Wu style Tai chi for older adults by Master Henry Cheng

In China, public parks often contain groups of people performing slow, graceful and ballet-like movements in unison. Visitors often ask themselves, “What are they doing?” They are performing the movements of Tai Chi, more commonly known as Tai Chi Chuan. Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient art of moving meditation. Originating in China during the Sung Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD), a Taoist monk Cheung San Fung created it while looking for a suitable martial art for his Taoist Sanctuary. Legend says that he often observed long-lived animals such as the crane and the turtle. One night he had a dream about a snake and a crane engaged in a dance-like fight, and thus came the idea for Tai Chi Chuan.