Some people practice Taijiquan primarily for self-defense while others are more interested in its beneficial effects on physical and mental health. Modern Taijiquan teaching has been simplified to made it possible for practically anyone to learn. Now, there are relatively few Sifus who truly know that the martial applications behind each Taijiquan form which is a fundamental part of our foundation, both for health and self- defense purposes. While the students may not need to practice martial applications themselves in order to derive the health benefits from Taijiquan training, their teachers at least, should know the applications well enough to ensure that the movements are done correctly and safely by their students. Without teaching in awareness of the martial layer beneath the external forms, these teachers cannot be said to be teaching an art. They can be said to be teaching a sport. Also, they will not be able to reproduce the full health benefits that have help made traditional Taijiquan's reputation in health maintenance in the first place.