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Traditionally, single patterns of movement were learned and repeated until mastered, only then was the next pattern taught. Once the student had mastered an entire sequence of movements individually, the movements were taught in a linked sequence. The goal of training is to cultivate a kind of "whole body" power. This refers to the ability to generate power with the entire body, making full use of one's whole body mass in every movement. Power is always generated from "the bottom up," meaning the powerful muscles of the legs and hips serve as the seat of power. Using the strength of the relatively weaker arms and upper body is not emphasized. The entire body is held in a state of dynamic relaxation that allows the power of the whole body to flow out of the hands and into the opponent without obstruction.

The Taijiquan arts have a variety of two-person drills and exercises designed to cultivate a high degree of sensitivity in the practitioner. Using brute force or opposing another's power with direct power is strictly discouraged. The goal of two-person training is to develop sensitivity to the point that one may avoid the opponent's power and apply one's own whole body power where the opponent is most vulnerable. One must cultivate the ability to "stick" to the opponent, smothering the opponent's power, and destroying the opponent's balance. Finally, the formal combat techniques must be trained until they become a reflexive reaction.

Traditionally, a beginning student of Taijiquan was first required to practice stance keeping to a few basic postures. After the basic body alignments were learned, the student would progress to performing single movements from ta pattern. These were performed repetitively on a line. After a sufficient degree of mastery had been obtained in the single movements, the student was taught to link the movements together in the familiar long pattern. Now, it is not uncommon for a student to be taught the long pattern immediately, with no time being spent on stance keeping or on basic movement exercises. Since the long form trains all of the qualities developed in the basic exercises, this does not really produce a dilution of resulting martial art. However, it does make it more difficult for beginner to learn. The duration of the basic training depends on the student and the instructor. It is not be unusual for a relatively talented student, with good instruction, to be able to defend themselves effectively with Taijiquan after as little as a year of training.

There are modified forms of Taijiquan that are devoted mostly to health enhancement and relaxation. The movements retain the flavor of Taijiquan, but are often simplified. Modified forms of Taijiquan for health have become popular worldwide in recent times because the benefits of training have been found to be very conducive to calming the mind, relaxing the body, relieving stress, and improving one's general health.  Although many people practice Tai-chi for its health or spiritual benefits, with proper training, it may be an effective martial art. As a method of self-defense, Tai-chi trains practitioners how to use an attacker's energy against him or her; they almost never meet force with force. Tai-chi places much emphasis on complete and absolute awareness. Senior citizens are often drawn to Tai-chi classes because of the myriad of health benefits the training offers. It is said to improve their balance, coordination, concentration, breathing, circulation, and overall health.

Baguazhang (Pa-kua-chang)

Baguazhang (eight directions) is another of China's three internal martial arts. It was created near the end of the 18th century and based on the eight trigrams of the 800­year old classic text, I Ching (Book of Changes), bagua means "eight trigram." Bagua is meant to be the physical manifestation of these eight principles. "zhang" means palm and designates Baguazhang as a style of martial art that emphasizes the use of the open hand instead of the closed fist. Baguazhang as a martial art is based on the theory of continuously changing in response to the situation to overcome an opponent with skill rather than brute force.

Although there are several theories as to the origins of Baguazhang, recent and exhaustive research by martial scholars in mainland China concludes that the art is the creation of one individual, Dong Haichuan (or Dong Haiquan). Dong was born in Wen'an county, Hebei province about 1813. He practiced local martial arts (which reportedly relied heavily upon the use of open hand palm strikes) from his youth and gained some notoriety as a skilled practitioner. At about 40 years of age, he left home and traveled southward. At some point during his travels, Dong became a member of the Quanzhen (complete truth) sect of Taoism. The Taoists of this sect practiced a method of walking in a circle while reciting mantras as a way to quiet the mind and focus the intent as a prelude to enlightenment. Dong later combined the circle walking with the boxing he had mastered in his youth to create a new style based on mobility and the ability to apply techniques while in constant motion.

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