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Before the mid 60's Tai Chi was hardly know outside of china. Along with other masters, Cheng Man-ching left mainland china to teach Tai Chi to non Chinese students. He believed the health benefits would be good for the world. The system taught in kushido is based on his style. "The most important reason for learning Tai Chi Chuan is that when you have finally understood what life is about, you still have enough health to enjoy it" (Cheng Man Ching) Many links to Cheng Man Ching can be found on google |
WHAT IS TAI CHI? HEALTH ASPECTS Q&A
WHAT IS T'AI CHI?
Tai chi consists of numerous, harmoniously designed movements that flow imperceptibly into one another to make the Form. These movements are so varied that they bring every part of the body, from the smallest joint to the largest muscle, into play without creating any stress. The continually changing patterns keep one mentally alert and in this way help to improve one's concentration. Slowness, calmness, evenness, clarity and balance are the five basic qualities required for practicing the Form. Because Tai chi is practiced very slowly the body doesn't become tense of hard, and the muscles remain resilient and pliable.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF TAI CHI
Eastern and western beliefs about how to achieve a healthy body differ markedly. We in the west tend to think that by building up muscles and exerting ourselves during exercise, we develop a strong, healthy body, but the results are often tension and fatigue. In contrast, the effortless movements of Tai Chi eliminate unnecessary exertion and their "softness" actually develop energy and strength. For these reasons, Tai Chi has long been used in the east for its healing and therapeutic values and during the last 2 decades many westerners have begun to think in this way too.
If you practice T'ai Chi with the correct posture, the movements place the vertebrae in their natural alignment. This allows the internal organs to assume their correct position and prevents them from exerting undue pressure on each other. Everyone can benefit from Tai chi. Besides relaxing the mind and body, Tai Chi helps digestion, quiets the nervous system, and makes joints loose. It also benefits the hearts and blood circulation, and rejuvenates the skin.
OTHER ASPECTS OF T'AI CHI
Tai chi involves various disciplines, including the Form, Push hands, Qi Gong (breathing exercises) and weapons, (broad and straight swords)
PUSH HANDS
Push hands is a 2 person exercise which helps develop the skills of listening, understanding, neutralizing and discharging energies. In other words, students learn to become sensitive to a partner's energies and intentions.
QI GONG
Qi gong (Chi gong) is the name given to a multitude of Chinese health skills which have been practiced for over 3000 years. These exercises were designed to develop the ability to move chi (energy) throughout the body and, although they involve every part of the body, they are not difficult to perform.
QUESTIONS ABOUT T'AI CHI
WHO CAN DO TAI CHI?
Anyone can practice t'ai chi throughout their lives, in the East some masters still teach past 80 years of age
WHAT IS CHI?
Thousands of years ago, the Chinese developed the theory of an eternal power, "CHI" that animates everything in the universe. All phenomena are the result of the interplay between yin (-) and yang (+) forces, the continuous natural cycle moving from birth, increasing throughout life then decaying and eventually dying. The Chinese explain this as the growth and fading of "chi". Therefore, it is the "chi" which determines our mental and physical capabilities.
Apart from improved heath gained by practicing Tai chi, the chi can also be used to center oneself. This results in better balance, greater awareness and confidence which will begin to permeate all parts of one's life.
Can it be used for self defence?
Yes, Tai chi was developed as self defense, as well as a method of promoting good health. Unlike some hard martial arts, there is no competitiveness. Tai chi is non aggressive, promoting calmness and a relaxing mental attitude.
Photos are of Rijk de Jamaer (sifu) at the South African gashuku 2003
For information about T'ai Chi classes contact Lindsay on 01276 501643 or click here.