Taijiquan or T'ai Chi Chuan (often abbreviated to Tai Chi) as we recognise it today is considered by many to have originated with Chen Wangting who lived in Chen village in the Henan Province of China in the 17th Century.

Over the centuries many other forms of Tai Chi have originated from the Chen system, most of which are now better known than Chen style. The original Chen style has been passed down through generations of the Chen family. In the present day Chen Xiao Wang carries on this tradition.

Chen Style Taijiquan is characterised by its whole body movement, combination of slow and fast, soft and hard movements and by the occasional explosive release of power.

Tai Chi originated as a martial art, and when practised properly it provides an excelent system of self defence. However, many practitioners today start and continue to study Tai Chi because of the health benefits it brings.

Practising Tai Chi will improve posture, core strength, circulation, balance, co-ordination, suppleness and help keep us free of both physical and mental tension. Tai Chi works on revitalising and increasing the body's natural flow of energy to keep us fitter, more alert and to bolster our immune system.