About TotalTaiChi
TotalTaiChi exists because Tai Chi deserves better than scattered YouTube videos and forum debates. This is a home for serious, researched writing about one of the world's most sophisticated movement practices.
Why this site exists
Tai Chi sits at an unusual crossroads: it is simultaneously an ancient martial art, a documented health intervention, a Taoist philosophical system, and a living movement tradition practiced by millions of people worldwide. Most resources treat it as just one of those things.
Our goal is to be the most complete, reliable, and readable reference for all dimensions of Tai Chi — forms and techniques, health science, history and lineage, philosophical foundations, and practical training guidance.
Who it's for
TotalTaiChi is built for three kinds of readers:
- Active practitioners who want deeper understanding of what they're doing and why — form refinements, training principles, the history behind their style
- Beginners who want to start well — clear guidance on what Tai Chi actually is, how to find a teacher, and what to expect from regular practice
- Curious learners drawn to the health research, philosophy, or history without necessarily practicing themselves
Connection to TaiChi App
This site is created by the maker of TaiChi App, a video-based practice companion for Tai Chi students. TotalTaiChi and TaiChi App are complementary resources: the app supports structured video learning and daily practice; this site goes deeper into the written knowledge that gives that practice meaning. Both exist because Tai Chi deserves resources built with genuine care for the art.
Our Editorial Standards
TotalTaiChi is committed to accuracy, transparency, and genuine usefulness. These are the standards every article on this site is held to.
Research process
Every article draws on multiple credible sources. For health topics, this means peer-reviewed research from PubMed, NIH publications, and studies from established tai chi research institutions (Harvard Health, Cochrane reviews, Arthritis Foundation-cited studies). For historical and philosophical content, we use academic texts, martial arts organization publications, and authoritative translations of classical Chinese sources.
Human review before publication
No article goes live without a human editorial review. We check claims against sources, verify that techniques are described accurately, and ensure that health claims do not overstate the evidence. If something is contested or uncertain in the literature, the article says so plainly.
Factual accuracy and health claims
Health claims on this site cite their sources. We do not make unqualified medical promises. Tai Chi has a well-documented body of research behind it — we report what that research actually shows, including effect sizes and study limitations, rather than promoting the most dramatic version of the findings.
Scientific citation policy
For scientific claims, we cite primary sources: PubMed studies, NIH resources, peer-reviewed journals, and publications from recognized tai chi organizations (like the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association). We avoid citing secondary sources that may have distorted the underlying research.
AI disclosure
TotalTaiChi uses AI assistance in content drafting. We are transparent about this because we believe readers deserve to know. AI tools help with research synthesis, structure, and first-draft writing. Every AI-assisted article is then reviewed by a human editor who:
- Verifies claims against primary sources
- Corrects errors that AI commonly makes about traditional practices
- Adds practical nuance that comes from actual practice experience
- Ensures consistent voice and appropriate depth
The goal is content that is both comprehensive and reliable — AI efficiency with human accuracy. If you notice an error or have concerns about a specific claim, please let us know.