Tai Chi, or Tai Chi Chuan, is an ancient Chinese martial art that is primarily practised for its health benefits, though it also has martial applications. What sets Tai Chi apart from other martial arts is its focus on slow, deliberate movements, breathing, and internal energy (Qi). Unlike more physically intense combat sports, Tai Chi emphasises balance, relaxation, flexibility, and mind-body connection, using gentle, flowing motions to cultivate strength, improve posture, and promote inner peace. The practice is often compared to a form of moving meditation, where the practitioner moves mindfully through a series of postures, allowing the body and mind to become deeply aligned. Tai Chi’s martial aspect is based on principles of softness overcoming hardness and yielding to force, which means that rather than using brute strength, practitioners learn to redirect and neutralise an opponent’s energy through sensitivity and flow, and represents the deep engraving of the Taoist philosophy of Yin and Yang. This makes Tai Chi distinct in its approach to martial art, focusing on both internal development and physical movement.

Tai Chi’s roots can be traced back to ancient China, where it was developed by Taoist and Buddhist Monasteries. The earliest known records of Tai Chi date back to the 12th century, though it is believed that its origins lie in earlier Taoist practices aimed at cultivating health, longevity, and spiritual harmony. The martial applications of Tai Chi were first systematised by the Chen family in the 16th century, in the village of Chenjiagou. It was during this time that the art evolved from its purely philosophical roots into a martial art designed for self-defence. Tai Chi became more widely known outside of the Chen family in the 18th century, with the Yang style emerging as one of the most popular and widely practised forms. Over the centuries, Tai Chi became more accessible to the general public, with many people practising it for its health benefits rather than for combat. In the 20th century, Tai Chi was further popularised, particularly in the West, as a form of exercise, wellness, and stress management. Today, Tai Chi is practised worldwide, both as a martial art and a means of improving health and wellbeing.

While Tai Chi is primarily a health practice, there are competitions that focus on its martial and performance aspects. Tai Chi competitions generally involve performing forms (pre-arranged sequences of movements), where participants are judged on the accuracy, fluidity, and grace of their performance. These forms are typically based on the traditional Tai Chi postures and are performed in a slow, controlled manner, with judges assessing factors such as balance, timing, and focus. In some competitions, weapons forms are also included, where participants perform Tai Chi movements using traditional weapons like the sword, spear, or staff. Push hands (or Tui Shou) is another competitive element of Tai Chi, where two practitioners engage in a form of cooperative sparring, using sensitivity and pressure-point manipulation to unbalance and neutralise each other.