3 aspects of tai chi classes

[yin yang]

There are three important aspects to real Tai Chi Chuan:

chi kung (qigong)

All forms of meditation though similar in concept are very different in practice. For example Buddhists see their meditation as essentially a spiritual process seeking mental liberation and enlightenment. In Tai Chi meditation is focused on the training of consciousness and the development of the vital energy Chi. The breathing is slowed and deepened and it is projected from the diaphragm as opposed to the chest and at the same time mentally concentrating the Chi to the Tan Tien point which is about two inches below the navel and about two inches inside your body. To practice all forms of meditation one must be completely relaxed. The aims of the different postures are to stimulate and concentrate the Chi so that it can then be used for self healing, spiritual awareness or self defence. Used by a master this energy can be used for healing other people, similarly to the western concept of healing with hands or spiritual healing.

tai chi (taiji) form

Moving slowly under the trees, breathing it seems in time with a gentle breeze; merging with nature itself into a healing rhythm. Head, shoulders, arms, trunk, legs and feet moving as one; continuously smoothly and restfully; as if swimming into a new, all pervading element; a different time, a different space..... Poor words, but an attempt to convey the experience of performing the movements of the Tai Chi form. The movements of Tai Chi are based on the co-ordination of the mind, the inner body and the outer body. Our standard form has 24 postures which take about 6 minutes to complete. When done correctly, there is a picture of perpetual motion in a circular form. The whole body is always involved in all movements so that the practitioner becomes aware of his or her entire body, not just particular regions as are emphasised in some exercise regimes, martial arts and spiritual disciplines. The essence of Tai Chi is to integrate mind, body and spirit, with none having preference over the other. With practice you will become stronger, healthier in mind and body, revitalised in spirit, more relaxed, tolerant and self confident.

pushing hands

Pushing Hands is optional. Yang Cheng Fu (3rd Generation) said only by knowing myself can I know other people. The Form and Chi Kung are about knowing yourself, Pushing Hands is about knowing other people. This practice is between two people, the aim is to try to uproot or get your partner off their balance without using any muscular force, this is the Yang or attacking side. The Yin or defensive side to the practice is the absorbing and or deflection of your partners energy as they try to push you. A very important part of the skill is the sensitivity to your partners energy to obtain clues as to what they are about to do and also disguising your own actions and not giving any clues to your own intentions. The only way to do this is to stay soft and avoid the use of any muscle power. These practice forms help train your reactions and abilities to use Tai Chi in a self defence situation. With a lot of practice you can develop great sensitivity and fast reactions. There are many variations but the basic ones are single and double Pushing Hands and sensitivity. More advanced techniques such as Ta-Lu and San- Sau come into later training.

putting it all together

Practising Tai Chi correctly enables the Chi energy to flow freely within the body, it improves the quality and strength of these energies and stops them being blocked or trapped by bad body structure or hard muscle. Blockages in the energy system are removed and you can then move with suppleness, poise, lightness and speed. Tai Chi Chuan invigorates the whole body and mind. It is an effective re-vitaliser and it is used by many people to de-stress themselves from the pressures of modern life. In the hands of a true master it is the ultimate of martial arts and even for senior students the power is usable.




home