This is a tricky question because it means different things to different people.
In essence it is a series of movements, form and exercises that transform the mind and body and act as a vehicle for martial arts and/or spiritual development.
However nowadays some schools focus only on the martial aspects where as others focus predominantly on health. Meditative and spiritual components are important components often taught as part of both approaches.
The history of Tai Chi is not generally agreed upon however there are some common themes. The art is thought to date back to around the 12th century in China and a Taoist adept named Chang San Feng who developed martial forms mixed with internal alchemy practises (Nei Dan) designed to transform the mind, energy and spirit (Yi, Chi and Shen) of the practitioner.
There is also evidence that Tai Chi utilises a number of teachings named the āYi Jin Jingā which were brought into China around 500 AD by the Indian Buddhist monk Bodhidharma. Itās believed these were taught to Shaolin monks and became integral to their martial arts.
Later (18-19th century) Tai Chi was further developed by the Chen and Yang families who became famous in China for their fighting prowess.
My opinion is that Tai Chi was not developed solely for fighting or self defence however it became utilised for this purpose by many due to the qualities that it builds into the practitioner - strength, flexibility, discipline and a calm mind.
Tai Chi can be practised according to the needs and goals of the practitioner. Some will focus on healing and health aspects, some will focus on the dance like beauty of the art and others will practise for self defence or spiritual cultivation.
This has led to Tai Chi becoming an absolutely vast art with deeper and deeper levels to explore. There are generally no belts to earn or ranks to achieve however there are many skills to develop and the health benefits alone keep most interested for many years.
Like most martial arts politics has arisen to some degree in the tai chi community due in part to the many approaches, styles, lineages, skills, points of view and also probably the involvement of the Chinese Communist Party.
I donāt find this to be a problem and believe the essence of the art is still to be found for the determined seeker.
The internal energy āNeigongā aspects are particularly prominent in Tai Chi . Through the cultivation of oneās energy or āQiā it is possible to increase strength and the function of the internal organs improving health and vitality. Martially speaking the body becomes more robust to falls, strikes and injury.
Two mental elements that Tai Chi cultivates are āsongā (release or letting go) and ātingā (listening skill) as one progressively learns to absorb their awareness deeper into the body. This aspect of the art can be deepened through seated meditation practice or standing postures āzhan zhuangā . My previous post was concerned with these elements :
Tai Chi - what is āstanding practiceā? š§
Cheers. š