An Introduction to T'ai Chi Ch'uan

T'ai Chi in a series of positions done in a flowing sequence. It uses every muscle and joint in the body. Watching a practitioner of T'ai Chi has been compared to watching a swimmer that is not in water. It is actually a form of exercise that uses every part of the body and will refresh and revitalize the person performing it.

T'ai Chi is pronounced TIE CHEE. The positions of T'ai Chi flow from one to the next. They are done with grace, poise, and serenity. They are also very calming, centering and quieting for the person who is doing them.

The practice of the positions of T'ai Chi will help you in any other physical activity you do. This is because you will use all of your muscles and joints by gently twisting and turning as you balance your arms and legs. Doctors have also found that T'ai Chi will help other health issues. It can also help with spiritual development in any faith and enhance focus and concentration.

The full name of this physical activity is T'ai Chi Ch'uan. It is pronounced TI CHEE CHEWAN. Like many words and phrases in Chinese there is not a simple translation to English. The words are from the "I Ching", which is the Chinese Book of Changes. This book contains the Chinese philosophy and the faith of Taoism. Tai' Chi literally means "supreme ultimate". The "I Ching" explains that in the beginning of all things, there is oneness. The oneness then divides into two forces. These forces are male and female. The female force is yin. The male force is yang. T'ai Chi is found in the nanosecond of the division. Ch'uan means "fisted hand." Together T'ai Chi Ch'uan means "supreme ultimate fisted hand."

The practice of T'ai Chi Ch'uan was developed as a martial art sometime between 550 B.C. To A.D. 1300. It was developed by Chinese monk warriors. The path of a warrior was combined with spiritual development during this time. Practitioners of the martial art were trying to obtain inner peace and connect to the oneness of life while putting incredible martial arts skills into action. The ultimate goal was to maintain inner peace and warrior skills at the same time, no matter what was happening around them.

The knowledge of T'ai Chi Ch'uan was passed from master to student only in the strictest of privacy. These secrets were very well guarded until the 1800's. This is when the martial art was exposed to the general populace of China. It later drifted into Western society.

In modern times, T'ai Chi Ch'uan is used as a form of exercise and physical meditation. It can enhance a person's performance in any other sport or physical activity. You may be surprised how much you enjoy it when you begin to practice this ancient form of martial art.

SOURCE

Elinwood, Ellae. "The Everything T'ai Chi and Qigong Book". 2002. Adams Media Corporation. Avon, MA, USA.