T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a Chinese "internal martial art" which combines deep natural breathing with relaxed, balanced movements to create a calmness of mind and body. In an urban society, where people are beset with nervous tension and anxiety, and have little time or energy to devote to conventional, more strenuous forms of exercise, T'ai Chi Ch'uan is ideal. When T'ai Chi Ch'uan is done daily, it strengthens and rejuvenates the body internally. It is non-strenuous, relaxing, fluid, and graceful. The slow rhythmic movements, when centered and balanced, revitalize the entire system, promoting health, strength, relaxation, and well-being. - Lawrence Galante "Tai Chi: The Supreme Ultimate"

Tai-chi Chuan consists of fluid and balanced movements continuous from beginning to end in endless circular patterns. In practicing Tai-chi Chuan, the body relaxes and the movements are yielding. Traditional martial arts such as tae kwon do and judo emphasize muscular strength as well as technique. Without strength and force mere technique fails in these forms of martial arts. This is the opposite to Tai-chi Chuan. Tai-chi Chuan as an art of self-defense spurns physical strength and uses the mind instead of force. One is told that "in any action, the whole body must be made as light and free-moving as possible; so light that the addition of a feather will be felt for its weight, and so free-moving that a fly cannot alight on it without setting it in motion." In Tai-chi Chuan the body relaxes and the movements are yielding to one's opponent's. When an opponent attacks with strength, the student of Tai-chi Chuan does not withstand the blow nor does he return it, but rather steps aside, receiving no blow at all. By stepping aside he takes advantage of the opponent's momentum to either push or pull the opponent to the ground. This is what is meant by taking advantage of "impedence and momentum" and how "four ounces may topple a thousand pounds."