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What is Tai Chi ?
Most people think of Tai Chi as a wonderful relaxing exercise performed in parks
throughout China, in the early morning. This is true to some extent. Tai Chi is
relaxing, but it also strengthens the body, improves circulation and is an
effective form of self-defence. To learn the form is to merely scratch the
surface. As an exercise it can strengthen you both mentally and physically by
improving your levels of relaxation and teaching you about correct body
alignment.
As a self-defence it works on flowing around incoming force rather than rigid
blocking. This overcomes the need for brawn usually associated with martial
arts. The holistic nature of this ancient martial art makes it suitable for
people of all ages and levels of fitness as it adapts itself to suit your
abilities.
The Origins of Tai Chi.
There are many differnt stories concerning its origins and creation. The most
popular legend, which has little factual substantiation, is that of ZHANG SAN
FENG, a Daoist who, already having mastered shaolin boxing, caught sight of a
crane fighting a snake. Intrigued by the yielding, smooth evasion and darting
counter-attacks of both creatures, he was inspired to develop a form of boxing
which would embody the natural philosophy of the Dao.
Legend aside, in the middle of the eighteenth century a soft boxing was being
taught in the village of Chenjiakou, in the Henan province. This soft boxing was
finally popularised by YANG LUCHAN (1780-1873), who, through diligent effort,
learnt the Chen family boxing, and then went to Beijing, where he taught the
art, in a modified form to the Manchu court. This YANG school of boxing was
destined to become the most popular form of TAIJIQUAN (TAI CHI CH`UAN), with the
help of YANG CHENG FU, the most widely known descendent of Yang Luchan. It is
characterised by large, smooth, flowing movements with an unbroken even tempo,
avoiding strenuous over-exertion.
CHENG MAN-CH`ING.
Cheng Man-Ch`ing became a disciple of Yang Cheng Fu after studing Tai Chi with
him and being cured of TB(this was attributed to his practice of this art). From
his knomledge of Chinese medicine and further research, Cheng Man Ching
simplified the form by removing alot of the less important and similar postures,
reducing the number of postures to 37 from the initial 108(approx). This was
done in an attempt to make Tai Chi more accessible.
Having learnt how to control his or her body through the practice of the solo
form, the student then goes on to learn the Push-Hands exercises, practiced with
a partner. These exercises teach one how to understand, interpret and neutralise
energy; and then, finally, how to exert force.
The serious student of Tai Chi, in order to progress beyond the merely physical,
must study the philosophy of the art through reading the "classic" writings of
well-known practitioners of the past, such as those mentioned above.
Tai Chi as a Martial
Art.
Tai Chi works on relaxation rather than muscular strength and as such is not
limited by age or fitness.It works on the use of intrinsic energy (chi) and
proper body alignment. Although this sounds a little mystical, it is perfectly
obtainable by all who are willing to persevere. On a more accessible level, Tai
Chi is close-quarter system which incorporates the use of locks, throws and
in-side fighting techniques, making it a most realistic form of self-defence. It
is a reactive system rather than an aggressive one; the classics say, "They move
first but you arrive first", this means mentally as well as physically.
Tai Chi is not.....
Tai Chi is not an instant health cure nor a ten week self-defence course. It is
an art, and like all arts, it takes time and diligent practice to perfect. For
those willing to persevere, the benefits are amazing, and are not diminished by
the constraints of old age; in fact there are many practitioners around the
world in their 80`s and still teaching.
Why learn Tai Chi ?
When asked by a student "What is the most important reason to study Tai Chi
Chuan?" Master Cheng replied "The most important reason is that when you finally
reach the place where you understand what life is about, you`ll have the health
to enjoy it."
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