Tai Chi 

Tai Chi is believed to have been developed during the 13 th or 14 th century AD in the Henan Province of China; however, it is more likely to have been created earlier, as its philosophical roots can be traced back thousands of years. Many styles of this gentle art have been passed down from generation to generation. It has been translated as the Supreme Ultimate Fist (Tai- highest; Chi- reaching; Chuan- fist). If you have ever seen a competition of Tai Chi, you will notice that the loser will literally fly across the room and thus validate why many consider it to be the Supreme Ultimate Fist.

The methodology to Tai Chi is that of non-resistance. This takes a variety of forms: including that of following ones posture, borrowing strength, reflecting attacks, and collecting and emitting energy. All this sounds vague at first, however, like many other martial arts, one key concept is to seize the opponents center of gravity. The method that Tai Chi uses, effectively, is so radical that it demands attention. That method is one of absorbing an assault and repeling the assault back to the aggressor. This is the basis of Tai Chi, but there is much more than that.

Yang Style

Of the five main styles of Tai Chi, which include: Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun, and Wu/Hao. Of these five, Yang style is the most popular. However, as with all martial arts, every style has deviations and variations among practitioners, so it would not be surprising to find hundreds of differences between many schools of Tai Chi.

Yang style Tai Chi was founded by Yang Lu-Chan around 1799. Like other styles, it has since then gone through many moderations in forms. Unlike many versions of Chen style, which tend to stress lower stances, faster pace forms and many weapons forms, Yang style is dedicated to a slow and stable movement.

“In Taijiquan, the ability to cultivate oneself physically and spiritually, but not to defend oneself, is civil accomplishment. The ability to defend oneself, but not to cultivate oneself, is martial accomplishment.” -Yang Cheng Fu

This statement concisely stresses the importance of wellbeing and self-defense that Tai Chi offers; however, it does not stress which one should come first. In Tai Chi, the civil or wellbeing practice of movements should be stressed first. Therefore, one should acquire a civil foundation harnessed in peaceful discovery of relaxed and confident movements before using this knowledge for self-defense.

Tai Chi FAQs

1)Why study Tai Chi? Tai Chi is one of the fastest growing activities for physical exercise. It is an excellent exercise and martial art that is both peaceful and relaxing. It has been proven by many scientists to improve ones blood circulation, relieve pain or injury, and rejuvenate many vital organs of the body. In addition, it relieves stress, helps strengthen back and leg muscles, increases balance, improves posture, and much more.

2)Is Tai Chi really a martial art? Yes. Although more and more instructors are teaching Tai Chi as an exercise, it was originally created as a martial art, and holds the same self-defense applications as it did long ago. Nevertheless, it takes many years to become proficient using the martial applications of Tai Chi and it is recommended that one begin with a clear mind and an intent to learn Tai Chi as an exercise first.

3)How long does it take to learn Tai Chi? Most people are introduced to a form (a series of postures and movements) of Tai Chi in a given style which can take 3-6 months to learn the basics. After 6-12 months,  the student is familiar with positions, breathing, and minor application. From here, the student can continue practicing the form for exercise or learn the martial arts applications to the form.

4)Who should study Tai Chi? Everyone is welcome to learn Tai Chi; especially those who have minor injuries, are going through physical therapy, have arthritis or joint problems, and those that have the patience to endure a very calm and soothing flow of movements.