What is TAI CHI?
The Theory and the Philosophy
Tai Chi Chuan or simply 'Tai Chi' as it is commonly known, is an 'Internal' martial art from China.
Although one is derived from the other, the terms used in the western culture are interchangeable. But actually 'Tai Chi', which translates to 'Supreme Ultimate', is the philosophy, spiritual and cosmological theory that the universe is infinite and is governed by harmony and synchronicity of dual forces which is known as Yin and Yang. These forces are both opposing and complementing each other and are always in a state of flux and change. It is the Natural Law neither actively or inactively that balance and harmony will be found and prevail.
The History
The martial art that is known as 'Tai Chi Chuan' is based upon this Tai Chi and Yin & Yang theory. It has strong ties to Chinese culture through Taoist philosophy, Buddhism, Confucianism, astrology, traditional Chinese medicine, folklore and martial art.
In Chinese mythology, a Taoist monk from the 12th Century, known as Zhang Sanfeng was purported to have witnessed a fight between a crane and a snake. He was inspired by the gracefulness, accuracy and softness of the techniques of both animals. Thus he created the 72 Tai Chi movements.
In written history, Tai Chi is able to be traced back to Chen Wang Ting from Chen Village, Henan province in the 17th Century. Chen Wang Ting was the ancestor of Chen Chang Xing of the 18th - 19th Century, who taught Yang Luchan. Master Yang Luchan who would later be the founder of Yang style Tai Chi , which is the most popular form of Tai Chi in the world.
The Forms
There are many Tai Chi Chuan forms around the world that are either traditional, modified and hybrid forms. However the 5 Main forms or families of Tai Chi are:
- Chen style (陳氏) of Chen Wangting (1580–1660)
- Yang style (楊氏) of Yang Luchan (1799–1872)
- Wu Hao style (武氏) of Wu Yuxiang (1812–1880)
- Wu style (吳氏) of Wu Quanyou (1834–1902) and his son Wu Jianquan (1870–1942)
- Sun style (孫氏) of Sun Lutang (1861–1932)
My Teaching Method
Although Tai Chi Chuan is practiced by millions across the globe in hospitals, clinics, community centres, seniors homes, gyms and so forth. It is more than just simply a 'health dance' or 'moving yoga'.
It is a MARTIAL ART.
Although I teach Tai Chi Chuan with the primary purpose of providing a health benefit to my students. I often stress the importance of knowing the purpose behind the movements. Thus I will often perform the martial or self defense applications in order to demonstrate the reason for correct posture and physical placement of the limbs of the body. I am not teaching my students for the purpose of combative use but rather allow them to understand the meaning, context and application of the movements.
I believe that not knowing the meaning, context and application of the movements that you are performing, is like learning to dance without regard for timing, rhythm and mood of the music. You simply become a slave to the movement without any 'mindfulness' and 'intent'.
In Tai Chi, the aspects of the Mind and Intent are important steps in attaining its benefit. As demonstrated in the six different levels of harmony.
Six Harmonies
1. 體合于心 (tǐ hé yú xīn) Body and Mind
2. 心合于意 (xīn hé yú yì) Mind and Intent
3. 意合于氣 (yì hé yú qì) Intent and Qi
4. 氣合于神 (qì hé yú shén) Qi and Spirit
5. 神合于動 (shén hé yú dòng) Spirit and Movement
6. 動合于空 (dòng hé yú kōng) Movement and Emptiness
If you have no 'mindfulness' or awareness of the movements that you are performing, then how can you form any 'intent''? If you have no mindfulness and intent, how does your body attain Chi and the levels beyond?
I feel this is the main difference in my teaching compared to other Tai Chi teachers. I am very detailed in the way and teach. Spending substantial time on the foundational skills and principles, perfecting the basic movements and breathing technique, rather than simply allowing my students to collect a laundry list of forms that are being performed incorrectly or haphazardly.
Bruce Lee once said 'I fear not the man that knows a thousand kicks. I fear the man that has practiced one kick a thousand times'
I feel that is my mantra for my classes. It is about perfecting our foundations. The classes progress at a speed that caters to everyone's ability and experience. Providing everyone with attention and feedback. I will often incorporate some fun and unorthodox teaching methods for my students to apply their Tai Chi movements in a practical daily life way or through a martial way that involves minor contact with little to no risk of injury. Such as 'Tui Shou' which is translated to mean 'Pushing Hands'. Where a two people are connected to another via one or more contact points, such as the forearms, wrists and hands.
Ultimately, the main goal is to encourage correct form and posture; breathing technique in the practice of Tai Chi and Qi Gong to cultivate our Qi. Qi or Chi, is translated as 'Life Energy'. The word Qi also historically and contextually relates to blood, breathe, heat, light or energy. Through correct physical posture, Qi is able to flow through the body more effectively, thus invigorating the Spirit through movement.
TAI CHI FORMS OFFERED
- Tai Chi for Relaxation
- Tai Chi 6
- Yang style Tai Chi Chuan 8 Form
- Yang style Tai Chi Chuan 24 Form
- Silk Reeling 8 Form
- Wudang Sanfeng Tai Chi Chuan 18 Form
- Chen style (Hunyuan) Tai Chi Chuan 24 Form
- Yang style Tai Chi Sword 32 Form
