Chinese Gongfu. or Wushu, or martial arts, has been practiced for several thousand years by people in China for physical training and self-defense. It is practiced in various types of set exercises, either empty-handed or with weapons.

Taijiquan is a branch of Chinese martial arts with a history of three or four hundred years. It grew out of the health maintenance exercises of ancient Taoism combined with the theories of yin and yang and main and collateral channels. It originated in Chenjiagou in Wenxian County, Henan Province. There are different schools, including the Chen style, Yang style, Wu style and Sun style. In this art it is essential that the mind guide the body¡¯s movements and, at the same time, follow the body¡¯s graceful, gentle and firm movements.