My Introduction to Tai Chi
When I started taking classes in Tai Chi, I was nervous. I had not done any exercise in a very long time and was worried about being able to keep up with the rigors of the class. I had studied Karate and martial arts into my early 20’s, but that had been well over 10 years ago, and over 100 pounds lighter. It turns out, I was in exactly the right spot.
Tai Chi is a very gentle martial art. I know that sounds silly to me just saying it, but I can’t think of a better word. It is not an aggressive form of self-defense, but one that uses an opposing force and strength against them. The idea of the movements is to absorb, direct, and reflect. Learning the subtleties of this martial art could take someone years of practice, but in terms of the benefits of Tai Chi, that is just one of many.
The benefits I experienced those 15 years ago would take time. Sometimes it came gradually, sometimes in rapid spurts, but each time it left me invigorated and inspired by the growth I was experiencing; physically, psychologically, and spiritually.
What we study in Tai Chi Class
The main focus of Tai Chi practice is on learning a particular “form”. A form is a set series of movements, that has been passed down along various traditions. There are many styles of Tai Chi, each with its own forms and ways of performing the movements. Usually, the form tries to incorporate all of the movements, or postures of Tai Chi, with various amounts of repetition. So we have short forms, some as few as 24 movements, and long forms with well over 100 postures.
The style I have the most experience is with the Chen Man Ching, Yang style, short form. Chen Man Ching was one of the first Tai Chi masters to come to the United States with the express intention of teaching “Westerners” Tai Chi. This happened in the 1960’s. It’s called the short form because he wanted to simplify it for a Western audience that did not have experience with Tai Chi. Sometimes called “the 37 postures,” it simplifies the longer form by reducing a lot of the repetition in the longer form.
Health Benefits of Tai Chi
Seeing people perform some TaiChi, can look so slow and gentle that it’s hard to imagine it having much benefit at all. But think of it like a gently flowing stream, that gradually erodes a deep gorge into the earth. With diligent practice, great changes come about. Especially physically and mentally.
One evident benefit of practice is the gradual development of leg strength. It doesn't take much to start and gradually improves with practice. It’s like a snowball that gains in mass and speed as it rolls down the hill. Flexibility and strength in the legs make it great as a beginning exercise, especially for adults who want to work on balance and fall prevention. However, there are more benefits to be had, and even if standing is difficult or impossible, you can still benefit from doing the exercises while seated.
The upper body movements are different from the lower. Where the legs form the foundation, strong and supportive like a tree’s trunk and roots, the arms and hands stay loose, relaxed, and fluid. They are like the leaves and branches in a gently blowing breeze. The movements of the upper body promote relaxation of the muscles, flexibility, sensitivity, and softness. This allows for the free flow of energy, reducing pain and injury in these areas.
This combination, of hard and soft, promotes a relaxed yet alert mindset. Awareness is expansive, alert, and fluid. As a “moving meditation”, it is a great introduction for those who have trouble just sitting still. Regular practice encourages a flow state and can lead to further developments.
Comments