An In-depth Analysis of the Integration between Taiji Philosophy and Taiji Martial Arts

This study seeks to clarify the integration points between “Taiji thinking”, a core mode of thought in traditional Chinese philosophy, and Taiji martial arts at the level of practical combat techniques. The goal is to help martial arts practitioners more effectively inherit and carry forward China’s rich cultural heritage. Based on literature review and practical insights, the following conclusions are drawn: As a philosophical concept, Taiji emerged during the pre-Qin period and further developed in the Zhao-Song dynasties, evolving from the idea of “Taiji as an undifferentiated primal unity” to a “cosmic generative model” in which the interaction of Yin and Yang gives birth to all things. The essence of Taiji thinking lies in the principles of “the mutual dependence of Yin and Yang, their coexistence, interaction, fusion, and the generation of all things through their dynamic relationship”. The primary goal of Taiji martial arts training is to cultivate unified force, characterized by “coordinated movement of the upper and lower body” and “integrating the body into a single whole”, which directly reflects the concept of “Taiji as one”. The higher-level goal of Taiji martial arts training is to develop Taiji energy, marked by “seamless transitions and integrated release”, embodying the Taiji thinking of “Yin and Yang in harmonious interaction”. Taijiquan is considered the “philosopher’s martial art” and “the highest form of combat” because it fully aligns with the principles of Taiji thinking.