What is Tai Chi Chuan?
With the rise in popularity of Tai Chi Chuan we see many interpretations of the art. There are those who cover the full curriculum with form, pushing hands, applications, and weapons. However, there are also those who are predominately interested in developing the health aspects of Tai Chi Chuan. They may concentrate more on the hand form, Qigong exercises and meditation. Decide which approach is right for you before committing to a class.
The Hand Form The first, and most familiar, aspect of Tai Chi Chuan is the Hand Form. This is the series of slow movements you see performed in the parks, in China, early in the morning. There are many benefits to be gained from practising the Hand Form.
Health Aspects
At its simplest level, the Hand Form is an exercise system. However it is not what we, in western culture, usually regard as exercise. How can these slow movements be exercise? In order to understand why, it is good to have a knowledge of the concept of Qi (Chi) energy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has the principles of Yin and Yang at its roots. It is believed that there are meridians or pathways which travel through the body carrying Qi energy. If there is a problem, or imbalance in the flow of Qi energy, a TCM doctor would use acupuncture needles, or perhaps acupressure - the use of thumbs or hands, to stimulate acupoints, and release the blockages.
Tai Chi Chuan promotes the smooth flow of this energy. By performing the postures of the Form, in co-ordination with relaxed, natural breathing and the application of Yi, which is the intent or focus of the mind, we help to keep the Qi moving smoothly through the channels. Therefore, whilst doing these external movements, we are assisting the free flow of internal energy.
Aside from promoting the flow of Qi energy Tai Chi Chuan can also help to increase flexibility, suppleness and exercise the muscles. The smooth, gentle movements also aid relaxation and help to keep the mind calm and focused. These benefits are extremely useful in today's stressful society.
Martial Applications
Each movement or Tai Chi posture carries defensive or offensive applications. To understand these applications it is important to have an awareness of the concept of Yin and Yang, which is at the root of the system of Tai Chi Chuan. Yin is considered to be the soft, feminine principle and Yang the hard masculine principle. In terms of applications a blow or strike would be considered to be Yang force. When the force is coming towards you, you greet it with Yin or softness thereby neutralising your opponent's strike. The postures in the Tai Chi Hand Form are constantly changing from the Yin to Yang aspect. By training slowly, the body becomes familiar with this constantly changing energy. Through training over a long period of time, we can develop these reactions to become instinctive in a combat situation.
Partner Work
If we were only to perform the Hand Form slowly it would not be sufficient training for combat situations. To develop a deeper understanding of how the concept of Yin and Yang applies to Tai Chi Chuan, we have to work with a partner. One of the first exercises we learn is Pushing Hands, or Tui Shou. Here we have one partner pushing, with his/her palm against the wrist of the other. When your partner pushes against the back of your hand you would then soften your wrist, drop the elbow and turn from the waist. This allows you to absorb your partner's energy or force and neutralise it down into the ground. When their Yang force has been fully expended or neutralised, you would then turn your hands and return their energy by pushing back towards them. If, however, your partner were to push too far, or over-extend you would then pull them downwards, behind you.
San Shou
San Shou is a series of partner exercises where strikes or blows are delivered to various parts of the body. In some styles, San Shou is performed as a structured routine or sequence which incorporates various aspects of self defence in a fixed pattern.
Weapon Forms
Tai Chi Chuan has a variety of weapon forms. There is, traditionally, the straightsword, the broadsword and the staff. There are many benefits to be gained from practising weapon forms. Training in weapons can help to stretch and relax the muscles and promote blood circulation.
Tai Chi requires commitment and dedication to get the best from it.
Source: Tai Chi Union