Tai chi, which was originally designed for self-defense in ancient China, has evolved into an elegant form of exercise that is today utilized for stress reduction and to aid with a range of other health concerns. There are several styles of Tai chi. Each style places a different focus on certain tai chi ideas and approaches. But they all share similar principles regarding body movement, alignment, and psychology. The earliest evidence of Tai chi dates back to the early 8th century AD when it was included in an encyclopedia of military tactics called "Sun Tzu's Art of War." It is from here that we get our name for this method of martial arts - taijiquan - which means supreme art of war. In the years that followed, Tai chi began to be used by individual warriors as well as teams of soldiers. It was also used by officials who wanted to be able to defend themselves if needed while performing their duties. As time passed, Tai chi became popular among people not involved in fighting activities such as artists, performers, and teachers. This is because it was able to improve one's balance, muscle strength, and flexibility. At its core, Tai chi is based on concepts of harmony and unity between yourself and your environment. The movements are designed to be slow and smooth without any sudden stops or jumps. This helps the practitioner maintain his or her center of gravity while focusing on physical and mental awareness.