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Tai Chi in Action

China has given the world martial art forms including tai chi and various styles of kung fu. The ancient Chinese martial art form known as either tai chi or tai chi chuan has been preserved within the fortified walls of the Taoist temples and refined in time, with dedicated application. There are a number of originating family trees of the art; but they are no more displayed in a comprehensive manner. Many of the names are legendary, but quite a few are semi-legendary and related figures within the lineage being highlighted.

The widely accepted notion is that the names and mention of certain members within a lineage is accepted, their exact involvement remains debatable within most of the major schools exhibiting and teaching the art. Their roles are not in any way independently verifiable on the basis of the historical records maintained within the families. Nevertheless the mention of the five grand masters of the ancient Chinese martial art form known as either tai chi or tai chi chuan are undisputable and always taken with reverence. The Cheng Man-ch'ing short forms too are a derivation from the ancient Yang family.

However, the controversies that surround the term include the fact that the adopted name does not in any way call for strong recognition of the Yang family tai chi or tai chi chuan as standard Yang teachers. There are a number of promoters of the martial art from Chen, Wu and Yang who are now promoting revised and shortened demonstrations of the art in a big way, with competitive purpose in mind and capitalizing on the occident interest. The unique combination of breathing and slow body movements have been welcomed across the globe today, with many new teachers joining in the fray. Tai chi is the new age stress buster!