What are Tai Chi, Tai Chi Chuan, Taiji and Qigong or Chi Gung?
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Basically there is no difference at all between any of the names.
Some people use the first term 'Tai Chi' to refer to Tai Chi taught for health and exercise, and the second 'Tai Chi Chuan' for Tai Chi taught as a martial art. That's because the translation of 'Chuan' is Fist, so Tai Chi Fist sounds more martial.
The term 'Taiji' is the same thing again, but uses a more modern way of transliteration. That's the process of describing Chinese text in English. Tai Chi uses the the older Wade-Giles system and Taiji the newer Pinyin system. The term Taiji seems to be growing in popularity.
Historically, in the West, 'Tai Chi' was (and still is) the most used term, so that will probably be the one you come across the most.
Again it's transliteration differences, Qigong" is obtained by using Pinyin system, while "Chi Kung" uses the older Wade-Giles system
Qigong is the name given to a large class of Chinese exercises. These are often of ancient origin that with just a few exceptions are taught only for health and not for martial arts purposes.
Tai Chi was originally a martial art but is more generally taught nowadays for it's health and wellness benefits.
So, the basic answer is that both help each other and will help you become fitter and more at ease with yourself and life in general.
If you have any questions about any aspect of Tai Chi you can contact us by phone, however, we block calls from unlisted numbers, so if your phone does not identify itself then please contact us via email. Of course, if you include your phone number, we will call you.
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