Tai-chi-chüan

views updated

T'ai-chi-ch'üan (Chin., ‘power of the Great Ultimate’). An old form of physical and mental discipline in China. It consists of a sequence of stylized, graceful, slowly executed movements. In China it is commonly used as a daily exercise routine, but its roots lie in the great martial arts tradition. It has sometimes been called ‘shadow-boxing’ in the West. See also GYMNASTICS, TAOIST.