Tai Chi Chuan History

Tai Chi Chuan History

• Tai chi and tai chi chuan are distinct. Tai chi chuan is the focus.
• Tai chi – supreme ultimate, a universal principle of balance.
• Chuan – fist, a martial art.
• Origins in the I Ching (Book of Changes).
  • A divination text, predicting change (approx 1000 BCE).
  • Explains patterns and laws of motion in the natural world.
  • Describes how current events create future events.
• Seven Tenets of the I Ching:
  • Change is inevitable, predictable, and involves balance (yin and yang).
  • Yin energy is passive, cool, and like night.
  • Yang energy is active, hot, and like day.
  • The process is constant.
  • Yin and yang originate from T’ai Chi, a limitless creative force.
• Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic):
  • (3rd Century BCE), the root of traditional Chinese medicine.
  • Described Tai Chi, Yin/Yang, and the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Water, Metal).
  • Suggests using these principles for health.
• Dao Yin and Wu Qin Shi:
  • Cultivation of internal power (relaxation, meditation, breathing).
  • Includes physical exercises (Five Animal Play - Tiger, Deer, Bear, Ape, Bird).
• Tai Chi’s roots in balance, health, and longevity.

Chen Village, China

• 17th Century Ming Dynasty, Chen Wangting (farmer, martial artist).
• Chen family tradition of practice, initially confined to the family.
• Later popularization and globalization in the 20th Century.
• Now a tourist destination.

Mythological Origins

• Zhang Sanfeng, whose descendants supposedly taught Chen Wangting (Wudang Mountains).
• A mythical account of a snake and crane fight, illustrating balanced forces.

Chen Style Tai Chi

• Oldest and most authentic.
• Silk reeling concept: slow, continuous movements (no sudden stops.)
• Highly martial, including hand forms, push hands, weapons, and sparring.
• Four components:
  • Hand forms.
  • Push hands (partner practice).
  • Weapons.
  • Sparring.

Yang Style Tai Chi

• Created by Yang Lu-chan (1799-1872).
• Most popular style, focusing on large, flowing movements.
• Primarily for health and relaxation, with limited martial application.

Taoism (Daoism)

• Philosophy about harmonizing with the Tao (the Way).
• Tao Te Ching and Chuang Tzu (Books).
• Mystical (asocial, ahistorical) or Liturgical (intertwined with community).
• Aligning one's actions with natural patterns.

Lao Tzu and Tao Te Ching (The 5000 Word Text)

• Historical data unclear, but dates from between the 6th and 3rd Centuries BCE.
• Written during a period of upheaval in ancient China.
• Book focuses on social/political and mystic transformation, emphasizing Wu Wei (effortless action).

Chuang Tzu (Book)

• Written shortly after the Tao Te Ching.
• Contains stories, parables, and critiques of society.
• Includes parables like the Frog in the Well and the Butterfly, encouraging leaving comfort zones.

Wu Wei (Effortless Effort)

• The principle of allowing events to develop naturally.

Quiz Notes

• First practice (seated): Dao Yin.
• Second practice (standing): Tai Chi Chuan.
• Syllabus review.