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2020-07-17 13:36:56
Article based on “The important Guidances of
Practicing Yang Style Tai Chi” Master James Fu, Global Public Online Video
Lecture.
Tai Chi Quan - 太極拳
The few
things that probably come to your mind when someone mentions “Tai Chi Quan” (太極拳) are that it’s not a real sport, mostly
practiced by old aunties or people with health conditions. These stereotypes
are deeply ingrained in our brain despite the fact that Tai Chi can be good for
everyone no matter if you are a woman, man, young or old, whether you are
Asian, Black or White, Tai Chi doesn’t have any boundaries and is easily
accessible as well as inexpensive!
Practicing
Tai Chi regularly has many health benefits, therefore it’s particularly
relevant these days, while the world is facing a global pandemic, to exercise
to strengthen your immune system. If it’s good for you, it will be good for
your family as well as people around you. Many studies have indeed proved that
Tai Chi can have a multitude of health benefits.
Tai Chi is
being part of the fascinating Chinese Art & Culture and is an internal Chinese martial art coming directly from Kung Fu. It involves slow movements
and deep breaths. 200 years ago, the Yang family was the first to teach and
promote Tai Chi Quan from the countryside to the most developed and modern
cities around China. Later on, they even traveled the world to spread their
knowledge of Tai Chi. Yang family style Tai Chi has become the world’s most
popular form of Tai Chi practiced today (there are five traditional
styles/schools).
Yang style Tai Chi has 10 important points:
1. Straightening the head – Keep your
head up and your neck naturally straight.
2. Correct Position of chest and back –
Slightly inward.
3. Relaxation of waist
4. Solid and empty stance – If you shift the
weight of the body on the right leg, then the right leg is solidly planted on
the ground and the left leg is in an empty stance. This allows you to move and
turn your body effortlessly and adroitly.
5. Sinking of shoulders and elbows –
Shoulders in a natural and relaxed position.
6. Using the mind instead of force
7. Coordination of upper and lower parts
8. Harmony between the internal and
external parts – Focus on the mind and consciousness to execute gentle and
graceful movements.
9. Importance of continuity – Movements
from the beginning to the end are continuous and in an endless circle just like
a river flows endlessly.
10. Tranquility in movement – slow and
peaceful movements to maintain tranquility in your mind.
Nowadays,
Tai Chi is no longer only about fighting like