So Who's Behind All This "Tai Chi" Stuff?

Master Chen Wang Ting - Creator of Chen Tai Chi

When did Chen Tai Chi first come on the scene? And who started it?

Tai Chi's orignator was Chen Wang Ting, a former high-ranking military leader in China. He was also a seasoned martial artist. 400 years ago, he developed a blend of practices and philosophies that emerged as Tai Chi Chuan.

Why'd he do it?

It is thought that Chen Wang Ting desired to create a more holistic form of martial arts training. He developed Tai Chi to take into account observed laws of nature, principles of Chinese medicine, and relaxed self-mastery, all of which lead to prolonged health and effective self-defense. Most people today practice Tai Chi for its exercise benefits only, however many also pursue advanced training to use Tai Chi as a martial arts application. It was through expertly integrating these ideas that Chen Wang Ting created Tai Chi, a new form of martial art. From its very beginnings hundreds of years ago, Tai Chi training has emphasized a proactive dedication to health, a sense of relaxed internal and external control, development of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, and using a quiet mind to direct the body's internal energy movement.

Did you know...

Statue of Chen WangTing
Chen Village, China

...Chen Tai Chi is categorized as an "internal martial art"?
It is also often referred to as "a moving meditation".