Tai Chi as Sef-Defense

During the warring periods of ruthless warlords, the common people were besieged by excessive oppression and brutality. Whole villages were terrorized and even destroyed for not conforming to the whims of these warlords. The Taoist monks, known for their exceptional abilities of strength and power, became very disturbed over what was happening. They decided to further develop their skills to include techniques for self-defense by mimicking the forms of certain animals. After some time, these monks became well known for their skills in warding off aggression. They were called warriors for peace, and this is when Chi Kung became Tai Chi Chuan, which literally translates from Chinese as the 'Grand Ultimate Fist'.

Unlike many of the other warrior groups, Tai Chi adhered to strict principles of non-violence. It was right to defend one's self and others, but unnecessary aggression was to be avoided. The Taoist Tai Chi monks used the principles of Yin and Yang in all things, including their warrior art. Excesses were avoided, and killing was the last option. The Taoist belief was that all life is sacred – that it does no one any good to take another’s life.

As Tai Chi evolved, it became known as 'soft fist', or internal kung fu. This is due to the mediation or internal energy work involved. The Taoist way was to overcome hard with soft; this was in accordance with the philosophy of Yin and Yang (the law of opposites). Although certain weapons were incorporated to defend against other weapons, they were not flaunted or used to elicit respect from others.

In times of peace, Tai Chi was taught for its health benefits alone. Any martial applications were omitted from public teachings and kept secret, except within certain families. Usually only the sons of Tai Chi masters were taught. It was believed that a daughter could pass the art on to her husband, who may not be so inclined to adhere to the Tai Chi principles of peace.

Today, Tai Chi is practiced by people all over the world as a spiritual art, a health benefit, and a self-defense.