What is Tai Chi Fist?
What is Tai Chi Fist? Well, you might already recognize the name Tai Chi, but that’s actually a shortened version of the full name: Tai Chi Ch’uan, or Taijiquan (太極拳).
Let’s break it down:
- Tai (太) means “Grand.”
- Chi (極) means “Ultimate.”
- Ch’uan (拳) means “Fist.”
So, Tai Chi Ch’uan (太極拳) translates to “Grand Ultimate Fist.”
Because Tai Chi began as a martial art, we chose to highlight the “fist” in its name. That’s why we call ourselves Tai Chi Fist. We teach the traditional Yang style in a way that preserves its martial roots—unlike the modern, performance-focused Wushu versions (like the 24, 42, and 48 forms) that often simplify or alter the original forms.
What is Tai Chi? A health exercise, meditative practice, or martial art?
The answer is: yes. Tai Chi Ch’uan is all three.
I. Tai Chi is a martial art.
T’ai Chi Ch’uan or Taijiquan (太極拳) translates to “Grand Ultimate Fist” and is more commonly known simply as Tai Chi. This traditional Chinese martial art has gained widespread popularity among people of all ages and backgrounds—largely because of its many health benefits.
In our classes, we actively teach the self-defense applications of each Tai Chi form. While there’s no sparring or fighting in our classes, we demonstrate applications to preserve the original martial intent and to prevent the forms from becoming abstract, choreographed movements. Every posture has a purpose, and understanding that purpose helps you learn and remember the forms more effectively.
II. Tai Chi is a health exercise.
Scientific studies consistently show that regular Tai Chi practice can improve muscle strength, flexibility, balance, aerobic conditioning, and immune responses. In addition, it can help manage or reduce symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, low bone density, hypertension, sleep disorders, stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and more.
Learn more about the health benefits of Tai Chi here.
III. Tai Chi is a “moving meditation.”
Tai Chi is also known as a moving meditation because it requires full presence and intentional movement. Each posture must be performed with intent, or yi (意) in Chinese. In our approach, we ask students to memorize the forms and understand their applications so that intent can develop naturally. Without memorization, Tai Chi can become a passive, “follow-the-leader” activity—lacking the focus and internal awareness that make it truly meditative.
With hundreds of movements to learn, Tai Chi challenges the mind as much as the body. One study found that “Tai Chi had a greater beneficial effect on cognitive functions (executive and non-executive) than brisk walking,” likely due to Tai Chi’s high cognitive demands.
What Style We Teach
We teach the Dual Symmetrical Yang Style forms, developed by Grandmaster Tchoung Ta-Tchen (鍾大振) to strengthen and coordinate both sides of the body equally. This is a traditional version of Yang style Tai Chi Ch’uan (楊氏太極拳) that preserves the original martial applications of each form.
Our system includes the following:
- Yang Style Empty Hand Long Form
(Divided into Sections 1 through 6) - Tai Chi San Shou
(Partner/sparring form) - Tchoung Tai Chi Fast Form
- Tai Chi Jian
(Straight sword) - Tai Chi Dao
(Saber or broadsword— solo and partner forms) - Tchoung Tai Chi Walking Stick form
- Tai Chi Spear
Learn more about our style here.
New Classes Begin in August 2025
in Santa Ana and Riverside
Visit the Class Information page for more information.