Neijiaquan
/ˌneɪ dʒiː ˈtʃwɑːn/noun
A Chinese martial-arts term for styles traditionally classified as emphasizing internal training, body alignment, breath, and intent.
Did you know?The term was famously used in 1669 by Huang Zongyi to describe Wang Zhengnan’s art, but the modern grouping of tai chi, baguazhang, and xingyiquan developed later.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Chinese
Chinese
內
“Inner, internal, or within”
Classical Chinese
Chinese
家
“Family, household, school, or lineage”
Classical Chinese
Chinese
拳
“Fist; boxing or martial practice”
1669
Chinese
內家拳
““Internal-family boxing,” used by Huang Zongyi in an account of the martial artist Wang Zhengnan”
19th–20th Century
Chinese
內家拳
“A broader category associated with internal training and styles such as tai chi, baguazhang, and xingyiquan”
Modern English
English
neijiaquan
“A romanized Chinese term for Chinese internal martial arts”
Explore more surprising origins