Who “invented” Tai Chi? Do you know? Do you care?
Tai Chi is good for the health. And it's one of the few things in life that, like a master once said, "the older you are the better".
Who "invented" Tai Chi is a question without a right answer. Too many tales, myths, interests, and rivalries around what we know about the Chinese art. Too much fabrication and romance. And at the end, who cares about who "invented" this system of gentle exercises.
We don't need its history to get the benefits. Nothing will change in the practice if we learn that it was "invented" by the immortal Zhang Sanfeng or some folks from the Chen, Li, Wang, or the Liu families. Neither will change if we call it Tai Chi, Taijiquan, "cotton boxing", or... whatever you want.
Tai Chi was what it was and now is what it is. One thing is sure: tomorrow will be different.
Focus on principles, relax, and practice. Don't worry too much about old tales and theories besides for cultural reasons.
(This is an interesting read: Fighting Words: Four New Document Finds Reignite Old Debates in Taijiquan Historiography)
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