An ancient art form designed primarily for health benefits, Tai Chi has been adopted by millions of people all over the world. Widely accepted by Chinese people as a national treasure Tai Chi has become recognised world wide as a gentle exercise that assists with the reduction of stress through relaxation techniques.

The words 'Tai Chi Chuan' translate as follows:

• Tai - Supreme, great or grand.
• Chi (Qi) - Breathing (or internal energy) .
• Chuan (or Quan) Fist or Boxing.

Tai Chi is relatively modern and the earliest documentation dates to the 1820s.  It draws from Taoist philosophy and has been connected with the writings of Taoist monk Zhang Sanfeng in the 12th century who is said to have studied Taoism and martial arts, and from a combination of the two, developed a soft form of the martial arts which is the foundation of modern day Tai Ch'i

There are five original schools: Chen, Yang, Wu/Hao, Wu and Sun which have since broken up into mulitple schools with different emphases.

Following are Tai Chi links relevant to New Zealand:

Tai Chi   Grand Master Robert Gemmell's Tai Chi New Zealand online site with information on Tai Chi.

Aotearoa Tai Chi   Auckland based tai chi classes.

Tai Chi Chuan   A school teaching the art of Shao Chi Chuan as well as the art of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan.

Wellington School of Tai Chi Chuan  Offering Tai Chi classes on various levels (new beginners classes start quarterly). Classes include hand forms, sword, walking stick (cane)and fan forms.

Chen Style Taichi Centre   The original fighting and energetic form of TaiChi known as Chen Style is suitable for all ages.

Sing Ong Tai Chi   Founded by Yek Sing Ong. Teaches Tai Chi throughout New Zealand. Course outline, photos, and contact details.

Mei Chuan Academy of Tai Chi  Europes largest Tai School comes to Auckland.

Wu Style Tai Chi & Shaolin Kung Fu  Shi Mei Lin was the head coach for the Shanghai Wushu Team and has coached the Taiwanese National Team. During her many years of study she has been trained in Wu Style Tai Chi, Traditional Shaolin, other styles of Kung Fu such as Bagua Chuan and in Contemporary Wushu.

Shao Chi Chuan   Offers lessons in biomechanically sound self defence techniques and psychologically positive teaching methods.