What is Tai Chi Chuan? (Meaning and Explanation)

Tai Chi is an ancient form of Chinese exercise and a form of martial arts. Tai means “supreme, grand, or great,” Chi means “ultimate, extreme, or on top,” and Chuan means “fist, palm, or boxing.” Therefore, Tai Chi Chuan, the traditional name of Tai Chi, refers to a supreme, ultimate form of martial art. Today, we generally shorten this to just “Tai Chi.”

Below are the Chinese characters that represent “Tai,” “Chi,” and “Chuan.”

太極拳

Shortening “Tai Chi Chuan” to “Tai Chi” also removes some of the martial connotations around Tai Chi, which may be more accurate, as most 21st century Tai Chi practitioners typically utilize it for exercise, stress reduction, and other health benefits, rather than as a form of martial art.

A Deeper Dive Into Tai Chi Chuan

Now, we know what Tai Chi Chuan means, word by word, but what are the deeper meanings? As a concept, Tai Chu Chuan is based on the principle centering on the understanding the flow of two qualities of Yin, and Yang, which are naturally polar opposites.

Yin is generally considered to be “feminine, cold, and wet,” while yang is considered to be “masculine, hot, and dry”. The interaction between these two qualities is believed to maintain the harmony of our physical (and spiritual) universe.

In addition to Tai Chi, Ying and Yang form part of the basis for many Chinese disciplines, such as Acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Feng Shui (also known as Chinese Geomancy), and I Ching (a form of divination).

The Ying/Yang Circle and Tai Chi

Interestingly enough, the traditional “Ying, Yang” circle is also the historical symbol of Tai Chi itself.

The white, or “empty” part of the symbol represents Wu Chi, or nothingness, which is considered to be the moment before creation began.

This is why Tai Chi students typically stand quietly before beginning the ‘Form’ (i.e., the routine), to empty their thoughts and generate a more profound connection to the ground below and the skies above.

Putting the “Chi” in Tai Chi Chuan

Using Chi (also known as Qi) is an essential aspect of Tai Chi. But don’t get confused by the heading— this isn’t the same “Chi” you see in the words “Tai Chi,” as (like we mentioned earlier) this means “ultimate” or “extreme.”

Instead, Chi is defined as an eternal life force that flows through all living beings. Therefore, Tai Chi movements are intended to improve the flow of Chi through the human body, which can improve health, reduce stress, and help address a variety of medical conditions.

“Jing” and “Shen” in Tai Chi Chuan

While Chi or Qi may be the most famous aspect of Tai Chi, there are also two other core aspects, “Jing” and “Shen.” Together, Jing, Shen, and Chi are known as “the three treasures.”

Jing is defined as the human body’s physical aspect, including the muscles that are utilized when practicing Tai Chi itself

In contrast, Shen is the mental, meditative focus that can be acquired through Tai Chi.

Tai Chi and Tai Chi Chuan Spelling

According to the website 108taichimoves.com, there are variety of common spellings for Tai Chi and Tai Chi Chuan, including:

tai chi
t'ai-chi
tai ji
taiji
tai chi chuan
t'ai chi ch'uan
taijiquan
taijizhang
thai chi (usually a typo)