The correct full name is: Tai Ji Quan
It is better known in the West as – Tai Chi Chuan
In China Tai Chi has existed for several hundred years. Millions of people regularly practice it to improve and maintain their health. Its practice is beneficial and possible for people of all ages and physical or mental ability. It is a style of the traditional Chinese martial art system of Kung Fu(Wushu).
“Tai Chi” is a philosophical term dating back to the “book of changes” (221 b.c.): quote: “in all things exist “Tai Chi”, which causes two opposites in all things”. “Chuan” means martial exercise.
Tai Chi is practised by performing a routine of martial art moves in slow motion.
Although an integral part of the martial arts, Tai Chi is mostly practised for:
Health – to obtain mental calm and physical relaxation.
As a martial art it is of course practised for Combat – or martial art purposes.
It is also practised to a lesser extent for: Sport – with competitions to score points in a similar way to gymnastics.
The main characteristics of Tai Chi include
A high degree of relaxed concentration, slow, uninterrupted movements, natural breathing performed in rhythmic harmony with the movement of the body.
In China it is an important part of the treatment often prescribed in hospitals and has proved its effectiveness in treating chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, ulcers, neurasthenia (nervous breakdowns) and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Moreover, it strengthens the bones and joints and increases the muscle tone. Because the movements are so gentle, it is often the best exercise to combine with the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism.
Deepening the breathing supplies more oxygen to the blood and brain and the blood vessels become more flexible and work more efficiently. The slow, soft turning and bending massages the internal organs, and the gentle leg raising movements strengthen the intestines.
The movements are extremely slow and graceful, and nearly every joint in the body is alternately bent and stretched. One move flows into the next, and the breathing throughout is slow and relaxed.
It stimulates the whole body, enhancing the feeling of being alive that is associated with good health. Yet the benefits are not just physical, when you calm yourself physically to do the routine, you slow your breathing and naturally become emotionally and mentally calmer.
Tai Chi practice helps develop a relaxed, open awareness of the body, breath, mind and emotions, an awareness that continues long after each practice, “spilling over” into daily life.
What is Tai Chi ?
(a simplified explanation)
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