Taijiquan, often spelt Tai Chi Chuan, is an ancient martial art of Chinese origin. Its slow gentle movements, focus on breathing and attention and its open postures, are these days practiced mostly for health rather than for self-defense reasons.

There are many styles of Taiji. The most commonly practiced style is the Yang style, named after the family in China who developed it. There are variations of this style but the style as it is taught by The Longfei Taijiquan Association of Great Britain is the standard form, as taught at Beijing Sports University. Professor Li De Yin, of that august institution, visits the UK from time to time to run seminars and the connection between GB Longfei and Professor Li is strong.

A number of 'Forms' are taught. A standard choreography for each form exists though is not taught by all schools. There are brief forms (10, 16 and 24 positions) which are often considered better for occasional practice and then longer forms such as the 88 and the 42 competition form for the more enthusiastic student. Sword, Fan and Pole forms also exist.

Taiji as a martial art was originally influenced by Taoist philosophy and its emphasis on yielding rather than opposing an opponents force. It is often referred to as an 'internal' martial art rather than an 'external one such as Kung Fu.

Taiji in the UK is regulated by the British Council For Chinese Martial Arts. If you want a teacher who is insured and must therefore have passed their coaching courses then choose an association from their list. If there is anything else you wish to know about Taiji then email me at taijiquan@capay.co.uk and I'll put all the answers up on this website.