Nov
14
An Introduction to Taichi by Sifu George Thomas
November 14, 2009 | 2 Comments
TAI CHI CHUAN literally translates as supreme ultimate fist.
It is a Chinese martial Art form with a history of over 5000 years. It is the Mother of all Martial Arts.
Unlike other martial arts, Tai Chi has both the hard form and the soft form. Hard form is meant for self-defence. It was originally used for combat and warfare. Most of the techniques are targeted at the joints, nerves, internal organs and energy points, and are very lethal. The Soft form is a camouflaged version of the Hard form and was developed about 200 years ago. The Yang Family Tai Chi Soft form is meant to exercise the body and the mind and in the process raise ones spiritual level. When one practices this regularly, he / she is well protected physically, emotionally and spiritually. Tai Chi is popularly described as a Moving Meditation because the movements are slow, evenly paced and like a flowing river. Some call it Chinese Yoga because it is a combination of physical exercise, breathing technique and meditation.
With unseen natural forces to attain biological health, Taichi Chuan provides the optimum universal exercise for humanity.
I am promoting the Soft Form because it is a therapy by itself. It does wonders by helping one to get back to nature, creating a perfect balance between the body, mind and soul.
While practicing the Authentic Yang style Tai Chi the spine remains straight, the movements are rhythmic and gentle just like a flowing river. The pulse rate does not go up, breathing remains the same but you sweat like any other form of exercise. At the end of each practice session one feels more energetic.
Yang Style Tai Chi is philosophy / poetry / song / or like a river which flows without any disturbance.
Comments
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Leaves from Tao
An interesting anecdote to enjoy:
Tai-Chi was originated by Zhang Sanfeng when he observed a bird attacking a snake on Wudang Mountain and was greatly inspired by the snake’s defensive tactics. It remained still and alert in face of the bird’s onslaughts until making a lunge and fatally biting its attacker. This battle inspired him to create Tai Chi Chuan“
An Interesting Anecdote to rejoice:
Zhang Sanfeng the originator of T'ai Chi Ch'uan on one occasion observed a bird attacking a snake on Wudang Mountain and was greatly inspired by the snake’s defensive tactics. It remained still and alert in face of the bird’s onslaughts until making a lunge and fatally biting its attacker. This strategy of hard being controlled by the soft inspired him to create T'ai Chi Ch'uan.