More and more people get surprised when I talk of Tai Chi as a "martial art". Most are incredulous: "I thought was a gym for the elderly." Others are just categorical "Come on, Tai Chi is not a martial art."
I think it's time to disprove this myth once and for all. Of course, Tai Chi integrates many aspects of physical and mental well-being, but we must not forget that it is a martial art that, among other things, has inspired many cinematic figures. First of all the Star Wars Jedi warrior. Character wise and revered, the title of Master is granted to the most revered and they are treated with the utmost respect. The Jedi warrior has great knowledge of the Force does not like violence, but it is ready to use it as a last resort. But this is not the only figure warrior inspired by Tai Chi. Yes, even Hokuto no Ken (one of the most violent cartoons for kids who have never seen !!!) is based, at least partially, on Tai Chi.
The entire Hokuto's school is inspired to details that are mentioned several times in the practice of Tai Chi.
As we have already discussed here, cosmology has a relevant aspect in Chinese history, but also in the theory of Tai Chi. The North Star, which indicates the north pole remain fixed in the sky, symbolizing the imperial palace, the center of everything, and is connected to the earth and symbolizes the change. This concept (the static nature of the fixed star that symbolizes the change) is central in Tai Chi, where equilibrium is achieved only through continuous change. The cosmology is reflected in the martial arts and the much celebrated Seven Stars of Hokuto appear again in the study of Tai Chi to indicate the seven natural weapons used during the battle to attack the opponent: head, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee and foot. 
Then there's him, Toki! A species of Jesus resurrected thought a storm of steroids. Toki was clearly a practitioner of inner styles. He preferred the calm and patience and did not like in general the use of violence. It also had supreme knowledge of pressure points and their applications, both therapeutic and martial. It was probably a master of Qigong and Tai Chi ... and maybe even acupuncture!
Finally, some architectural elements. Ken's school showed typical Buddhist statues that we have already seen the statues of Jin Gang.
Well ... do not say to a Tai Chi warrior that his is not a martial art.
The Force might be with him.
