This ancient art was at one time a deadly fighting system and seen to be a highly effective and useful as a method of self-defence. In modern times, however, it has become more of a dance type of activity, resembling the beauty and flow of ballet with little or none martial intent or effectiveness. The relaxation and softness of Taiji is more often misinterpreted into an empty movement lacking any real power.

Traditional Taiji begins from stretching and opening, the muscles of the legs become strengthened from the weight distribution being carried from one leg to another. This postural requirement along with a straight and aligned spine is to build and develop the body.

In order to truly understand Taiji it is essential to keep to the Ten Essences, read and understand the martial songs and treatises and also repeatedly apply and practice solo individual movements. The next stage would be to become familiar with push hands and learn to apply what has been learnt from the forms and individual exercises in the push hand. All these concepts and movements should then be used in free sparring/fighting.