TaiChi (short for tai chi chuan) is a form of Chinese martial arts from the Neijia (soft
or internal) branch. Tai chi is often called a moving meditation because focusing the
mind on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and
clarity. The essence of tai chi is thus found in the performance of slow motion forms
that are practiced with an internal focus with the purpose of promoting health, longevity
and peace of mind. As such in the west it is often practiced as a form of stress
reduction.
or internal) branch. Tai chi is often called a moving meditation because focusing the
mind on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and
clarity. The essence of tai chi is thus found in the performance of slow motion forms
that are practiced with an internal focus with the purpose of promoting health, longevity
and peace of mind. As such in the west it is often practiced as a form of stress
reduction.
There are many varying styles of tai chi, but most contemporary approaches trace back to the original system
taught in China by the Chen family to the Yang family starting in 1820. These include the three most popular forms:
Yang, Wu and Chen. The theory and practice of tai chi and the development of these varied forms evolved in
alignment with many principles from Chinese philosophy and Taoism in particular.
Tai chi can be understood from its original inception as a study of yin (receptive) and yang (active) energy
principles with its terminology coming from the Chinese classics, in particular the I Ching or Book of Changes and
the Tao Te Ching. The term “tai chi chuan” translates as “supreme ultimate boxing” and refers to achieving a
balance between these two energetic polarities of Taoist philosophy, the yin and the yang.
The philosophy behind this achievement stems from the belief that if one uses hardness to resist violent force,
then both sides are certain to be hurt or compromised to some degree. According to tai chi theory, this type of injury
is a natural consequence of meeting brute force with brute force. In the language of tai chi the impact of two like
forces, yang with yang, is known as "double-weighted." In contrast the ability to resist an incoming force is
encouraged by meeting it in softness with an intention to "stick" to it, following its motion while remaining in
physical contact until the incoming force or attack exhausts itself or can be safely redirected. This is as a result of
meeting yang with yin. Done correctly, achieving this yin/yang or yang/yin balance whether in a combative struggle
or simply in one's daily life is termed being "single-weighted" and is a primary focus of tai chi. The archetype for
this can be found in the Tao Te Ching where Lao Tzu wrote, "The soft and the pliable will defeat the hard and
strong."
taught in China by the Chen family to the Yang family starting in 1820. These include the three most popular forms:
Yang, Wu and Chen. The theory and practice of tai chi and the development of these varied forms evolved in
alignment with many principles from Chinese philosophy and Taoism in particular.
Tai chi can be understood from its original inception as a study of yin (receptive) and yang (active) energy
principles with its terminology coming from the Chinese classics, in particular the I Ching or Book of Changes and
the Tao Te Ching. The term “tai chi chuan” translates as “supreme ultimate boxing” and refers to achieving a
balance between these two energetic polarities of Taoist philosophy, the yin and the yang.
The philosophy behind this achievement stems from the belief that if one uses hardness to resist violent force,
then both sides are certain to be hurt or compromised to some degree. According to tai chi theory, this type of injury
is a natural consequence of meeting brute force with brute force. In the language of tai chi the impact of two like
forces, yang with yang, is known as "double-weighted." In contrast the ability to resist an incoming force is
encouraged by meeting it in softness with an intention to "stick" to it, following its motion while remaining in
physical contact until the incoming force or attack exhausts itself or can be safely redirected. This is as a result of
meeting yang with yin. Done correctly, achieving this yin/yang or yang/yin balance whether in a combative struggle
or simply in one's daily life is termed being "single-weighted" and is a primary focus of tai chi. The archetype for
this can be found in the Tao Te Ching where Lao Tzu wrote, "The soft and the pliable will defeat the hard and
strong."
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The physical techniques of tai chi as described in the classics is characterized by the use of
leverage through the joints based on coordination in relaxation, rather than muscular tension,
with an intention toward power to neutralize or initiate attacks. The basic core movements
include two primary features: the first being the solo form (chuan or quan), a slow sequence of
movements emphasizing abdominal breathing, an extended neutral spine and a natural range
of motion with weight centered over one's center of gravity: the second feature being various
styles of circling hand gestures or pushing hands (tui shou).
leverage through the joints based on coordination in relaxation, rather than muscular tension,
with an intention toward power to neutralize or initiate attacks. The basic core movements
include two primary features: the first being the solo form (chuan or quan), a slow sequence of
movements emphasizing abdominal breathing, an extended neutral spine and a natural range
of motion with weight centered over one's center of gravity: the second feature being various
styles of circling hand gestures or pushing hands (tui shou).
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feel how you move & move how you feel . . .
| Tai Chi |