What’s Tai Chi? A question I’m usually asked when Sue and I go out and run our facilitation workshops and ‘Pozitive Kidz are happy kidz’ programs.
Here is a basic explanation of what Tai Chi is.
Tai Chi Chuan is an exercise, relaxation, meditation, philosophy (non religious) and self defense system.
The five major areas of Tai Chi are;
- The Form
- Chi Kung/Nei Kung
- Push Hands
- Self Defence
- Weapons (the basic weapons are sabre, sword, staff, and spear).
Tai Chi is based on the 2000-year-old philosophy of Taoism.
The Taoists believed you could achieve a harmonious life by seeking the Tao (natural way).
In practical terms this means you need to harmonize your mind and body with nature before you can find the Tao.
From Taoism came the Tai Chi symbol of Yin and Yang . The white represents Yang (man, strength, day etc.) and the black represents Yin (woman, softness, night etc.).
The Yin and Yang are opposite forces or energies, which are in constant motion.
One of the many interpretations of Yin and Yang is in the area of good health.
We achieve good health when our Yin and Yang energies are balanced.
Tai Chi consists of a series of movements and postures that are performed in sequence to create what is called the ‘form’.
There are five major forms or styles of Tai Chi; Wu (Master Wu Chien Chuan), Yang, Chen, Wu (Master Wu Yuxian) and Sun.
Tai Chi Chuan translates to ‘supreme ultimate fist.’