The fundamental principle of Taichi (taijiquan) is the smoothness - the practitioner must move naturally, relaxed, loose and with fluency. While performing Taijiquan there shouldn’t be any strength, speed or hard exercises, (tameshiwari), so common in various combat sports.

By contrast, it requires carrying out movements with minimal force. Unlike many other martial arts, Taijiquan is exercised slowly in order to apply the techniques as correct as possible. Some styles or forms of Taichi are practiced more quickly, or they include some fast and explosive isolated moves.