Zhang San Feng [1], a Daoist priest of the Wudang monastery [2], was walking [3] the mountains one day when he witnessed a white crane and a snake fighting [4]. Their movements, like a dance, entranced and inspired him. "Softness overcomes hardness and circular motion overcomes straight." Upon returning to the monastery [5] Zhang San Feng began combining the teachings of the crane and the snake with what he already knew of martial arts and created what he called "the greatest martial art"--Tai Chi Chuan.
[1] I have also seen his name written Chen San-Feng.[2] Another versions says the mountain was named Wu Tang.
[3] Another version states the fight he witnessed was a dream.
[4] Another version says the crane was trying to eat the snake.
[5] Or waking.
Source: http://www.usataichikungfu.com/node/39 & in class lecture
Image: http://riversidetaichi.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/image_crane_snake.8171235_std.gif
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