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The Chinese characters for Tai Chi Chuan can be translated as the 'Supreme Ultimate Force'. The notion of 'supreme ultimate' is often associated with the Chinese concept of yin-yang, the notion that one can see a dynamic duality (male/female, active/passive, dark/light, forceful/yielding, etc.) in all things. 'Force' (or, more literally, 'fist') can be thought of here as the means or way of achieving this ying-yang, or 'supreme-ultimate' discipline. There are a number of forms (sometimes also called 'sets') which consist of a sequence of movements. For many practitioners the focus in doing them is not, first and foremost, martial, but as a meditative exercise for the body. For others the combat aspects of Tai Chi are of considerable interest.
In Chinese philosophy and medicine there exists the concept of 'chi', a vital force that animates the body. One of the avowed aims of Tai Chi is to foster the circulation of this 'chi' within the body. The belief being that by doing so the health and vitality of the person are enhanced. This 'chi' circulates in patterns that are close related to the nervous and vascular system and thus the notion is closely connected with that of the practice of acupuncture and other oriental healing arts. Another aim of Tai Chi is to foster a calm and tranquil mind, focused on the precise execution of these exercises. Learning to do them correctly provides a practical avenue for learning about such things as balance, alignment, fine-scale motor control, rhythm of movement, the genesis of movement from the body's vital center, and so on. Thus the practice of Tai Chi can in some measure, contributes to being able to better stand, walk, move, run, etc. in other spheres of life as well. Furthermore the meditative nature of the exercises is calming and relaxing in and of itself. Tai Chi Chuan is a form of Chi Kung, or energy work. Although Tai Chi Chuan utilizes Chi Kung training extensively, Tai Chi is a martial art where Chi Kung is not. Some Chi Kung focus on the martial, or self defense aspects of energy work. An example of this would be the Shao Lin Buddhist Monks training in "Iron Shirt" Chi Kung. This training conditions the body to take blows by an opponent with out sustaining injury.
In a two-person exercise called 'push-hands' Tai Chi principles are developed in terms of being sensitive to and responsive of another person's 'chi' or vital energy. It is also an opportunity to employ some of the martial aspects of Tai Chi in a kind of slow-tempo combat. The emphasis in Tai Chi is on being able to channel potentially destructive energy (in the form of a kick or a punch) away from one in a manner that will dissipate the energy or send it in a direction where it is no longer a danger. The practical exercises of Tai Chi are also situated in a wider philosophical context of Taoism. This is a reflective, mystical Chinese tradition first associated with the scholar and mystic Lao Tsu, an older contemporary of Confucius. He wrote and taught in the province of Hunan in the 6th century B.C. and authored the seminal work of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching. As a philosophy, Taoism has many elements but fundamentally it espouses a calm, reflective and mystic view of the world steeped in the beauty and tranquility of nature. Tai Chi also has, particularly amongst eastern practitioners, a long connection with the I Ching, a Chinese system of divination. There are associations between the 8 basic I Ching Trigams plus the five elements of Chinese Alchemy (metal, wood, fire, water and earth) with the thirteen basic postures of Tai Chi created by Chang San-feng.
Tai Chi uses Jing (internal power) and is like drawing silk from a cocoon. In Tai Chi one’s breathing is natural. The Chi (vital energy stream) is sunk to the lower dan tien (the place about one and a half inches below the navel). Tai Chi has a simple structure, yet in some ways, elaborate. Its body posture is centrally balanced – not leaning towards any sides. Its movements are soft, stately, full and round, smooth, with combined soft and hard movements, agile, light and steady. Practice entails transitions from loose to soft, and soft gradually becoming hard, then soft and hard together. Its frame has high, middle, and low stances. Which stance the practitioners choose to use depends on the age, gender, weaknesses, or strength of the practitioner. Tai Chi can also be used for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and faster recovery from sickness. Continued practice adds strength and improvement to the practitioner's technique. With time and practice, the practitioner is then moving without the interference of the thoughts, or mind of the person. This is then referred to as "Zen Gong" or moving meditation.
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Mind and Body Meditation / Connection.
Relaxation and reduction of stress.
Internal organs are exercised, blood circulation is improved.
Regular practice of Tai Chi helps to prevent illness and improves health longevity.
Relieves arthritis (in many people, arthritis pain disappeared completely) and increases flexibility of the joints.
Prevents bone fatigue and improves balance and coordination.
Improves mental and physical concentration and focus.
Helps to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
Medical studies have shown that Tai chi practice helps to prevent falls.
Strengthens and improves the body's immune system.
Learn the Ancient Art of Developing Mental and Physical Harmony
The practice of Tai Chi restores the body’s natural balance by expelling toxins and promoting strength in both the muscles and internal organs. Tai Chi can help to promote increased flexibility and improve coordination as well as increase your energy level! Tai Chi and its complimentary forms promote healing both mentally & physically through its grace of movement and calming nature.
For a PDF handout on the Yang Style Long Form Click here:
Yang Style Long Form
Demonstration of the Yang Style 24 Posture Form