Taiji is an internal style of Chinese martial art, stressing the principles of relaxation and yielding both in application and in daily life. Taijiquan training develops inner strength and harmony through the coordination and relaxation of Mind and body. Externally, Taiji is the art of movement for health and self defence. Internally, Taiji is Raja Yoga, the science of Mind and internal energy or Qi (气)...Daoism provides the philosophy while Taiji provides a practical method for incorporating those Daoist principles into practice.

People of all ages and degrees of health are equally able to practise Taiji. It leads people from the mundane everyday state to a position of inner knowledge, inner calmness and inner power. Success in practice requires an attitude of genuine enquiry, patience and perseverance, an openness to practise according to the teaching and a willingness to constantly examine and refine your motives according to your inner conscience.

More than two thousand years ago, the philosophical concept of Taiji or Supreme Ultimate was developed. It refers to the original manifestation – a differentiation of the unmanifest unity – from which all else arises. The character Tai (太) can be translated as great, grand or supreme. The character Ji (极) means ultimate, infinite or extreme. Together they form a concept which goes back in philosophy well beyond the formation of Taiji as an art based on the martial arts. Taiji is often joined with the character Quan (拳) meaning ‘fist’ so that Taijiquan (太极拳) is used to differentiate the practical art from the philosophical concept. The name Taiji was first given to the art of Yang Luchan (杨露禅, 1799–1872), according to recently discovered imperial records, by the famous Qing Dynasty scholar Weng Tonghe (翁同龢, 1830–1904). Previously Yang’s art had been typically referred to as Mien Quan (綿拳Cotton Fist) or Hua Quan (化拳 Neutralising Fist). In his later years Yang Luchan had become so famous that he was often referred to as Yang Wudi (楊無敵, Yang the Invincible.

Today, Taiji is well established around the world. A variety of teachers and schools allows students to find the methods – whether presented as an art of movement, a fighting skill or more deeply as a spiritual path – which best suit their life’s direction. In these times, the outer school teachings have spread widely throughout China and also throughout the Western world. In almost every park in China they can be found. The true inner school teachings however – almost never to be found in public parks – are much more difficult to meet.

(excerpted from Patrick's book "Relax Deep Mind")