Tai Chi Chuan is an Chinese internal martial art performed for both its defense training and its health benefits. The art attained its name when Ong Tong He, a scholar in the Imperial Court, observed a demonstration by Yang Lu Chan (“Unbeatable Yang”). Afterward, he wrote: “Hands holding Taiji shakes the whole world, a chest containing ultimate skill defeats a gathering of heroes.” Chinese martial arts are ordinarily segregated into two categories, hard styles and soft styles, but Tai Chi Chuan includes both. Most people that currently practice a style of Tai Chi Chuan would identify it as slow moves with internal power. However there are some traditional schools that teach a faster paced Tai Chi Chuan. Tai chi Chuan teaching includes five fundamentals, nei gung, tui shou (response drills), sanshou … Read entire article »

Tai chi or tai chi chuan is amongst the oldest variations of martial arts across the world. Developed in ancient China, the program was designed to enhance training techniques for defense and improve health through physical exercise. Tai chi chuan can be translated to ‘boundless fist’ or ‘supreme fist’. The word ‘taichi’ is actually ‘taiji’ (which can be translated to ‘supreme ultimate’) and is important to both Confucian philosophy and Taoist views. The practice of tai chi is structured upon the yin-yang symbol, which symbolizes the one Ultimate. Although tai chi is widely identified as a single discipline, it actually has 5 major styles. Each one emerged from different families who established and evolved it. The schools use the same idea in promoting the system but their training methods are different. … Read entire article »

In ancient China, a technique of physical exercises was developed and given the moniker, Qi Gong, or Chi Kung.. It integrates breathing techniques with physical postures and a series of moves while inviting the practitioner to be in a meditative yet focused state of mind. It is commonly used with spiritual, medical or martial intent. Sometimes it is tricky to translate from Chinese to English, and that is true with the expression ‘qi gong’. The closest association for the term ‘qi’ (pronounced chee) would be ‘air’, ‘breathing’, ‘energy’ or ‘spirit’. ‘Gong’ (pronounced ‘gung’ with a soft ‘g’) refers to results or skills developed through consistent practice. Used together, qi gong describes the practice of cultivating energy in order to realize optimum health, increase strength and vitality and heal the body. Characteristics of … Read entire article »

Hungry for Chinese food? You won’t satisfy it with Tai Chi. It also has nothing to do with massage, while the traditional Chinese symbols do translate into some kind of supreme fist which at its weakest helps make for an enjoyable or beneficial deep tissue massage. Incidentally, closed fists kneading the muscles near to the backbone area of the body is the best part of this particular massage. “Show me the hand” was how Tai Chi Chuan came to be recognized by the Imperial Palace, which with the passing of the years adopted its nickname Tai Chi. Unquestionably to the outside world, Kung Fu or for that matter Karate is a more prominent form of Chinese self defense platform than Tai Chi. Despite its relative unpopularity though, this discipline comprises eight … Read entire article »

Tai chi is structured on the idea of an energy, called qi (pronounced “chi”), that flows through our bodies along energy lines or channels called meridians. The idea of qi, or life force, is central to the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC). If it moves correctly, we’re also healthy and balanced. If the flow of the energy along the meridians is hindered or interrupted, or if the qi is weak, we can get ill in the body or in the mind. Rousing the qi through our bodies and along the meridians is one of the goals of practicing Tai Chi. Another Chinese system of movement, qigong, draws on the same idea of slow movement that is merged with slow breathing and meditation, and focusing on the present moment. It is … Read entire article »

There are eight different schools of Tai Chi Chuan, the true name of the greatly popular Chinese discipline, Tai Chi. One detail common among these different versions is the name, which in plain Chinese means big fist. Ironically, Tai Chi Chuan certainly is the gentlest of all the Chinese martial arts. While this is true however, it really is also the deadliest. This is because the concept behind it is to keep the body nimble and strong, akin to a strong piece of metal rod that can be bent easily to suit the purpose. By far, the best visual portrayal of the art and practice of Tai Chi could be the liquid metal concept popularized in the Terminator movies. In the course of a war, the ideal Tai Chi warrior can … Read entire article »

We all know it as Tai Chi, but the original name of the application is Tai Chi Chuan. Although the literal translation is fists of fury, the closest that most individuals have come across the ancient Chinese martial art is a middle-aged woman in the park looking like they are undertaking some stretching movements early in the morning. However, it’s like looking at the tip of the iceberg. While practicing the delightful, exact, graceful movements of Tai Chi Chuan, many benefits are being promoted internally. Mastery needs time but the practitioner is wise enough to set about the learning and mastery process gently, like a ballet student working to become a ballerina or a swan in training. By patiently examining wild animals, like tigers or bears, the ancient masters formed the Tai … Read entire article »

The practice of Tai Chi moves is straightforward on the surface, but there are some important key points to remember when undertaking any of the forms. After all, any exercise will be detrimental if conducted incorrectly. Since Tai Chiis designed to raise the flow of energy throughout the body, keeping these fundamental principles in mind when practicing is crucial to achieving the full benefit. Practicing good breathing techniques is among the most important factors of Tai Chi. When was the last time that you seriously considered your breathing? If you are like lots of people, the answer is quite possibly never. However, the way you breathe has a huge impact on your mind and body. Since Tai Chi serves as a meditative practice, it is very important breathe deeply and regularly. … Read entire article »