What is Tai Chi?

To the right, Sifu Tony Chen is pictured with legendary Tai Chi Ch'uan Grand Master Cai Zao Qi in1988 in Chun Zhu.

The term of Tai Chi can be directly translated as 'Supreme Ultimate', it first appears in the ancient philosophical text the Book of Changes (I Ching). Tai Chi, in Chinese philosophy, describes the eternal source and union of the two primary aspects of the cosmos, yang (active) and yin (passive). This union forms the basis of all reality.

As a martial art and as exercise, Tai Chi has been practiced in China for centuries. Nowadays, it is estimated that over 500 million people throughout the world practice it as an effective exercise for healthy mind and body. In the West today, Tai Chi can perhaps best be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. It is performed slowly, evenly, and thoughtfully, with the emphasis on continuity of movement without break or pause, and can be practiced almost anywhere, the degree of exertion can be easily adjusted, so anybody can learn Tai Chi.

Tai Chi theoretically encompasses five styles, which are Chen style, Yang style, Wu style, Wu style (different pronunciation in Chinese) and Sun style, Although each has its own features, they share the identical and similar principles, which are relaxation, calmness, sinking, suspension, nature, focus on infinity and so on.

The benefits of practicing Tai Chi can improve circulation, promote digestion, help lose weight properly, make joints stronger, more elastic and flexible, improve physical, mental and emotional health, increase the immune function and prevent illness, and slow down the aging process.

Introduction

Tai means "grand" and Chi means "ultimate" in Chinese. According to ancient Chinese philosophers, the word tai chi described the grand and ultimate state that existed before the creation of heaven and earth. They believed that this energy was composed of two opposite parts. The positive or yang form, and negative or the yin form. It was this energy that created and governed the universe. It was this energy that's in all living beings. The essence of the practice of Tai Chi is to cultivate one's life energy or chiso that the practitioner can become a better and stronger living being. Since Tai Chi is an art form based on martial application, its philosophy is also closely related to martial art theory. The word martial or in Chinese consisted of the three characters in the graphic form. The three characters are which means to stop, which means two, and which means weapon. The original meaning of the word martial is to stop crossing of weapons or to stop war or violent. Therefore, the true meaning of martial art training is a way for mental, physical, and spiritual developments. A great martial artist is one who is strong both mentally and physically. One who is at peace with himself and live in harmony with other and nature. The way or dao of Tai Chi is peace.

Benefit of Tai Chi

Americans are more health conscience these days. Martial arts are becoming more popular among Americans as a sport. Tai Chi has become one of the more popular martial art for all ages. Because Tai Chi was developed with ancient martial art theory and medical practice, it has much to offer. Researches done by major universities had shown that routine practice of Tai chi has many benefits. It can enhance your balance by increase your body awareness. It can tone your muscles by strengthening your thighs, buttocks, and back. It can increase your flexibility by taking your joints through their full range of motion. This is especially beneficial to arthritis suffer. It can lower your stress and anxiety by inducing relaxation with its slow fluid like movements and breathings. This is the reason why Tai Chi can lower your blood pressure. It can also provide a modest aerobic workout without high impacts on your joints. This is why Tai Chi can be practice by all age group in term of Chinese medicine, Tai Chi increases chi flow and opens your energy channels. Its theory is based on the five elements and its correlation to your vital organs. It was designed to reverse the aging process with the Taoist approach to immortality. Why Tai Chi can be practice by all age group in term of Chinese medicine, Tai Chi increases chi flow and opens your energy channels. Its theory is based on the five elements and its correlation to your vital organs. It was designed to reverse the aging process with the Taoist approach to immortality.