TaiChi
Introduction of TaiChi
TaiChi, originated in China, belongs to the world. Tai Chi means supremacy, absoluteness, extremity and uniqueness. Tai Chi exercise, in Chinese is called (Tai-Ji-Quan). Tai-Ji-Quan takes its name for the implication of superiority. Tai-Ji-Quan is a branch of Wushu (Chinese Martial Arts) studied for health and self-defense, practiced at a slow, smooth pace with breath control. It’s an extremely effective therapeutic exercise for stress reduction, hypertension, body balance, coordination, keeping fit and preventing and curing diseases. It has been widely practiced among the people since 16 th century.
According to Chinese Yin and Yang philosophy, there are two opposing complementary principles in nature: Yin, the feminine and negative, and Yang, the masculine and positive. Wushu masters use this philosophy of positive and negative to explain the principles of Tai-Ji exercise.
Tai-Ji-Quan was established during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) by Wong Zong-Yue who utilized the principle of Opposites and Philosophy of traditional Chinese theories to explain the boxing, then he wrote a paper of “A introduction to TJC( ). Since then the name of TJC was well accepted by ordinary people.
There are five styles of Tai-Ji- Quan. They are Chen-style, Yang-style, Wu-style, Sun-style and Wu*-style. Of the five, Chen and Yang are the most popular and widespread worldwide. Although different in style and form, all Tai-ji exercise routines require their practitioners to be tranquil, calm, and relaxed yet concentrative. In Tai-ji exercise, the spine is the pivot around which the rest of the body moves. Force and energy should be generated from the spine and waist before reaching the legs and arms. The movements are executed slowly, continuously and softly, but hardness is implied within the soft movements.
The Characteristics of Tai-ji-quan Exercise
- The exercises require a high degree of concentration, with the mind free from distractions.
- The movements are slow and uninterrupted, like a flowing stream.
- Breathing is natural, sometimes involving abdominal respiration, and is performed in rhythmic harmony with the body’s movements.
From the viewpoint of sports medicine, these characteristics are important factors contributing to the prevention and treatment of diseases. According to an individual’s age and health condition, one may select a suitable exercise capacity. That is, you may choose just a few steps to practice repeatedly, or practice the whole program.
The Effects of Tai-ji Exercise
It can improve the general health; prevent degeneration from aging or weakening physically.
- Cardio-vascular system: lowers the blood pressure in both the systolic and diastolic, lowers the level of hyper-lipemia, relaxes the spasmodic blood vessels and improves circulation.
- Skeletal system: prevents osteoporosis and stiff joints, prevents degenerative changes in the muscles and tendons.
- Respiratory system: Improves vital capacity and a higher immunity effect.
- Digestive system: increases the secretion of digestive enzymes and gastro-intestinal peristalsis.
- Nervous system: maintains the stability of neuro-psychological function.
- Other benefits: Controls obesity, diabetes, etc.
Tai-Ji Teaching Method
Our Tai-Ji classes, whether group or private classes, are taught in a similar progression. Individual movements are first learned, then forms are learned, some sessions learning several steps while other sessions are set aside for self-practice to internalize and master the movements learned. Both the student and Sifu work together to set a pace that is both challenging and productive.
