Is tai chi different to tai chi chun?

Answer 1

Tai-chi (meaning "The Grand Ultimate Way of Life") refers to Taoist philosophy and to the healing system based on that philosophy. This includes acupressure massage, acupuncture, herbal medicine and chi-gung (health exercises based on the flow of internal energy or "chi").

Tai-chi-Chuan is the self defense system, now used as an exercise system, developed about 800 years ago by Chang, San-feng. He was the leading Martial Arts champion of his time but was also involved in healing within a system known as Taoist Alchemy. He wanted to use the principles of healing in his martial arts and also use martial arts to teach healing. Tai-chi-Chuan ("The Grand Ultimate Martial Art") was the result.

Today this system consists of slow forms (series of movements), emphasizing the fluidity of movement, aerobic and acrobatic forms such as animal forms, various types of chi-gung (such as zookinesis, a modern term meaning animal exercises), Push Hands (a two person exercise teaching principles of interaction with another person) and sparring (full contact fighting).

A school of Tai-chi-Chuan would teach the entire range of practices, including healing, exercise and self defense. A school of Tai-chi might only teach a form or some simple chi-gung exercises.

It is important to learn the lineage of your teacher to make sure that he or she has had legitimate training. Contact the oldest living representative of that lineage and ask if they know of your particular teacher and his competence.