Taiji, Tai Chi and Taiji Quan

Taiji is the Chinese pronunciation of Taichi. Most westerns accept Taiji as Taichi for its easy pronunciation and as the equivalent of Qi that means life energy.

In Chinese, Ji has totally different meaning. Ji means pole, that is the starting and ending point or turning point. Tai is to emphasize and means Very. So, literally, Taiji means very starting point or turning point of Yin-Yang change. Yin-Yang change and exchange bring about life.

Taiji is Yin Yang philosophy and its core value is change. Taiji Quan is the martial application of this philosophy. Taiji in this site refers to Taiji Quan.

Taiji originates from Wuji and announces the birth of life.

Before taiji, there is nothingness and volid

After Taiji, Yin Yang produced and life begins

Taiji means change, Taiji means life.

Be adaptable, keep changing, this is Taiji.

Change means to adapt yourself to your opponents and adapt yourself to the environment.

Taiji Quan as a martial art has two inseparable components: one is the forms or routines for solo practice. The other is the push-hand for two persons practice.