Abstract
Taijiquan is an ancient Chinese martial art and health system which grew out of the large body of psychosomatic techniques and practices which are part of Daoist physiological alchemy. Through the ages Taijiquan has been used as a system of personal development. In recent years there has been a growing interest in Taijiquan by an increasing number of individuals in the West. Disciplines such as dance and movement studies, humanistic psychology, postural integration and bodymind systems have shown interest in certain aspects of Taijiquan. This study aims at examining the usefulness of Taijiquan as a system for integrating the physical and mental aspects of personal development in the context of self-directed learning in the West. It also deals with the problems the Western student will face in taking up Taijiquan as a system of personal development. The study is done in two parts: Part I deals with Taijiquan as a system and looks at its historic and philosophical development. Part II examines traditional teaching and learning methods, and strategies and principles of Taijiquan in the context of integrating the physical and mental aspects of personal development.