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Tai Qi Quan or Supreme Ultimate Fist is said to be the art
of concealing hardness within softness or steel wrapped in cotton. Most
scholars of Tai Qi agree that the art originated in the Chen village, in Honan,
China about 350-400 years ago. Yang Lu Chan, after hearing of the Chen's fame
as martial artists, traveled to the Chen village for instruction.
Many years later, after leaving the Chen village, he developed the Yang Family Style.
Originally, the style was more visually combative with more of the explosive, fa jing
type movements and was known as the Tai Qi 13-postures (or energies). It was not until
the 1920's that the art was altered and given to the masses. The purpose of the
continuous flow and slow movements of the form is not only for health purposes but
also for building proper body dynamics. With regular practice you will begin to sense
what's happening inside and outside of your body. After years of training in this manner,
you can practice fast too but it is recommended that you balance your training with
movement and stillness. Wu Qi standing and post standing are essential to any good
Tai Qi practice. There is an oral transmission from the Yang Family that reads,
"empty empty, full full with mind ever present. Empty full, full empty while the
hands perform techniques." This refers to Wu Qi and the practice of Tai Qi Quan respectively.
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