Tai Chi Chuan in Antiquity:
The martial art of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) was developed by the Daoist priest Zhang Sanfeng, in the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644).
In his youth, Zhang Sanfeng developed a high level of skill in Shaolin Lohan kungfu. He left the Shaolin temple and travelled to the mountains of Wudang, where he studied Daoism. He was considered by many, included the Emporer, to be an incredibly wise man, and many sought him out for advice.
One day, whilst resting beneath a tree, Zhang saw a Crane attacking a Snake. He watched the contest intently, and was impressed by both the Crane's soft, fast & accurate strikes, as well as the Snake's ability to evade the strikes of the Cranes beak. It was this experience that led Zhang Sanfeng to change his Shaolin kungfu, which he softened and rounded. The resultant art was commonly known as Wudang ShibaShi (Wudang 13 Postures).
The term '13 Postures' is a source of some confusion to those who are new to Tai Chi training. Many people believe that the '13 Postures' refer to 13 prototype movements, however this is not the case.
The 13 postures refer to Eight different expressions of power, and Five methods of stepping. The 13 Postures are at the core of all Tai Chi styles that are practiced today.
Zhang Sanfeng passed his art onto Wang Zong. For several generations, the line is lost, until Wang Zongyue who passed the art onto Jiang Fa. It was Jiang Fa who was responsible for passing Tai Chi Chuan onto Chen Changxing - thus beginning the time of the 'Family Styles' of Tai Chi Chuan.
Chen Style to Yang Style:
More to come...