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Tai ChiIn Chinese, “tai” means “grand.” “Chi” or “Ji” means “ultimate/polarity/terminus.” “Chuan,” or “quan,” means “fist.” Tai chi chuan is often shortened to simply “tai chi,” and translates roughly as grand ultimate fist -- a name that signifies the unity of Taoist philosophy and energetic practices with Chinese martial arts. Note that there is another word, “chi,” or “qi,” which means one's “life energy.” That character is written as: ? . It is not the same “chi” that is used to write “tai chi chuan.” However, tai chi chuan seeks to balance and strengthen one's chi, much the same way that acupuncture is used to regulate the proper flow and flourishing of chi. Tai chi is taught many different ways depending on the focus. Traditional tai chi is based on teachings derived from a collected group of old essays known as the “Tai Chi Classics,” and is often taught with emphasis as a martial art. Most often characterized by soft flowing movements, this style focuses on various rules of structure, movement and intention whose combination and proper use produces energies or “jings” used in martial application. This style is less concerned with uniform movement, and more with movement in proper structure. Contemporary tai chi, sometimes called “modern wushu,” is a style developed by the Chinese government during the Cultural Revolution, which is practiced as a performance art and for general fitness. This style focuses more on uniform movements suitable for judging in competitive events with little or no martial content. Between the yin and yang of these two extremes are a broad range of tai chi methodologies, with differing focus and styles, borrowing from both traditional and contemporary teachings. PractitionersStan Cohen Fitness for Independent Living™ Phone: 908-246-9600 Email: chiman@chiforliving.com Read More About StanIf you would like to join the network click the link below. If you are a practitioner Join Today |
