Considered a pearl of Chinese culture, Taiji (pronounced "tai-jee") denotes an ancient Chinese philosophy based on the natural law of harmony and balance. It consists of the idea of "Yin" and "Yang", two opposite and interacting forces that is said to reflect all forms and characteristics existing in the universe. These two forces are always in a flux of balancing each other. When they are balanced, the goal of Taiji is achieved.

The word "Taiji" means "Grand Ultimate". Many practitioners and non-practitioners often mistake it for the meaning of "energy". Taiji is far more than just energy. It is a natural law that governs life and the constant flux of natural changes. Through correct practice, one can increase their level of understanding of nature, enhance one's vital energy or "chi"(qi) for good health and to strengthen their body. It can also help a person to remain calm and relaxed through stressful situations.

According to the written commentaries of China, Taijiquan was created by Chen Wang Ting (1600-1680), a ninth generation descendant of the Chen Clan in the 17th century, in Chen Village (Chenjiagou), in Wenxian County, in the province of Henan, China.

Historically, Chen Style Taijiquan was developed as a fighting system. Chen Wang Ting created several sets of Taijiquan routines in which some are slow and some are fast. Using the concept of Yin and Yang, which underlies the two opposite and complementary forces of nature as the basis for the art, Chen embodied the martial effectiveness of the Chen family and the wisdom of the ancient health methods into a comprehensive system of exercises.

The Chen Clan relied on their martial arts skill not only for survival but also for their livelihood as bodyguards and escorts. Using the skill of "four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds" is truly a profound art of the skilled Taiji practitioner. The philosophy of using Taiji as a form of combat stems from the theory of using softness to overcome hardness and by 'borrowing' the opponent's strength against them.

For generations, the Taijiquan skills have been handed down through the family lineage and remained a closely guarded secret known only within the Chen family. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that Taijiquan was first taught to an outsider named Yang Lu Shan (1799-1871) by the 14th generation Chen family master, Chen Changxing (1771-1853). Yang's grandson, Yang Cheng Fu later popularized the art by simplifying and eliminating the fast and difficult movements to create the Yang Style Taijiquan of which many other styles of Taijiquan followed.

Apart from its martial values, this time-tested art has been credited for its many health benefits. It can gently exercise the body, loosen up the joints in the body and de-stress the mind. It has also been described as an art of meditation in motion. Regardless of your race, culture or religion, Taijiquan can be practiced for health, longevity, self-defense, mental freshness and or spiritual growth.

Today, four 19th generation masters of the Chen Village are spreading this art throughout the world. They are known as the "Four Warriors" of Chen Style Taijiquan (Si Da Jing Kang). They are Grandmasters Zhu Tian Chai, Chen Xiao Wang, Chen Zheng Lei and Wang Xian.