History of Taijiquan
By Sifu Derek Frearson
Taijiquan is a traditional Chinese Martial Art and can be classified as Kung Fu or Wushu.
There are many theories on its development and stories abound of Taoist priests and ancient sages who have been attributed with the creation of Chinese Shadow Boxing. Martial Arts scholars in mainland China have determined that the originator was Chen Wangting of Wen County, Henan province in the middle of the 17th century at the end of the Ming Dynasty.
Although Taijiquan is a traditional Chinese Martial Art, most people today choose to practice it for its health promoting benefits. Sifu Derek's Taiji Master loves to introduce one of his students, who he indicates had very bad mental and physical problems, now in her eighties my older Taiji sister is as lively as a cricket.
The study course of Chinese Shadow Boxing within the I.T.S.W.A. The Association offers a complete training program in the art of Taijiquan, which covers the Simplified Taiji and Taiji sword solo exercises.
The next area of training is in the Old Yang style 108 movement form, with further courses in Taiji Broadsword, Taiji Sword, Taiji Spear, Taiji Two Person form and Pushing Hand exercises. Anyone can practice Taijiquan irrespective of age or gender, Taiji is a great legacy of the Chinese people, which can help to build good health and a feeling of well-being.
Please also see Sifu's Yang Family Taijiquan website
