Tai Chi, and its older cousin, Qi Gong* (pronounced "ch‘i kung") are part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which dates back several thousand years and were an essential part of the Chinese health care system. During the cultural revolution much of the traditional Chinese culture was lost including Tai Chi, which is now making a resurgence.
The Chinese knew that an inanimate body is prone to illness, so as part of an overall health package they created dances, or movements, to keep people active. These movements were modelled on nature (such as the bear, the crane, the tiger) and they emulate the flow of nature. The basis of these movements came from Taoism, which in its simplest form is "go with the flow". These movements later formed the basis of Qi Gong.
Tai Chi is a martial art. Its original name means “grand ultimate fist” and was considered the ultimate martial art because its external softness disguises the power within. A powerful inside wrapped in a soft shell. It was designed about 700 years ago as defensive martial art. As time changed it absorbed the principles of Qi Gong and while it can still be used as a defensive martial art (including with weaponry), it is mostly used to promote health and wellbeing. Through gentle, fluid motion, combining body, mind and breath, it creates a "moving meditation".
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