The basics of Thai Chi

The ancient art of Tai Chi

What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art, one that has been practiced for centuries as a form of exercise, and a way to improve the internal flow of energy in the body.  It emphasizes correct form and feeling with each carefully controlled movement, which is why it is always taught and practiced in a slow and gentle fashion.

By involving the entire body and using little to no impact, Tai Chi promotes strength, flexibility and stamina.  With the entire body being taught to move as a whole, Tai Chi cultivates the link among the mind and the body, helping to enhance a student's coordination and balance. It can also help strength and limber up the joints as well, especially if an individual is very stiff.

Tai Chi in practice
Although it was developed to be a martial art, it involves very little striking, offensive, or even defense techniques.  Tai Chi is a movement and breathing art that works all of the major muscles and joints in the body, helping to circulate internal energy, or chi.  The Chinese believe that internal energy, or chi is what prevents or stops diseases.

When practicing the art, the body will remain very soft and relaxed, just like it was suspended from the top of the head with the joints being similar to that of a puppet.  The mind of the student is focused on each movement, focusing on the flow of energy.  By being relaxed and focused, you allow the energy to flow through your entire body.

Even though you are soft and relaxed, you are still constantly in motion.  The energy that flows through your body never stops, it keeps you moving.  When you move in reality, it takes little to no energy to make a movement.  By using your chi, everything you do seems as if it is weightless.


Where can I train in Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is one of the oldest styles of martial arts, and is not often taught in a center or dojo, like many other martial arts. It is often found being taught in community centers and by single practitioners. You can sometimes see groups of people practicing tai chi in parks, gardens and other public spaces.  It can be difficult to find a dojo that teaches the Tai chi as a fighting style.

Tai Chi paractitioners in a public space. 

Photo attributable to Saggio Cialtrone

Tai Chi in combat
In combat, the Tai Chi student uses his opponent’s energy against him.  The student is very relaxed, believing that the energy of the opponent can be used against him.  There is little to no strength involved.  When the opponent becomes weak and tires himself out - the student can attack. With this method, there is very little energy left for the attacker to utilise for his defense or to attack.

  This ancient art can teach you a lot about internal energy and your spiritual well being, it is worth learning for these benefits and this is why Tai Chi is popular with many age groups.