Tai Chi FormsTai Chi Forms Many of you may be discovering Tai Chi Chuan for the first time and would like to know more about what is actually taught and practised in High Spirit Tai Chi classes. It is my hope that after reading the following article you will be able to make a more informed choice before going to your first Tai Chi class. Tai Chi Chuan is for all ages and physical abilities and can be practised on many levels, from a simple 'meditative' exercise for your Health and wellbeing to a realistic martial art
The Hand FormThe first, and most familiar, aspect of Tai Chi Chuan is the Hand Form. This is the series of slow movements you see performed in the parks, in China, early in the morning. There are many benefits to be gained from practising the Hand Form.
We will be studying Three Tai Chi Forms,Cheng Man-Ching Tai Chi Form we will call it the Short Form The 108 Long Form and the Bejing 24 Movement
Health AspectsOn its simplest level, the Hand Form is an exercise system. However it is not what we, in western culture, usually regard as exercise. How can these slow movements be exercise? In order to understand why, it is good to have a knowledge of the concept of Qi (Chi) energy.Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is believed to be over 2,000 years old, also has, at its roots, the principles of Yin and Yang. It is believed that there are meridians or pathways which travel through the body carrying Qi energy. If there is a problem, or imbalance in the flow of Qi energy, a TCM doctor would use acupuncture needles, or perhaps acupressure - the use of thumbs or hands, to stimulate acupoints, and release the blockages. Tai Chi Chuan and more directly, Qigong promotes the smooth flow of this energy. By performing the postures of the Form, in co-ordination with relaxed, natural breathing and the application of Yi, which is the intent or focus of the mind, we help to keep the Qi moving smoothly through the channels. Therefore, whilst doing these external movements, we are assisting the free flow of internal energy.
Aside from promoting the flow of Qi energy Tai Chi Chuan can also help to increase flexibility, suppleness and exercise the muscles. The smooth, gentle movements also aid relaxation and help to keep the mind calm and focused. These benefits are extremely useful in today's stressful society.
Martial ApplicationsEach movement or Tai Chi posture carries defensive or offensive applications. To understand these applications it is important to have an awareness of the concept of Yin and Yang, which is at the root of the system of Tai Chi Chuan. Yin is considered to be the soft, feminine principle and Yang the hard masculine principle. In terms of applications a blow or strike would be considered to be Yang force. When the force is coming towards you, you greet it with Yin or softness thereby neutralising your opponent's strike. The postures in the Tai Chi Hand Form are constantly changing from the Yin to Yang aspect. By training slowly, the body becomes familiar with this constantly changing energy. Through training over a long period of time, we can develop these reactions to become instinctive in a combat situation. We will go through these applications in future weeks
Complete list of Movements for the Short Form
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