Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (tai chi), is an internal martial art,
which, in the 20th century, became famous as a
healing fitness system. Its praises have been sung by
royalty, warriors, doctors, and athletes.
While it is now often seen as an exercise for "old people", it can benefit people of all ages by improving health, increasing fitness levels, cultivating balance, power, speed, flexibility, strength, and peace of mind.
For those who wish to learn about it, taijiquan (tai chi) also has a very formidable martial side. The healing power of taijiquan is a direct result of centuries of martial evolution. Profound self defence skill is a result of profound personal transformation.
One of the things that makes taijiquan unique, is its strong emphasis on the importance of qigong.
Tai chi is an ancient art related to both the ancient daoist longevity exercises and the 2000 year-old martial and meditative traditions of the Shaolin Temple.
While it is now often seen as an exercise for "old people", it can benefit people of all ages by improving health, increasing fitness levels, cultivating balance, power, speed, flexibility, strength, and peace of mind.
For those who wish to learn about it, taijiquan (tai chi) also has a very formidable martial side. The healing power of taijiquan is a direct result of centuries of martial evolution. Profound self defence skill is a result of profound personal transformation.
One of the things that makes taijiquan unique, is its strong emphasis on the importance of qigong.
Tai chi is an ancient art related to both the ancient daoist longevity exercises and the 2000 year-old martial and meditative traditions of the Shaolin Temple.
Once known as “Cotton Fist”, it was the secret of a
small Chinese village until one traveling master came
to the attention of Qing Dynasty aristocrats. His
subtle skill and seemingly miraculous internal power
made him a popular teacher of elite military officers
and royalty.
While most students only learn the basic routine, there are several other aspects to tai chi training, including basic exercises, forms, qigong, two person exercises, sword, sabre, spear, martial applications, and esoterica.
At the core of the curriculum is the “form”, a routine of slow martial movements that gently strengthen and relax the body while calming the mind. The form teaches one to refine posture and movement, harmonizing muscles, joints, and fascia.
More advanced training teaches the use of softness to conquer strength, and the use of calm internal power to overcome a violent opponent.
“I thought tai chi was just old people sneaking up on trees.”
While most students only learn the basic routine, there are several other aspects to tai chi training, including basic exercises, forms, qigong, two person exercises, sword, sabre, spear, martial applications, and esoterica.
At the core of the curriculum is the “form”, a routine of slow martial movements that gently strengthen and relax the body while calming the mind. The form teaches one to refine posture and movement, harmonizing muscles, joints, and fascia.
More advanced training teaches the use of softness to conquer strength, and the use of calm internal power to overcome a violent opponent.
Recommended Videos and Books:
For beginners learning the 24 form tai chi or the 32 sword routine, there is no better reference than these books and videos by Grandmaster Shouyu Liang. He may well be the only person in the world who has been teaching these routines constantly since they were created. "Taijiquan: The Art of Nurturing, The Science of Power" by Master Yang Yang, is one of the most important books for any student or teacher of tai chi to have in their library. It presents the theories and principles from both Eastern and Western perspectives, examining mental, physical, and spiritual aspects. The book also gives priceless advice on everything from proper practice methods to finding a good teacher.
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