HomeTai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi Chuan (also written as Taijiquan or Tai Ji Quan) is an internal Chinese martial art with a tradition that goes back at least 400 years.
The training involves a range of movements which strengthen the body, promote health, calm and focus the mind and - in the course of time - increase self-defence skills. To begin with most movements are carried out in a slow and flowing manner, although faster or very fast movements are also trained as one's skills increase. But even high-level practitioners spend much of their time training slowly and softly.
The most important thing in Tai Chi Chuan is to create a lively interplay of yin and yang (empty and full, soft and hard, contracting and expanding....). This sounds simple but is something which can continue to develop and deepen through a lifetime. It is the basis of health, strength, mental growth and martial ability. NB: "soft" does not mean "limp" or "weak" ; "hard" does not mean "stiff" or "tense".
Tai Chi Chuan is mediation in movement, and at the same time a fully developed martial art. The main (and complementary) features are
- training the body to develop a strong, relaxed and supple physical structure
- training the mind to develop calmness, openness and focus
- learning to absorb and redirect the force of a partner/opponent without using force.
Some exercises are conducted alone, such as basic exercises and the Tai Chi forms: flowing sequences of movements sometimes also known as 'shadow boxing'. This training also has a clear meditative effect. Other exercises, such as tui shou (or pushing hands) and martial applications are carried out with partners. This training is intensive but cooperative, and should not be confused with martial sports/competitions. Carried out correctly, both solo and partner training make you stronger, more centred and more sensitive.
Tai Chi Chuan can be practiced anywhere, inside or outside, alone or with others - many of the basic exercises can be done in just a few square metres of space. Once you have learned some basic exercises from your teacher, then 15 minutes a day (together with input from your teacher) are enough for useful training at the basic level. And more intensive practice will gradually reveal the deeper dimensions contained in the art of Tai Chi Chuan.
It should be stressed that Tai Chi Chuan should only be learned from a competent teacher who gives regular input and correction. This art cannot be learned from a book or video, although such media can provide very useful support. Moreover, one should learn only from a teacher who him/herself has already been learning and training for (at least) several years and who has at least a modest understanding of the martial aspects. This in itself is still no guarantee of quality tuition, but it is one of the minimum requirements for a Tai Chi Chuan teacher.