Tai Chi has been described as an exercise, dance, philosoph of life, method of achieving mental peace and relaxation. This ancient Chinese sport, somethimes caled shadow boxing, is a philosophical exercise or art with the aim of harmonizing the mind and the body. Its relaxed, smooth, and graceful movements make it suitable for children as well as the elderly and for people in all physical conditions, except for those with severe physical handicaps.

The Chineses word tai means the "ultimate supreme" and the word chi means the "ridgepole of a house." Put together the words tai chi create the image of a great ridgepole capable of supporting and murturning all things in the universe.

The art of tai chi necessarily rests on yin and yang, dual forces seen as complementary opposites thought to permeate the universe. In Chinese philosophy, tai chi derives its vital energies, indeed even its very physical and mental constitution, as do all things in the universe, from yin and yang.