According to the American Tai Chi and Qiqong
Association, "Tai chi developed in China in about
the 12th century A.D. It started as a martial art,
or a practice for fighting or self-defense, usually
without weapons. Over time, people began to use
tai chi for health purposes as well. Many
different styles of tai chi, and variations of each
style, developed. The term "tai chi" has been
translated in various ways, such as "internal
martial art," "supreme ultimate boxing,"
"boundless fist," and "balance of the opposing
forces of nature." While accounts of tai chi's
history often differ, the most consistently
important figure is a Taoist monk (and
semilegendary figure) in 12th-century China
named Chang San-Feng (or Zan Sanfeng). Chang
is said to have observed five animals — tiger,
dragon, leopard, snake, and crane — and to have
concluded that the snake and the crane, through
their movements, were the ones most able to
overcome strong, unyielding opponents. Chang
developed an initial set of exercises that imitated
the movements of animals. He also brought
flexibility and suppleness in place of strength to
the martial arts, as well as some key
philosophical concepts."
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