Tai Che is practiced every day in China by millions of people. They often practice in groups to great outdoor public areas such as parks.
What is Tai Che?
Tai Che-Chuan (which is pronounced ‘Ty Chee Chew’) is a form of exercise, employing slow, graceful, flowing, circular movements. Usually, it is now just called Tai CheTai Chi.
It originated in China many centuries ago where it developed as a martial art (T’ai CM Ch’uan means ‘Supreme Ultimate Boxing’). However, over the centuries, T’ai Chi evolved into one of China’s powerful traditional internal health systems, which works on body, mind, and spirit at the same time.
What Are Primary Purposes Of Tai Che?
The purpose of Tai Che is to increase and maintain the reserves of vital life-energy (‘Chi’) and to develop spiritual awareness. The combined effect of these aims is believed to have a profoundly beneficial influence on health.
All the systems of the body respiratory, circulatory, digestive are balanced, strengthened and invigorated through performing the movements.
Its curative, as well as preventive powers, have long been recognized by Chinese doctors, and it is used in hospitals and clinics as part of the treatment for cancer, nervous disorders, and heart disease.
Are The Tai Che Suitable For All Age Class?
A good teacher can help you adapt them to allow for conditions such as arthritis and back problems.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment?
All that is required for the practice of Tai Chi is clothing that is not too tight. It can be done in bare feet or training shoes, but most people wear Chinese Kung Fu slippers.
You will need a bright, flat piece of floor or ground of about 5sqm. Outdoor practice (in the shade in hot weather) is highly recommended. In China, where people practice in parks and squares, some do T’ai Chi before breakfast, some after work or before sleep, and some at both ends of the day.
The Philosophy Behind The Art Of Tai Che-Chuan
The beliefs and principles underlying Tai Che are part of the Eastern philosophy which believes that people should aspire to the Tao — the Way of Harmony with Nature.
It is based on the concept of Yin and Yang, the two fundamental, complementary life forces which cannot exist without each other.
The beginnings of Tai Che are attributed to a Taoist thinker of the eleventh century called Chang San-Feng. One day while watching a crane stabbing at a snake with its beak he was struck by the way the snake moved slowly and continuously, seeming to yield and yet still managing to evade its attacker.
Chang San-Feng saw, from the crane and the snake, that what is firm and resisting (Yang) at one moment can be yielding and evasive (Yin) the next and yet still be just as powerful.
He formulated these movements into a system aimed at nurturing inner strength. These slow, circular movements were combined in later centuries with controlled breathing and the characteristic qualities of different animals developed by even more ancient Taoist philosophers.
Apart from the crane, these include the tiger (the symbol of ego) which has to be ‘mastered’ and the monkey (the symbol of mischievousness) which has to be ‘resisted’. This advanced form was taken up by Taoist monks as a means of focussing their bodies and minds.
The comprehensive series of exercises which became Tai Chi has only been systematically taught for a few hundred years. There are various schools of T’ai Chi, but the basic principles are the same.
How can I learn Tai Che?
The benefits of Tai Che cannot be fully acquired without the aid of a fully qualified teacher. Regular attendance at classes is necessary for at least one and a half hours per week over several months. All movements are repeated many times and the teacher will continually check and correct your posture and balance.
What are the movements of Tai Che?
All the actions are carried out on the feet, usually with the spine vertical and the knees bent. There are two series, or forms, of Tai Che movements. The short form contains somewhere between 40 to 50 sequences of actions and takes 5 to 10 minutes to do.
The long form has over 100 moves and takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how fast they are done. The movements are very slow, to focus the consciousness precisely, and are, for the most part, smooth and flowing. Eventually, they blend into a seamless flow.
To find a Tai Che teacher in your area, look for information on notice boards in libraries, health food shops, and specialist bookshops.
Community centers, local night schools, and fitness centers sometimes hold classes or have helpful information desks. It may be a good idea to go and observe a class before joining. Many teachers are happy to allow this.
Ask the teacher to explain about the form of Tai Che taught and, if possible. Ask the participants about their reactions. Aim to find an uncrowded class as this will ensure more personal attention.