Taijiquan (Tai Chi Boxing)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi Boxing) is a traditional Chinese martial art that emphasizes the cultivation of both internal and external strength. It can be used for health benefits, self-defense, and therapeutic purposes. Taijiquan was created during the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing (1616-1911) dynasties by Wang Zongyue (1736-1795), a martial artist from Shanxi province. Wang expounded upon the principles of the art using the traditional Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang and wrote a book titled On taijiquan, thus giving the art its name. Over time, Tai- jiquan has evolved into various styles that are named after either a clan or a master, such as the Chen Style, Yang Style, and Wu Style. It is a leading form of traditional Chinese martial arts.
Taijiquan incorporates traditional Yin-Yang theory and Taiji (Tai Chi) principles into martial arts, emphasizing the unity of intention, energy, body, and mind. It teaches that the mind and body are interconnected, and health and happiness can be achieved by calming the mind through relaxing the body. Taijiquan requires the practitioner to maintain focused attention and a state of mental tranquility. It places great emphasis on smooth and fluid movements that balance hardness with softness. Taijiquan also emphasizes utilizing softness to conquer hardness and stillness to defeat motion. It advocates strategies such as avoiding brute force and instead diverting the opponent's attacks to turn their own force against them. Practicing Taijiquan can help with stretching, coordination, stability, and balance.
Taijiquan has long been popular in China and has now widely spread around the world. It serves as a significant cultural bridge, promoting exchanges between China and other nations. In 2020, Taijiquan was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity the UNESCO.
太极拳
太极拳是一种强调内外兼修的中国传统武术拳法，既可养气强身、用于技击，又有保健医疗的作用。太极拳创始于明末清初，山西武术家王宗岳（1736—1795）用太极阴阳的哲理来解释拳理，写成《太极拳论》，“太极拳”由此定名。在长期发展中，太极拳形成了陈式、杨式、吴式等多种流派，是中国传统武术的集大成者。
太极拳将传统阴阳学说、太极理论融入到拳法中，讲究意、气、形、神的统一。太极拳认为，人的身心是一体的，人只有静下心来，身体才会真正放松，从而获得健康和愉悦。太极拳要求注意力集中和身心宁静，强调动作连贯圆活、刚柔并济，讲究以静制动、以柔克刚、避实就虚、借力发力，展现伸展与协调、稳健和均匀的特点。
太极拳不仅在中华大地久盛不衰，在世界范围内也得到了广泛传播，成为促进中外文化交流的重要纽带。2020年，“太极拳”列入联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录。
