or what we know as Kung Fu. Tai Chi had made another leap from healing practice to self-defense.

What is Tai Chi? Tai Chi can have many functions. You do not have to use them all; you decide what function is important to you. Tai Chi is a gentle exercise, a  martial art, and a healing practice for many chronic health problems. If you decide to take a Tai Chi class I suggest telling your teacher what part of Tai Chi is important to you.