Tai Chi
Tai Chi Chuan – The Way of the Tao
China is home to over 300 forms of martial arts, classified under two systems: internal and external. Internal martial arts refer to those that center on stability. They do not focus much on kicks and jumps. On the other hand, the external forms revolve around linear movements, combining proper breathing with speed, power, and sound in their jumps and kicks.
Tai Chi Chuan is included in the country’s internal martial arts system. It comes in many forms and styles, five of the most prolific of which are the Chen, Yang, Sun, Wu, and Woo. They al;l originated from the basic Chen family style.
The origin of Tai Chi is attributed to a Taoist priest from a temple in the Wu Dong Mountains. The priest is believed to have mimicked the movements of a white crane going after a snake, developing this style of martial arts. Tai Chi Chuan was originally meant to be practiced as a fighting form but has since evolved into a slower and gentler exercise. It is practiced today by people young and old alike.
Also referred to as “tajiquan,” the exercise is mostly practiced for its health benefits. The techniques, as mentioned earlier, are relatively soft and slow with minimal strikes, kicks, and throws. In the Olympic Games, it is only listed as a Demonstration sport. Across China and around the world, people practicing Tai Chi Chuan are commonly seen executing the forms and moves in parks during mornings.
Principle
The principle of the martial art revolves around attaining the “supreme ultimate,” which has its roots in both Taoism and Confucianism. It refers to the seamless combination of the Yin and Yang elements into one ultimate element. It could be said that the foundations of Tai Chi stems from the principles of the said religions or ways of life.
Tai Chi training begins with routines performed at a slow pace, the martial art’s most distinguishing characteristic. Some forms are much faster such as in the Yang, Wu, and Chen families. The form, “pushing hands,” is one of the most well-known Tai Chi Chuan forms. The martial art is considered a form of an alternative exercise of martial arts therapy. Chinese medicine explains the health benefits of the exercise, many of which, do not coalesce with or support modern scientific explanations.
Health, Meditation, and Martial Arts
Serious students of Tai Chi Chuan must grasp its three most important aspects – health, meditation, and the martial art. Health is required for any practitioner because good meditation requires good mental and physical health. Calmness is a major driving force in the martial art while physical fitness is necessary for self-defense.
Meditation is required to maintain a healthy body as well. It brings focus and helps get rid of all the body and mind’s stress. The last aspect, martial art, refers to how Tai Chi Chuan should be solely used as a means to defend oneself in combat. It teaches the proper responses to external forces, including yielding and “sticking to” an attack. The intention to meet head-on with an attacking force is discouraged.
US $35.00
Filed under: Martial Arts Styles
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