Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese internal martial art, listed as part of the ‘Nei jia quan‘ (‘Internal family boxing’). As such it contrasts with external martial arts (‘Wai jia quan’, where ‘Wai’ translates as ‘External’). The distinction may be traced back to the 17th century, although my teacher points …
Is your head on straight?
One of Tai Chi’s most touted health benefits relates to spinal health. The two pictures here, illustrate the point very well (from Peter Payne’s book ‘Martial Arts – The Spiritual Dimension’). All Tai Chi styles invoke their practitioners to maintain a straight back – “no bumps, no hollows”. Some schools …