Tai Chi as a philosophy of life

In today’s society, a movement balance to everyday life in the office is becoming increasingly important. One way to combat tension, stress, and fatigue is tai chi (tai chi chuan or taijiquan). According to legend, Tai Chi was developed by Taoist monk Zhang Sanfeng after he saw a snake fighting a white crane. Originally developed as a martial art, Tai Chi is also known as Chinese shadow combat.

Tai Chi: At home all over the world

Tai Chi is one of the most popular martial arts in China, where it has now become a veritable national sport worldwide. Although it was developed as a so-called internal martial art for close combat with or without a weapon, it is hardly practised today for self-defence. Because Tai Chi is not just a sport; behind the term, there is a whole philosophy of life that requires constant practice. The same applies here: practice makes perfect.

The graduation levels of other martial arts, expressed by the different coloured belts, are not used in Tai Chi Chuan. As a rule, the students do their Tai Chi forms and exercises together with the master.

 

Meditation and inner peace with Tai Chi exercises

Today, Tai Chi Chuan is valued above all as holistic movement training intended to keep the body healthy. It is also an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Targeted body tension and breathing exercises train body awareness, posture and concentration. The sport also promotes inner balance and a balanced attitude towards life.

Health Benefits of Tai Chi

Tai Chi exercises are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Exercises are also suitable for older people, for example, because training their balance considerably reduces the risk of falling. The Tai Chi step is usually practised before the first form.

Since Western medicine also recognizes positive effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems, even health insurance companies support Tai Chi courses. It is also beneficial for back problems, sleep disorders and respiratory diseases.

 

Tai Chi Chuan – form and exercises

Because there are many different styles, it’s a good idea to research Tai Chi schools. There are five main styles, called family styles. Among them are the following:

• Chen style
• Yang-Stil
• Wu-/Hao-Stil
• Wu Style
• Sun-Style

These styles, in turn, combine different elements of Tai Chi. For example, while Qui Gong is primarily used for meditation and relaxation, combative people can also try exercises with the sword. It is best to seek advice from a competent Tai Chi master.

Each Tai Chi style is characterized by various exercises and forms consisting of a sequence of flowing movements and partner exercises, from which free combat develops for advanced students.

Tai Chi can be practised anywhere.

Particular emphasis is placed on learning the forms of Tai Chi. In them, the fight against one or more imaginary opponents is shown. Each form comprises several so-called images, which are intended to express the characteristics of a movement. So, the shape is named after the number of its images. These images are often one of the first exercises for every Tai Chi Chuan student. This means a form can only be a few minutes long; some take an hour and a half.

Every documentary about China now includes the image of a large group of pensioners who indulge in the gentle sequence of their Tai Chi form movements in the park. Tai Chi does not require large halls or expensive equipment to practice this all-round sport. Comfortable clothing and thin-soled flat shoes are all you need.

Thai Chi – the correct posture

The correct posture, which is maintained during the exercises and forms, is of great importance in Tai Chi: with the head erect and the back straight, all Tai Chi movements are carried out in an uninterrupted flow. The waist must always remain relaxed so that the weight is distributed correctly. Elbows and shoulders hang loosely down.

 

Exercises: Tai Chi for beginners and professionals

Light warm-up exercises that loosen muscles and relax the body are usually followed by a short meditation to calm the mind. Even correct posture is one of the essential exercises that Tai Chi enthusiasts use daily. Beginners can train before they master the first form.

Because Tai Chi is a purely defensive sport and trains character, strength comes from within, not through the muscles. Although Tai Chi is usually practised slowly, regular training should unleash exceptional strength in dangerous situations.