Tai Chi Chuan
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi Chuan (Taijquan) is a Chinese exercise system for the mind, body and spirit. Originally developed as a martial art it is now practiced by millions of people around the world as a highly effective exercise system, which calms the mind, optimizes the body’s natural healing system, whilst providing increasing vitality.
Terminology
Tai Chi Chuan is the full name given to the discipline. It is helpful to the understning of the arts to know what the term means:
Tai Chi is the name given to the symbol on the left which depicts the two fish-like shapes inside a circle, moulding together to complete the circle.
The white fish-shape is the representation of Yang and the dark fish-shape is a representation of Yin. Together they represent the qualities of Yin & Yang being in harmony or balance. When these two aspects are shown in this way they are also used to consider everything that is in the universe. Because of this the symbol tai chi means the Supreme Ultimate.
Tai Chi Chuan
The system is actually called tai chi chuan (although many refer to it (erroneously) as tai chi. Tai Chi is the philosophical concept or the interralationship between the two complementary opposites of Yin and Yang. 'Chuan' means 'fist' or 'boxing' so 'Tai Chi Chuan' is a system of boxing which utilisies the knowledge of the inter-change between the qualities of Yin and Yang.
Yin and Yang
As previously mentioned the terms Yin and Yang can be, and are, used to depict many qualities or states of being. Below are a few examples. In Chinese culture these aspects of Yin & Yang are applied to the consideration of all aspects of culture from medicine. TCM evaluates the body's energetic system through the measurement of yin and yang in the body. Feng Shui looks at the balance of these qualities in nature when erecting buildings to maximise the balance of these two qualities.
Tai chi chuan constanly deals with the inter-change of yin/yang. The external (yang) movement affects the internal (yin) organs, nowhere are the limbs (arms or legs) extended to their fullness to become straight or locked, which is considered to be extreme yang. Rather they should be slightly bent or relaxed at the joints (yin). When used as a martial art again these qualities, and the application of them, are an integral part of the work. When a blow comes it shouldn't be blocked with physical strength but rather connected to with softness or 'emptiness' - greeting yang with yin. Then the opposite side would 'fill' or become yang to deliver the effective blow.
It is easy to understand this intergration of the understanding of yin/yang when one practises the solo forms or particularly in partner-work. However it must also be understood that these qualities are applied to all aspects of being, physically, psychologically, emotionally ans, ultimately, spiritualy.
Tai Chi Forms
Most people are familiar with the slow, fluid movements of tai chi, this is the tai chi hand form of which there are a number of key styles: Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao & Li. The tai chi form consists of a number of postures, based on the natural, fluid movements of animals like, “Snake Creeps Down”, “White Crane Spreads Wings” Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain” etc. There are many different 'forms' which in addition to the empty hand form includes a range of weapons: sword, spear, sabre, stick, fan etc.
Tai Chi for Health
Tai Chi provides many health benefits for regular practitioner. Research has shown it to be helpful for heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, brain health and overall wellbeing. Tai Chi classes are widely available across Europe. The majority of practitioners of the art, thoughout the world, practice primarily for the health benefits. Recently much research has been done of these benefits which we will detail on other places in this site. However, one aspect of health that is difficult to evaluate is mental health. What is very clear to all practitioners is that the slow, meditative movements helps one to relax, become calm and centred and, ultimately, develop a clearer sense of one's self, when one becomes out of balance, and provides effective tools for coming back to our central core of being.
Tai Chi Martial Art
Tai Chi is a highly effective martial art and tai chi players regularly pit their skills against each other in tai chi competitions, which are now held regularly in most European countries.
Whilst the solo hand forms allow the 'player' to develop a deeper sense of connectedness to ourslelves, on a physical, mental and spiritual level many would argue that working with a partner is essential to really understanding what the art has to offer.
Starting with soft, relaxing, loosening exercises to re-train the body's natural instinct to bracing up or blocking when in conflict, to 'letting go' our resistance. This ultimately helps body to move more freely and fluently, whilst also developing the ability to have a strong root, or connection to what's important. Then the practitioner also develops improved focus, awareness, listening ability (ting jing) and sensitivity which re-trains our instincts to work in a way to really be able to move out of the way when conflict happens, again physically, mentally or emotionally.
Summary
Tai Chi is a deeply profound art which, ultimately can be accessed on many levels and applied as an effective tool for modern day living. Whether you're interested in exercise, relaxation, meditation,or self-development tai chi has a lot to offer. That being said, regular practice is essential to gain the maximum benefits. Through this website we will provide a range of quality material to help you get the most from your training.
© Loni Liebermann