Part 8/13:
Legend attributes Tai Chi’s creation to the Daoist immortal Jan Sanfong, who purportedly lived for over 200 years. Though heavily mythologized, Jan Sanfong is considered the spiritual father of Tai Chi and Wuang martial arts. The style has evolved into several families, with the Yang style being the most widespread today.
Characteristics and Philosophy
Many associate Tai Chi with slow, graceful movements practiced for health in parks. However, it is rooted as a formidable martial art emphasizing softness, internal energy, and redirection. The hallmark is inward hardness, where practitioners generate power through relaxation, internal awareness, and precise body mechanics.
Training and Practice