The art of Tai Chi Chuan was originated by Chang San Feng after he attained a state of deepest tranquillity. The forms and postures as they were originally performed are no longer seen today, but the 'operating principles' were codified in the writing of Chang San Feng and can be enacted today in modern forms. The wish of the Master was that all mankind should enjoy the health benefits afforded by regular practice of the art of Tai Chi Chuan.
Legend has it that Chang San Feng originated the art after watching combat between a snake and a crane. In this combat he observed how the softness and flexibility of the snake neutralized the oncoming onslaught of the crane with its sharp bill. In this contest the principles of yin and yang where the soft overcomes the hard became evident.