Taijiquan(Tai Chi Chuan) is without doubt the most popular of all internal styles in the West. The name "Taiji" is often translated as "Great Ultimate" and according to Chinese cosmology refers to the state of the universe from which Heaven and Earth, Yin and Yang are born. The theory of the style is based on this dialectics and uses pairs of contradictory but at the same time complimentary terms like "solid-empty", "hard-soft", "open-close", etc.

There are two theories concerning the origins of Taijiquan: one derives the style from Zhang Sanfeng, legendary Taoist hermit from Wudang Mountains. The other one was developed by Chen clan from Chenjiagou village in 17^th century.

The art of Taijiquan is divided into five main branches. Chen style is based on "silk reeling energy" and is known for using many fast movements and obvious power. Yang style was created by Yang "the Invincible" Luchan and is the most popular of all branches. It is characterized by slow, flowing movements. Wu (Yuxiang) style is often called "scholar's style" and uses small, compact movements. Wu (Jianquan) style is based on small frame Yang style. Sun style combines Xingyi and Bagua movements using Taijiquan frame. There is also a style popular in Zhaobao village by some considered an off-shoot of Chen style.

The main feature of Taijiquan are its slow, relaxed, linked movements. Apart from standing and routine practice, one should engage in Pushing Hands-exercises with partner that not only allow to correct all errors within one's own frame, learn all basic "strengths" of Taijiquan, but also the ability to almost effortlessly defeat the opponent by using softness against hardness according to principle "to overcome the power of 1000 pounds with a power of four ounces".