TAI CHI CHUAN (literal translation: Supreme Ultimate Fist, or Fight)

Introduction

In the West, Tai Chi is known as a form of exercise characterized by upright, flowing movements
practiced in a quiet, meditative environment. It might be in a studio with soothing, Asian-influenced
music. It might be practiced outside on a pristine morning. It can be practiced alone or in a group.

Developed in China, some say thousands of years ago, it sprang from Taoist philosophical roots
meant to embody spiritual aspirations. It was also a practice to benefit fitness and health through
movement. In later times, certainly by the second millennium, practitioners further developed it into a
martial art of self defense in times of warfare and strife.

Tai chi is now performed to improve health and fitness and to create a meditative and stress-
relieving practice. Taken deeper, one can study the philosophy of Taoism as manifested in the
particular forms and movements. Some do practice it as a martial art and there are some forms more
conducive to studying it martially than others.

Tai chi is peaceful by nature. It can rightfully be thought of as a healing art because the movements
allow for the clear flow of “chi.” Chi means life force or energy, as the Chinese interpret it. In the
West, it is often translated as “air.” Westerners might think of it as oxygen (which in Western terms is
energy). I personally think of it as energy that flows from an external source, through the earth, and
that we are conduits. We do much as humans to block that energy as it naturally wants to flow through
our bodies. I for one have always been susceptible to stress. Wherever we create tenseness in the
body (Westerners think of it as soreness, stiffness, muscle and joint tightness, etc.), chi is impeded.
Once we get the chi flowing as it should, we come to a healthier state. Acupuncture uses this basic
concept, as well as many traditional Chinese medical practices.

However one might choose to think of it, there’s no doubt in my mind, or in any mind of a consistent
practitioner of Tai Chi, that health improves immediately. My teacher once said to our class: “Learn
the movements and the inside will begin to take care of itself.” I find that a double bonus and the
main reason I keep practicing. I simply feel better in many ways.

Next time: How I Came to Discover and Practice Tai Chi. BACK