Tai-Chi: Origins, History, Benefits

Tai-Chi: Origins, History, Benefits
written by: Master McCorry


Milestones in the Development of Tai-Chi
Tai-Chi Chuan, or Tai-Chi, is a traditional Chinese martial art with followers all over the world. The term Tai-Chi can be roughly translated to mean The Ultimate Fist. Tai-Chi is an art with a strong philosophical foundation, and its doctrine rests on the theories of life energy and the balance of good and evil, as can be seen in the Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist traditions.


Not surprisingly, monasteries were the birthplace of Tai-Chi. According to legends, its inventor was a half-mythical Taoist monk named Zhang Sanfeng. Myths apart, factual evidence shows that the ancestor of modern Tai-Chi was invented by a 17th century warrior, Chen Wangting. Tai-Chi, which remained a Chen family tradition till the 19th century, was first taught to an outsider by Chen Changxing, a successor of the inventor. His disciple Yang Luchan made Tai-Chi popular in China. It is interesting that the Yang family, who did not want the aggressive moves to be taught to oppressive regimes like the Manchus, kept the harsher forms of Tai-Chi to their family while teaching the softer aspects to outsiders. Thus Tai-Chi developed two parallel streams – the soft and the hard traditions. Different families added their own modifications to the Chen style. As a result, at present we have five schools of Tai-Chi which are known after the five great families who created them - the Chen, Yang, Wu-Hao, Wu-Jianquan and Sun styles. In the post-war era, when Chinese martial arts went viral all over the world, Tai-Chi too became a much loved martial art.

The Benefits You Can Gain by Learning Tai-Chi

1. Tai-Chi for Health: The major factor behind the popularity of Tai-Chi is its medicinal value. In China, traditionally it is believed that Tai-Chi provides longevity. Modern studies show how Tai-Chi can control blood pressure, diabetes and lipid profile. It is also considered effective for arthritis, metabolic disorders and cardiac diseases. These findings corroborate with the Chinese belief that Tai-Chi prolongs life.

2. Tai-Chi for Fitness: Tai-Chi is acclaimed as a good workout that can burn calories quicker. Toned muscles, increased flexibility and a fit body are what a Tai-Chi learner earns with ease.

3. Tai-Chi for Mind: Taking care of yourself means taking care of your body as well as mind. There are many mental benefits of Tai-Chi, whichever age group you belong to. Children who learn Tai-Chi achieve a quick-thinking and reasoning mind. In kids, Tai-Chi sharpens memory, intellect and analytic skills. Adults, on the other hand, can get a calmer and stress-free mind through Tai-Chi.

4. Tai-Chi for Defense: Even the soft style of Tai-Chi can be used as a self-defense. Tai-Chi improves strength and confidence – a powerful combo when it comes to defense.

Learning Tai-Chi at Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy (Peabody, MA)
There are 3.64 Million Tai-Chi artists in US according to Statista. Choosing a good martial art is the first step. However, choosing the right place to learn is equally significant. The Tai-Chi lessons at Bruce McCorry’s are unique because the academy has some of the best Tai-Chi masters in the US as the teachers. Also, Bruce McCorry’s is a place where your whole family can join without any age restriction. Each learner will find a program that suits his/her time and needs at Bruce McCorry’s. Admissions are open – enroll today!