T'ai
Great, very, an epithet of distinguished persons (The Great) (typhoon from T'ai Fun, is The Great Wind)
Chi
Great, very, the zenith, in Taoist philosophy “the first principle” (how the universe works)
T'ai Chi
A name of the so called Yin, Yang symbol which expresses the central idea of Taoist philosophy. It depicts the harmonious interaction of forces in the universe which, though separate, are one to form and explain the working of the universe. Notably, the Yin Yang pattern can be derived by plotting the length of the shadow cast by a shadow pole throughout the year. Thus it it is a representation of the "solar cycle."
Chuan
The fist, in Chinese martial arts usage “a boxing (fist fighting) system” Thus the martial art style, T'ai Chi Chuan, is “The Grand Ultimate Fist” or the Boxing System based on the Great First Principle.
Yin
Shady side, dark, secret, the female principle
Yang
Sunny side, light, the male principle
It is important to remember that everything and everyone has Yin and Yang. The strength and balance of these forces is relative. So, though men and women each have both Yin and Yang, males are relatively more Yang and females relatively more Yin. In all humans, the physical body is relatively Yang while the spirit and chi are relatively Yin. It is best not to think of Yin and Yang as concrete, absolute entities, but as more like magnetism or electricity that ebb and flow and depending on the point of view, can be considered equally well Yin or Yang at the same time.
Chi
A different symbol than used in T'ai Chi Chuan, this symbol means breath, vapor, steam, the internal energy or life force that permeates and animates all things (Heaven Chi, Earth Chi, Human Chi) and specially living creatures. In Tai Chi we are trying to build up chi while reducing reliance on physical strength.
Tan Tien (Dan Pien)
Located about 1.5 – 2 inches below the navel and midway from front to back in the core of the abdomen, this is the main location to exercise, store and build Chi (internal energy). It is the center of balance in the body.
Bai Hui
A node in the Chi system. The crown point of the head. You should imagine you are suspended by string from this point.
Hui Yin
A node in the Chi system. The point at the bottom center of the body between the legs.
Long Chuan
A node in the Chi system. The point in the hollows of the hand.
Yong Chuan
A node in the Chi system. The point at the Hollows of the feet.
Normal (Buddhist) Breathing
The deep relaxed abdominal breathing as a singer might use. The abdomen expands while inhaling and contracts while exhaling. This is the preferred method for beginning students and those who practice T'ai Chi for health and fitness, as the method tends to be more relaxing and helps in releasing stress and sinking the chi and developing your root to the earth.
Reverse (Taoist) Breathing
An abdominal breathing technique in which the lower abdomen contracts while inhaling and expands while exhaling. This method is most commonly utilized to express martial power.
Sung
Usually translated relax, but also can mean to let loose or loosen. This is something every student needs to work on. The goal is relaxed, rolling, fluid, balanced movement, with no hint of tension, hesitation, holding back, or muscularity. This does NOT mean limp. It is more like unclench the muscles and don't be tense. Observe a cat moving around and it will give you some idea of what you are aiming for.
Shen
Spirit - Your vitality and liveliness. You attitude. martial spirit or will.
Ie (yi) (zhi)
Mind - purpose; will; determination; to make up one's mind to pursue some object; to be bent on doing something.
The mind leads your chi and directs your movements in T'ai Chi. The mind is the key element in T'ai Chi training. Attentiveness and intent are essential tools of chi development. Be attentive so that your vision follows the active hand and the direction of your movement. Visualize your energy flowing from your feet up through the body and into your movement. Act with intent. Remain relaxed and fluid in body and attentive in mind. Remember always “the mind leads the chi.
Kung (gong)
Work or a time (period) of work
Fu
Father's Brother, Uncle, or Master. Thus kung fu (gong fu) is mastery of a significant skill achieved after working diligently for a long time. This is not the name of a particular martial art style. Rather it is recognition that a person has achieved true greatness at some difficult skill or profession although conventionally it is used to refer to martial arts skill.