About Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong
What is Tai Chi Chuan?
Zhang Sanfeng
According to legend, Tai Chi Chuan was originally created by Zhang Sanfeng, a Taoist monk who incorporated the principle of 'Yin and Yang' from Tao philosophy into earlier Chinese wushu (martial art). Literally translated, Tai Chi Chuan means 'supreme ultimate fist' and is a soft style of wushu, whose slow and gentle movements are embodied with vigor and force.
The practice of Tai Chi Chuan helps to promote the health and harmony of the body, mind and spirit. The Yang style of Tai Chi Chuan is more popularly known in the West as a form of healthy exercise which incorporates relaxation and meditation, and is suitable for people of all ages.
Tai Chi practice essentially consists of a series of continuous, slow, smooth and graceful movements, executed with suppleness and in a relaxed manner. This practice, together with the maintenance of a straight and upright posture, form the basis of the art. It has been said of Tai Chi that it is easy to learn the moves but extremely hard to master the art.
What is Qi and Qi Gong?
Practicing Qi Gong
With diligent practice and training, the student of Tai Chi Chuan starts to develop the ability to control and move internal or vital energy known as Qi. This development of internal energy, along with the development of lower body strength and relaxed movements, is what makes Tai Chi Chuan a formidable style of wushu.
This control and development of Qi is also fundamental in developing healing abilities. Under Master Deng, students learn to develop their own Qi to start healing themselves by use of Qi Gong and Tui Na (acupressure-point massage).
Qi Gong is a fundamental aspect of Tai Chi practice. Strong circulation of Qi through the body improves blood circulation and the functioning of the internal organs. Qi Gong incorporates a form of deep abdominal breathing as distinct from the ordinary shallow breathing. This helps move Qi up along the spine and then spread throughout the body.
Tao Philosophy
Tai Chi does not incorporate any religious teachings but is based on Taoist philosophy. The philosophy of the Tao is based on the natural order and balance of the universe with everything divided into Yin and Yang. Yin is associated with female qualities such as, softness, yielding, night, and is symbolically connected to black. Yang is the exact opposite and represents male qualities; hardness, aggression, day, and is symbolized by white.
The Tai Chi Chuan practiced by Master Deng, similarly, has two sides: "Yin hands" describes the healing part of Tai Chi, and "Yang hands" represents the martial arts aspect.
Tai Chi Chuan defense
Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art, and although it is practiced slowly it is fast when it is applied, and is very effective when used in self defense. Push Hands is a vital part of Tai Chi training which helps the practitioner to develop sensitivity to the opponent's movements. Both push hands and the movements of the short form have martial art applications.
Applications of Tai Chi Chuan