How We Train
Taijiquan contains forms, partner work, martial applications, body mechanics, and training principles. These can seem like separate subjects at first. They are easier to understand as parts of one system.
Taijiquan as a Language of the Body
Learning this Taijiquan is like learning a language for the body.
Principles — the grammar
Principles describe that which is fundamental to the system. Examples include Peng Jin and the interplay of Yin and Yang. They are like the grammar of the art.
Jins — the vocabulary
Jins refer to cultivated energies or forces that Taijiquan categorizes according to their qualities and desired effects. They are the building blocks from which sequences and martial applications are constructed by stringing them together, much like arranging vocabulary to form sentences.
Sequences — the sentences
A sequence of movement strings together several jins. Traditional forms contain many named sequences; for example, Yilu (First Road) is traditionally organized into 83 sequences, while Erlu (Second Road) contains 71. By design, sequences train multiple applications at the same time.
Form (Taolu) — the textbook
A form is a structured collection of sequences. It preserves the lexicon of the art, mechanics, and relationships in a repeatable training format for cultivation.
Martial Applications — speaking with the language
Some applications are traditionally taught, much like a language has established sayings and expressions that are passed down. But those examples do not exhaust what the language can express. The same jins can be recombined to create new applications appropriate to the situation. Asking whether something is "the official application" is therefore a little like asking whether something is "the official English sentence".
Push Hands (Tuishou) — the conversation
Push Hands is like a conversation between two people. It refers to a collection of partnered practices built around sustained physical contact. Some Push Hand drills are patterned, with a prescribed "script" for each player—but mistakes can still be punished. Freestyle Push Hands removes the script, allowing both players to respond freely to each other while remaining within the constraints of the practice.
You May Be Surprised That...
You don't need to be elderly—or young and athletic.
Taijiquan can certainly be practiced well into old age, but it was not historically conceived as an elderly exercise program. Many prominent practitioners began training while young: Chen Yu began at approximately age seven, Fu Zhongwen at nine, and Chen Fake in his youth. The practice is scalable and adaptable with age.
The ‘Chi’ in Tai Chi does not refer to ‘Chi energy.’
This misconception largely comes from older romanization. In Wade–Giles, Taiji was written 'T'ai Chi,' but the 'Chi' here represents ji (極/极), not qi (氣/气). They are different words with different Chinese characters. Taiji is a classical Chinese philosophical concept associated with the complementary relationship and transformation of Yin and Yang, while Qi is a separate concept. Taijiquan does contain practices that overlap with Qigong, but the word Taiji itself does not mean 'Qi energy.'
Taijiquan isn't thousands of years old.
Taijiquan as a distinct physical martial art was assembled in the 17th century in Chenjiagou during the Ming–Qing transition. The cosmological concept of 'Taiji' is much older than the martial art named after it.
This Taijiquan is both 'Internal' and 'External'
The 'Internal' should complement the 'External', not replace the 'External'. They are complementary aspects of one practice, not two halves that require studying separate martial arts. An art named after Taiji should perhaps be expected to resist one-sidedness.
Ready to see how this translates into practice?
Now that you understand our methodology, learn about our lineage and instructor, or find out what your first class will be like.