In today’s society, a movement balance to everyday life in the office is becoming increasingly important. One way to tackle tension, stress and fatigue is called Tai Chi (also called Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan). According to legend, Tai Chi was developed by the Daoist monk Zhang Sanfeng after he saw a snake fighting with a white crane. Originally developed as a martial art, Tai Chi is also known as Chinese shadow fighting.
Tai chi: at home around the world
Not only in China, where it has become a popular sport, but all over the world Tai Chi is one of the most popular martial arts. Although it was developed as a so-called internal martial art for close combat with or without weapons, it is hardly practiced today for the purpose of self-defense. Because Tai Chi is not only a sport; behind the term is a whole philosophy of life that requires constant practice. Because here, too, practice makes perfect. The graduation levels of other martial arts, expressed by the different colored belts, are omitted in Tai Chi Chuan. As a rule, students do their Tai Chi forms and exercises together with the master.
Meditation and inner peace with Tai Chi exercises.
Tai Chi Chuan is valued today mainly as a holistic exercise training, which should keep the body healthy. Thus, it is also an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Through specific exercises on body tension and breathing, body awareness, posture and concentration are trained. Likewise, the sport serves the inner balance and a balanced attitude to life.
Health benefits of Tai Chi
Tai Chi exercises are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. For example, exercises are also suitable for older people, because the training of balance significantly reduces the risk of falls. Thus, before the first form is usually practiced Tai Chi step. Since Western orthodox medicine also recognizes positive effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems, even health insurance companies promote Tai Chi courses. Likewise, it is beneficial for back problems, sleep disorders and respiratory diseases.
Tai Chi Chaun – form and exercises
Since there are many different styles, it is advisable to find out about Tai Chi schools. There are five main styles, called family styles. Among them, one counts the following:
- Chen style
- Yang style
- Wu / Hao style
- Wu style
- Sun style
These styles, in turn, combine in themselves various elements of Tai Chi. While, for example, Qui Gong is primarily for meditation and relaxation, combative can also try out exercises with the sword. It is best to seek advice from a competent Tai Chi master. Characteristic of each Tai Chi style are various exercises as well as forms, which consist of a sequence of flowing movements, and partner exercises, from which free combat develops for advanced students.
Tai Chi can be practiced anywhere
Special emphasis is placed on learning the forms in Tai Chi. In them, the fight against one or more imaginary opponents is presented. Each form is composed of several, so-called images, which should express the characteristic of a movement. Thus, the form is named after the number of its images. These images are often one of the first exercises of every Tai Chi Chuan student. Thus a form can be only a few minutes long; some take an hour and a half. Every documentary about China now includes the image of the large group of retirees indulging in the gentle sequence of movements of their Tai Chi form in the park. In fact, Tai Chi does not require large halls or elaborate equipment to practice the exercises of this all-around sport. Comfortable clothes and flat shoes with thin soles are all that is needed.
Thai Chi – the correct posture
Of great importance in Tai Chi is first of all the correct posture, which is maintained during the exercises and forms: With the head erect and the back straight, all Tai Chi movements are performed in an uninterrupted flow. The waist must always remain loose so that the weight is properly distributed. Elbows and shoulders hang loosely down.
Exercises: Tai Chi for beginners and professionals
After light exercises to warm up, which loosen the muscles and relax the body, usually follows a short meditation, which brings the mind to rest. Already the correct posture is one of the important exercises that Tai Chi enthusiasts use constantly in everyday life. Thus, beginners can train even before they master the first form. Because Tai Chi is a purely defensive sport and trains character, the strength comes from within and not through the muscles. Although Tai Chi is usually practiced slowly, regular training is intended to release special powers in dangerous situations.
