Taijiquan

Taijiquan – literally means “fist of the Great Reach.” This is the internal martial art of China, which is considered a type of Wushu. This martial art is very popular as a gymnastics for healing, however, the component “chuan” (fist) suggests that Taijiquan, after all, is a martial art.

The emergence of martial arts
Two opposing theories about the origin of Taijiquan are known. The first, official theory, suggests that this martial art began to exist and continued to develop within the same family – Chen, who since the 14th century has been constantly living in the village of Chenjiagou, Henan province in northern China. This art of combat, according to the same legend, was founded in the 17th century by a man named Chen Wanting, who began to transmit the tradition from generation to generation. Continue reading →