Browsing through the 4th term newsletter of a local silk & choreography tai chi school, my eye was drawn to an article outlining the origins of tai chi.
The author proffered that tai chi was ‘invented’ by Chen Wang Ting about 350 years ago.

Such a revelation pricked my inclination for mischief and I imagined Chen Wang Tang toiling away in his back shed.
Mrs. Chen yelling from the kitchen, ” Dinner’s almost ready dear”.
” Be there in 10 minutes my little Lotus Bud”
” What are you doing in there? All that hammering and sawing,” she added.
” I’m inventing tai chi my little Plum Blossom, it’s almost finished, ” Chen replied.

20 minutes later.

Mrs. Chen stomps down the garden path and knocks impatiently on the workshop door, ” Chen, get your sorry ass out of there and drag it to the table now. Your noodles are getting cold. ”
” This is really important work my love. One day my invention will even be used by Jake Mace. ”
” You haven’t been talking to that crack-pot from the hills again. What’s his name … ?”
” Zhang, Zhang Sanfeng,” Chen chimed in. ” He’s not a crack-pot, hes a monk. ”
” He fills your head with silly ideas. Snakes, birds and wizardry. I bet he’s behind this new invention. Wasn’t it him who inspired you to stick needles in your face? I hope you are going to patent this invention. You know what the Chinese are like, they’ll copy it and before you know it, you’ll be able to buy it everywhere on-line”.

2 months later.

Announcer: ” Welcome to the annual All-China Inventor of the Year awards. 1670 has been a particularly strong year for Inventions and here are the nominations.
Zhao Yun Xi from Anhui Province for his teeth cleaning device dubbed the Bristle Toothbrush.
Jiao Yu from Zhejiang Province for his Exploding Canon Balls.
Yue Jiao Long from Fujian for the tasty creation he’s named Ketchup.
Chen Wang Ting from Henan Province for his strange confluence of martial art and meditation, Taijiquan.

And the winner is – Chen Wang Ting for Taijiquan.
Unfortunately Chen was unable to attend tonight’s event but accepting on his behalf is Mr. Yang Lu Chan.”

Merry Xmas to all brothers and sisters of the faith and a huge thank you to Sifu for ‘re-inventing’ tai chi so profoundly in most of our lives.