Tai Chi is a form of exercise that has its roots deeply imbedded in Chinese Martial arts, medicine and philosophy. The Daoist monks of China developed this ancient science for the body. Their aim was to promote longevity and live in harmony with their surroundings. Tai Chi has gained increasing popularity in the west over the last decade, people of all ages can benefit from regular practice of Tai Chi.Even local health authorities are finally recognizing its healing qualities and are providing classes for people with conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and heart conditions.Tai chi practice is designed to work the whole body, through slow movements the Practioner works to relax and strengthen all the major muscle, joints and ligaments as well as calm the nervous system and quiten the mind, this results in improved posture, better circulation, and an increase in mobility. Chinese have learnt through years of research the benefits of slow, natural movements. Practicing this way has a calming effect on your mind and nervous system.Such great Master as Yang Cheng Fu laid down the basic principles of practice to help the student move forwards in his / her study of this wonderful system of self-cultivation.

(1) Body relaxed and mind calm, breathing natural.
When doing Taijiquan. One should remain erect and comfortable, relaxed, calm and natural. The thoughts should be concentrated and calm, consciously guiding the movements, so as to reflect the requirements spoken of in the ancient boxing manuals for "first in the mind, then in the body," "use the mind to move the Qi, use the Qi to move the body," and "the will and the Qi are the monarch, commanding the bones and flesh which are the subject." The breathing should be deep and regular, natural and smooth, and as far as possible in time with the movements and the exertion of force. One should not tense up or hold one's breath, or use strength awkwardly. Remember the principle "the Qi is not harmful when the spine is straight."

(2) Curved movements, clear distinction between 'hollow' and 'solid.'
Every part of Taijiquan involves changes between the 'hollow' and the 'solid' which are expressed in various ways" as attacking and defensive hand movements, advancing and retreating steps. Turns of the body, firmness or suppleness in the exertion of force. Rise and fall of the thoughts and the rhythm of movement and so on. During the Qianlong period (1736-1795) of the Qing dynasty, the famous Taijiquan master Wang Zongyue expressed the changes between 'hollow' and 'solid' in boxing in terms of Taiji Yin and Yang, stressing the point that every movement and form in Taijiquan is inseparable from Yin and Yang. Which is why it is also said that in Taijiquan, "only when Yin and Yang are in balance will the use of strength be understood." Taijiquan movements should follow a curving path, to favour the exchange between 'hollow' and 'solid,' and should on no account go straight back and forth, stiff and unflowing, or use force in a mechanical way.

(3) Coordination of upper and lower limbs and body, movements full, vital and complete.
Taijiquan movements should be initiated in the legs, controlled mainly from the waist and express their form in the hands and fingers with all parts of the body in step, forming a balanced whole. It is the actions of the waist and legs in particular which combine to form the basis of Taijiquan movements. The upper and lower limbs and body must not get out of step, or the effect will be like floating weeds in water, drifting back and forth, without roots.

(4) Even and continuous, connected and gently flowing.
Taijiquan requires that one "use one's strength like pulling silk from a cocoon," and that "forms change but the strength is continuous." There should be a continuous flow from one movement into the next, with no sudden starts and stops or breaks and disruptions.

(5) Light and agile but steady, exerting the right amount of force.
Taijiquan requires one to "store up strength like stretching a bow, exert force like loosing an arrow," and that "inside the mind is resolute, but outwardly one appears calm and at ease." Movements should be as light and nimble as a cat's, but light without being unstable; they should also be as firm as iron, but firm without being stiff To be able to apply this kind of unique skill demonstrates superb mastery. It has been described as the art of "meeting strength in softness," or "like iron wrapped in cotton wool," and even in those movements, which involve a clear exertion of force, there should be softness in strength, with plenty of suppleness.The five points above express Taijiquan's common characteristics and embody its individual style. These main points should find expression in all aspects of Taijiquan: in the posture. Movement, use of strength, the mind and breath timing. One should aim to "pay attention to both inside and outside." and "prepare both form and spirit." In Taijiquan the form, the strength and the will are a unified whole, in which "the mind is the commander, the body the swift servant." It is said in Taijiquan theory that "if the mind can be kept alert, one will not develop the fault of slow and heavy movements.These are all truths, which we should constantly and earnestly study and seek to understand through practical application