An Introduction to Tai Chi
Meditation in Motion
-- By Liz Noelcke, Staff Writer
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High-flying fighters. Hand-to-hand combat. Is this what you picture when you think about Tai Chi? Perhaps it is time to re-examine your notions about this ancient Chinese discipline, which is a system of meditative movements practiced as exercises—not quite the aggressive martial arts you might have imagined.
Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, has a rich history. Historians debate over when this form of martial arts first appeared, but experts believe it goes back well over 1,500 years when fighters initially imitated the movements of a snake and crane clashing. Originally, Tai Chi was used as a form of combat, but today, it is a gentle form of exercise, popularized in the Western world in the 1980s and 1990s. Now, people of all ages use these movements to gain strength and flexibility.
As a low-impact exercise, Tai Chi is great for people with joint problems because it actually helps build connective tissue and improve circulation. Additionally, this form of exercise improves balance and posture, by emphasizing correct form with each movement. Instead of developing bulky muscles and brute force, exercisers tackle tension and stress while improving body awareness.
Sometimes called “meditation in motion,” Tai Chi is a series of soft, flowing movements choreographed into a slow routine. Each specific movement corresponds with either the inhalation or exhalation of a deep, gentle breath. This coordination of movement and breath is believed to free the flow of “chi” (also spelled “qi”), a life-force energy that when blocked, purportedly can cause stress and illness. By improving the mind/body connection, Tai Chi brings the yin and yang of a person back into natural harmony, exercising emotions just as it does the muscles.
There are many different styles of Tai Chi, each named after the different families in China that perfected them. Some of the most common styles include Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun. These different styles use distinctive paces, stances, and movements, but all emphasize the same basic principles. Furthermore, different styles employ weapons into training, including swords, spears and sticks. However, typical Tai Chi participants, like you may have seen practicing in a park, do not employ these weapons.
Tai Chi revolves around a series of movements called “forms” which can last anywhere from five to 20 minutes. There are over one hundred different stances to learn. Although there are videos available for purchase, it might be best to take classes, often taught by “masters” with years of experience. This master will be able to lead you through the forms and help correct you along the way. While some learning centers require certain clothes, most classes can be taken in everyday sweats with other beginners like you!
