Is it a form of meditation? Is it a martial art? Is it done for health? Tai Chi Chuan is all of the above.It is one of the most profound styles of Chinese martial arts and is the most widely practiced martial art in the world today. The practice of Tai Chi Chuan promotes the circulation of blood and improves neurological function, which improves how your immune system works. It promotes life energy within the body, encouraging wellness and vitality of the person. Tai Chi benefits both genders and people of all ages. The term "Tai Chi" refers to the Chinese cosmological concept of the interplay between two opposite yet complementary forces (Yin and Yang) as being the foundation of creation. more...

"Chuan" literally means, "fist" and denotes an unarmed method of combat. Tai Chi Chuan as a martial art is based on the principle of the same interplay of forces. more...

Some History...

The origins of Tai Chi Chuan are attributed by many to Zhang San Feng a Taoist who reportedly created the art after witnessing a fight between a snake and a magpie or crane. Although there is evidence that Zhang San Feng actually existed, there is no historical evidence to support the claim that he had anything to do with the creation of Tai Chi Chuan.

All of the various styles of Tai Chi Chuan which are in existence today can be traced back to a single village, Chen Jia Gou, in Wen County, in the Henan Province. From there the Yang family eventually learned the secret art of boxing that was purportedly developed by Chen Wang-Ting, who is recorded as practicing Tai Chi prior to 1644.

It was the tradition of the Chen family to keep the art from everyone outside the family. But Chen Chang-Hsin (1771-1853) broke this tradition and taught his family's style and secrets to an earnest student named Yang Lu-Chan (1799-1872). who subsequently studied with the Chen family and later modified the Chen family style, thus developing the Yang family style of Tai Chi Chuan. The Yang style is the most common traditional style practiced today. The Yang style as we know it, was standardized by Yang Lu-Chan's grandson, Yang Cheng-Fu (1883-1936).

Yang Cheng-Fu was a reknown martial artist and had many students, but one student by the name of Cheng Man-Ch'ing (1901-1975) became the greatest master of his time. With his master's permission, he shortened the form to 37 postures and made it the most popular of all the forms practiced today. Cheng came to the United States to teach and took on students of all backgrounds, which is one of the reasons his particular form is so popular today. Most people originally knew it as the Yang Style Short form, but it has come to be known by many as Cheng Style Tai Chi Chuan.

Its upright spine, “lu” or “roll-back” energy, and its powerful softness characterize his form. It is Professor Cheng's style that is taught and practiced at One Community Tai Chi Center.