Tai Chi Chuan (often just referred to as Tai Chi) is a traditional Chinese martial art that is widely recognized for its health benefits and as a practice for cultivating physical and mental relaxation. Its name can be translated as “Supreme Ultimate Fist” or “Boundless Fist.” Here’s a brief overview:

Philosophy and Principles: Tai Chi is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, particularly Taoism and the principles of Yin and Yang. The movements are designed to balance these opposing forces within the body. The art emphasizes relaxation, fluidity, and the cultivation of internal body mechanics.

Styles: There are several main styles of Tai Chi, named after the Chinese families that developed them: Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu (different from the first Wu), and Sun. Each has its characteristics and variations in the forms.

Applications: While many people practice Tai Chi for health, relaxation, and spiritual development, it’s also a martial art. Each movement in the form has a martial application, which can include strikes, kicks, throws, and joint locks.

Health Benefits: Numerous studies have shown that practicing Tai Chi regularly can improve balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. It’s often recommended for the elderly because it’s low impact and can help prevent falls. Moreover, the meditative aspects of the practice can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Qi Gong: Related to Tai Chi is the practice of Qi Gong, which can be translated as “energy work.” It involves exercises to cultivate and balance the body’s internal energy. Many Tai Chi practitioners also incorporate Qi Gong into their routine.

Over the years, Tai Chi has spread globally and has been embraced by millions of people, both for its martial techniques and its health benefits. If you’re considering taking it up, it offers a beautiful blend of physical exercise, meditation, and martial application.

Common Core Tai Chi Chuan was created by Master Zhao Wei Dong. To further propagate this modern approach to the age-old art, the Common Core Tai Chi Online Academy was established, co-founded with Ryan Lee in 2024.

Common Core Tai Chi emphasizes understanding of the internal body mechanics underlying traditional authentic Tai Chi practices. While it draws inspiration from the martial arts and wellness components of both Yang and Zhaobao styles, Common Core Tai Chi’s primary focus is on delivering an efficient, clear, and straightforward understanding of internal body mechanics and breathing without relying on obscure, mystical language or terminology.

Core Principles:

Functional Body Awareness: Like its precursors, Common Core Tai Chi places strong emphasis on body awareness. Every movement is done with a clear sense of purpose, emphasizing the intricate coordination between various muscle groups, joints, and skeletal alignments.

Fluidity and Continuity: Recognizing the gentle, flowing movements of traditional Tai Chi, Common Core Tai Chi encourages the seamless transition from one motion to another, emphasizing the idea of continuous movement based on breathing and natural body rhythm.

Balance and Coordination: Focus on the correct movement and momentum of the body’s core ensures optimal execution of techniques. Students are taught to harmonize their movements, ensuring balance and coordination in every technique.

Breath and Movement Synchronization: Rather than focusing on the mystical concepts of ‘qi’,  or “energy” Common Core Tai Chi emphasizes the physiological benefits of syncing one’s breath with movement. Proper breathing techniques augment body mechanics and facilitate smoother motion.

Efficiency of Movement: Understanding the optimal way to move, ensuring that no energy is wasted, is a cornerstone of Common Core Tai Chi. Movements are both economical and effective, allowing for better application both in martial contexts and in daily life.

Instructional Approach:

Simplified Terminology: Common Core Tai Chi strives to make Tai Chi more accessible to everyone by using contemporary language. Techniques, stances, and movements are named for their physical characteristics and effects rather than traditional, often esoteric, names.

Anatomical References: In line with the emphasis on body mechanics, Common Core Tai Chi frequently references anatomy and biomechanics. This provides students with a clear, scientific understanding of each movement’s impact and benefit.

Demonstration and Hands-on Feedback: Practical learning is pivotal. Instructors demonstrate techniques, and students practice them, receiving real-time feedback. This ensures that they grasp the physical nuances of each movement.

Applications and Real-World Relevance: While Common Core Tai Chi maintains a health and wellness perspective, students are also taught the practical martial applications of techniques. This reinforces the significance of understanding body mechanics.

Benefits:

Enhanced physical awareness and control.
Improved posture, balance, and coordination.
Strengthened core and enhanced flexibility.
Mental clarity and relaxation through mindful movement.
Practical self-defense techniques based on biomechanics.

Common Core Tai Chi offers a modern approach to a time-honored tradition. By focusing on the tangible and scientific aspects of movement and body mechanics, it hopes to bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary understanding, making the profound benefits of authentic Tai Chi accessible to everyone.

Yang style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is one of the most popular and widely practiced styles of Tai Chi around the world. It’s known for its graceful, flowing movements and its deep philosophical roots.  

The Yang style originated from the Chen style of Taijiquan. Yang Luchan (1799-1872), the founder of the Yang style, learned the art in the Chen village and later modified and refined it, creating a distinct style that bore his name.

Yang style is known for its steady, even tempo throughout the form. While all Tai Chi emphasizes the balance of yin and yang (soft and hard), the Yang style is particularly noted for its emphasis on softness and continuity. The postures in Yang style are expansive, open, and naturally extended, but without rigidity. Compared to the original Chen style, Yang style is often practiced with a slightly higher stance.

 Yang style Taijiquan, places emphasis on principles like relaxation (song), internal energy cultivation (qi), using intention rather than brute force (yi instead of li), and the integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Evolution and Branches: Over the years, the Yang style has branched out into different sub-styles, mainly due to the teachings of various family members and students of Yang Luchan. Prominent figures include Yang Jianhou, Yang Shaohou, and Yang Chengfu. Yang Chengfu, in particular, was instrumental in popularizing a style known for its large, extended postures.

Global Recognition: Today, Yang style is practiced by millions of people worldwide, not just as a martial art, but also for its health benefits, meditative qualities, and as a form of cultural exercise.

Zhaobao Taijiquan is one of the traditional styles of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) that is less well-known internationally compared to the more popular Yang, Wu, or Chen styles. It is named after the village of Zhaobao, which is close to the Chen village in Henan province, China. 

 Zhaobao Taijiquan has historical ties with the Chen style, which is the oldest of the recognized tai chi styles. The history of the two styles is intertwined, and some mistakenly believe that Zhaobao Taijiquan may have evolved as a branch of the older Chen forms rather than the genuine history which in which it could be considered a parallel development.

While sharing some similarities with the Chen style, Zhaobao has its unique characteristics. Its movements tend to be more circular and expansive. It is often described as being more “flowing” or “water-like” than the hard and soft contrasts that are evident in Chen style.

Zhaobao Taijiquan has its own set of forms, both hand forms and weapon forms, which distinguish it from other Tai Chi styles. Like other Tai Chi styles, Zhaobao also emphasizes the principles of relaxation, body alignment, deep breathing, and the cultivation of “qi” or vital energy.

Zhaobao is not just a martial art but also a system of exercise, health, and personal development. Practitioners focus on the fundamental Taijiquan principles like yin-yang balance, using the mind to lead the qi, and the importance of integrating the body as a cohesive unit.

While it’s not as internationally recognized as the Yang or Chen styles, Zhaobao has a dedicated following and has been promoted and preserved by its genuine lineage holders and practitioners. The style remains an important part of the rich tapestry of  authentic Taijiquan history and development.

Over the years, lineage holders and dedicated teachers have been instrumental in preserving and promoting Zhaobao Taijiquan. As with all styles of Taijiquan, the art is living and evolving, with teachers adding their understanding and interpretations and attempting to stay true to the core principles and forms.