Health and Self-Defense – What is Tai Chi?

by: Keira Benson

Compared with some of the harder, rigid and more obviously disciplined martial arts, Tai Chi can be viewed as a soft style.

But this is completely at odds with the reality.

So, What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi Chuan is a holistic martial art using internal energy ('Chi') for good health, self-development and self-defense.

The initial training focuses on relaxed, slow, flowing movement to assist in realizing the soft power of internal energy. This makes it adaptable to many levels of health and fitness.

Shifting the weight constantly between the different moves helps to improve day-to-day balance and ease of bodily movement.

Tai Chi increases oxygen uptake, reduces blood pressure, slows the decline in cardiovascular power and increases bone density.

Because it develops strength and flexibility within the joints, the practice can result in greater leg and knee mobility.

Heightened mood states and improved immune function are all direct results of the reduced stress levels that are achieved both during and after a Tai Chi class.

The History

The founder of the Yang style was Yang Lu-ch'an {1799-1872}, who studied under Ch'en Chang-hsing starting in 1820. Yang became a teacher in his own right, and his subsequent expression of tai chi chuan became known as the Yang style. Yang Lu-ch'an came to prominence as a result of his being hired by the Chinese Imperial family to teach tai chi chuan to the elite Palace Battalion of the Imperial Guards, a position he held until his death.

The Yang Ch'eng-fu form of Yang Style Tai Chi is the most popular of the various styles that comprise Tai Chi in modern times. To emphasize the big movements of his Hand Form, Yang Ch'eng-fu took out the explosive Fa-jing and stamping.

The Study

For beginners, the class structure would normally consist of Zhan Zhuang chi kung {standing meditation} and loosening exercises, followed by the study of the traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Form.

Whilst, for many people, this basic level of study is sufficient and proves very beneficial to their health and fitness, the true worth of Tai Chi as a martial art only really becomes apparent at the more advanced levels, where studies include:

Single Push Hands, Double Push Hands and Sensitivity - with forward and backward steps; Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan (Crane); Yin Yang Concept and Correction of Yin Yang Concept; Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan - Spiral Concept; Live step single and double; Small Circle Push Hands; Ta Lu '2 & 3 steps and Ta Lu Form; Yang Style Sword; Yang Style Broadsword; Threading Nine Pearls System; Substantial and Insubstantial; San Sau; Energy healing.

Becoming competent at these skills takes Tai Chi to a whole new level as a Martial Art. Learning to harness and utilize your internal energy against an aggressor can be so much more powerful than the more obvious, but more limiting use of the external physical strength of your arms and legs.

Allying your inner strength with your bodyweight is crucial to your ability to defend yourself.

Tai Chi - not just for old people.

About the Author:

Keira Benson's Study of Tai Chi has had a major contribution to her health and peace of mind.

For more information on tai chi in Southend-on-Sea, visit: http://www.shambhalastudios.com

Tai Chi Demonstration