Tai Chi Chuan: The Supreme Ultimate Fist

“Every human being, to a large extent, is called to deal with two common things: his internal world and the external world.”

Shaolin Kung Fu has a meditative, artistic, and martial purpose. The thousands of evolved styles broadly fall into two categories:

Temple Style: Taught and practised within the temple by the monks.

Non-Temple (civilian/Lay Styles): Taught to visitors who came to the temple to receive instructions and teachings on Buddhism. They were taught a shaolin-created style called Choy Li Fut.

“For every shaolin style practised, there is a corresponding lay practice.” The reason for this is that a Shaolin monk would teach a style (or a large part of the style) to non-Shaolin family members or a trusted friend. Tai Chi Chuan is one such non-temple style.

What Is Tai Chi Chuan?

In English, Tai Chi translates as “the supreme ultimate fist,” while Chuan refers to a boxing method that brings the two opposite energies, Yin (soft) and Yang (hard), together. As it emphasises the internal aspects of the body — breathing, mind, and internal energies — it is known as internal kung fu. It is an excellent discipline for people of all ages, combining serene movements for health and well-being with a strong fighting system.

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.