T'ai Chi chuan is an ancient Chinese form of physical exercise, attack or defence. As exercise it is sometimes used by Western singers and other performers to promote health and relieve stress. It is frequently referred to simply as T'ai Chi.
The term T'ai Chi chuan is translated as "Grand Ultimate Fist". Its basis is the concept of T'ai Chi, " The Grand Ultimate ".
In Chinese philosophy T'ai Chi is the source and cause of all reality, from which proceed Yin-yang, the two complementary forces or principles that make up all aspects and phenomena of life. Yin is seen as earth, female, dark, passive and absorbing. Yang is seen as heaven, male, light, active and penetrating. Their interplay on one another is a description of the actual process of the universe and all that is in it.
Ta'i Chi chuan employs rhythmic, deliberate movements, with prescribed stances and positions, to encourage harmony and balance between the forces of yin and yang. No two masters teach the system exactly alike, as many schools have developed and fallen into disuse over the centuries. Depending on school and master the number of exercise forms varies from twenty four to a hundred and eighty or more.
As a martial art, T'ai Chi chuan resembles kung fu. Its use as a form of personal discipline and relaxation, however, is as ancient as its martial associations.
Whether or not they relate to its underlying philosophy, singers find its gentle, centred movements and emphasis on body consciousness and breathing highly applicable to the requirements of their own discipline.
