When did Tai Chi (Taijiquan) originate?

When did Tai Chi (Taijiquan) originate? It’s a confusing matter.

In fact, the origins of Tai Chi are a muddled affair.

Just as families writing genealogies like to trace their lineage to famous figures, many Tai Chi schools are happy to claim Zhang Sanfeng as their founder. The strongest advocate of this view was the late-Ming dynasty philosopher Huang Zongxi, who, in an epitaph, wrote:

“There are those of the so-called internal school… it began in the Southern Song with Zhang Sanfeng. Sanfeng, a Taoist alchemist from Wudang, was summoned by Emperor Huizong. Unable to go, he dreamed that the Mysterious Emperor taught him the fist method. With it, as a single man he killed more than a hundred bandits, thus earning fame for his ultimate skill.”

However, the most widely accepted theory today is: “The world’s Tai Chi comes from Chencou.” In other words, Chenjiagou in Wen county, Henan is recognized as Tai Chi’s true birthplace.

📜 Source of the Name “Tai Chi”

The term “Tai Chi boxing” is acknowledged to originate from Wang Zongyue’s “Tai Chi Treatise”.

🥋 Earliest Modern Records

The earliest modern written record of Tai Chi appears in Li Yiyu’s 1867 “Brief Preface to Tai Chi Boxing”, in which he traces lineage from Zhang Sanfeng ➝ Wang Zongyue ➝ Chen surname in Chenjiagou:

“…Then Master Yang from Nangguan studied diligently for over ten years, mastering subtlety. Later, his uncle Wu Yuxiang, upon visiting Zhaobao town, learned from Chen Qingping for over a month, gaining true art…”

Lineage Controversy

A widely cited lineage suggests:

Zhang Sanfeng ➝ Wang Zongyue ➝ Jiang Fa ➝ Chen Changxing (in Chenjiagou) and Xing Xihuai (in Zhaobao) ➝ Yang Luchan ➝ spreading Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu‑(Hao), Li, Sun, He styles, and national forms

In the Republic era, Yang Chengfu (grandson of Yang Luchan) wrote in 1934:

“Tai Chi boxing was created by Zhang Sanfeng at the end of the Song, passed on through Wang Zongyue, Chen Prefecture Tong, Zhang Songxi, Jiang Fa… Chen Changxing’s master was the only disciple of Jiang Fa.”

The Myth vs. History

Wang Zongyue is known to have still been alive in 1795 (Qianlong 60), some 700 years after Zhang Sanfeng of the Song, and 300 years after the semilegendary Zhang Sanfeng of Wudang.Even if Zhang was truly immortal, there remains a centuries-long gap in lineage, raising serious doubts. Wang Zongyue’s actual teacher lineage is likewise uncertain—many historians concede: “We do not know exactly who created Tai Chi.”

Jiang Fa was a Ming‑Qing transitional period figure (c. 1600–1680), originally serving under Li Jiyu, who rebelled against the Ming. Jiang later sought refuge with Chen Wangting in Chenjiagou, the local patriarch. Chenjiagou’s ancestral hall holds a portrait of Jiang Fa wielding a large blade—he’s clearly depicted as Chen Wangting’s adoptive martial ally.

A hypothetical teacher-student lineage remains unverified:

Wang Zongyue (d.1795) ➝ Jiang Fa (c.1600–1680) ➝ Chen Changxing (1771–1853)

The Tang Hao Investigation

In winter 1930, Tang Hao, head of Nanjing’s Central Martial Arts Academy, conducted field research in Chenjiagou and concluded:

1. The Zhang Sanfeng origin story is a fabrication layered over time.

2. Modern Tai Chi evolved mainly from Chen Wangting’s 5-set routines of 108 movements (Long Fists, Cannon Fist, Red Fist, and some Sanshou and short-skills) .

Tang’s revelations angered many martial artists—he was nearly beaten up, and later forced to resign.

Consensus, But Controversy Persists

Despite the legend, today both mainstream Chen-style and Yang-style Tai Chi trace back to Chenjiagou in Wen County—firmly recognized by encyclopedias and official textbooks, including China Encyclopedia .

But debate still rages:

• Some argue Chen Wangting wasn’t the sole creator—others had similar martial backgrounds.

• Other schools accept independent origins and can trace older lineages than Chen Wangting’s era.

• The Zhang Sanfeng alchemical legend is widely dismissed as myth—no historical link with martial arts .

• The idea that Wudang Tai Chi is purely Taoist, or that its cosmic theories (Yin-Yang, Five Elements) are essential, is questioned by skeptics who deem them decorative, not foundational .

🧠 Summary

So: when did Tai Chi begin? When did it actually start taking shape? We don't know for certain:

• The mythic–legendary origin in Zhang Sanfeng is appealing but unverifiable.

• In contrast, documented innovation by Chen Wangting in Chenjiagou (late 16th – early 17th century) is the most historically credible origin of structured Tai Chi we have.

• Modern Taiji—like 24-form, 48-form—is standardized and fitness-oriented, but its core roots lie in the Chenjiagou tradition.

✅ Final Takeaway

Regardless of the tangled origins—whether legendary sage or historical martial recipes—practicing Tai Chi offers real health benefits:

1. Helps with attention deficit and hyperactivity in youth.

2. Boosts immunity.

3. Calms mind and reduces anxiety/depression.

4. Aids in managing diabetes.

5. Improves balance—great for fall prevention in stroke, Parkinson’s, seniors.

So at the end of the day—source or style doesn’t matter. If you practice it, your body and health will benefit. That’s the bottom line. But you know why I will recommend you to practice classical Tai Chi.