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Tai Chi Chuan was founded between 1279 and 1368 A.D. by Chang Sen-Feng after watching the snake and crane fight, with neither one winning. From this, Tai Chi Chuan evolved until it reached the Chen Family, were it was than passed on to Yang Lu-Chan, the founder of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. The Guang Ping Yang Style is a rarely seen version of Yang Style Tai Chi. It is the original Yang Style form before it evolved into the more popular family style seen today.
Tai Chi Chuan, or Grand Ultimate Fist, is a slow moving martial art, which utilizes the whole body. It is these slow, gentle movements which are making it popular among young and old alike to exercise the Mind, Body, & Spirit. Tai Chi Chuan is one of the three major internal martial arts.
Pa Kua Chuan, or Eight Trigram Fists, was founded by Tung Hai-Ch'uan dating back to the 1700's. This internal style of martial arts is known for its' circular, flowing movements which change rapidly. Pa Kua Chuan is one of the three major internal martial arts.
Pa Kua Chuan is also known for its' many health, self-defense, and meditative qualities.
Hsing Yi Chuan, or Mind-Body Fist, utilizes the Five Elements, which are the basis of Chinese medicine, science and technology. It is known for its' explosive linear movements in combination with the power of the mind. Hsing Yi Chuan is also an internal martial art and sister system to Pa Kua Chuan. Hsing Yi Chuan is the one of the three major internal martial arts.
Chi Kung, or breath work, encompasses many Chinese exercises. These types of exercises stretch, strengthen, and condition the mind and body. It cultivates internal energy called "Chi" which is used to heal. It is also used for martial training thereby combining external and internal to create power.
Kung fu and wu shu are often mistakenly thought of as specific martial arts, comparable to karate or judo. Both terms actually mean "skill," and in modern China wu shu is the term used to cover all martial arts. Kung fu originated in China at least 25 centuries ago, perhaps far earlier. There are hundreds of styles, depending on the region of the country or the philosophical school in which each developed. Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism have all had strong influences on kung fu. Many individuals have created their own types. Kung fu can be a combination of combat techniques: it may be practiced as an exercise regimen, or it may be learned as a performing art. Some forms of kung fu use weapons, such as swords, while others rely on body movements.