Tai chi

Tai-chi-chuan or tai-chi is the most well known and most popular of the Chinese martial arts. Literally meaning the supreme ultimate, it involves fighting against an imaginary opponent who symbolises problems and stress. It brings inner peace, balance and wellbeing.

Its roots
According to sources, tai-chi-chuan has existed for around 500 years. It was used by Chinese warriors during their training to develop the skills necessary for combat (concentration, calm and balance). Part martial art, part gentle exercise, today it’s very popular in Asia and is becoming ever more popular in the West. Called "moving meditation” or “active relaxation”, it aims to deliver a state of inner tranquillity through movement.

What does it involve?
Unlike the majority of martial arts, tai chi doesn’t require special clothing! For comfort and ease of movement, wear a loose-fitting T-shirt and trousers, as well as soft shoes. Tai chi combines breathing techniques with precise movements (there are around a hundred altogether) including rotations and stretches for dodging, pressing, pushing, pulling etc. Inspired by combat techniques, the movements are treated with extreme rigour and are performed slowly. They should flow into sequences that range in duration and complexity. Tai chi is a discipline of Qi (energy in Chinese), and it works internal energy, rather than external muscular strength. All the movements come from the centre of the body, the source of vital energy: a punch, for example, comes from the waist, not the arm or shoulder. With the feet firmly fixed on the ground, the body is constantly drawn upwards, the head straight, and the nape of the neck stretched. The muscles are used in coordination. Muscle relaxation is essential. 

Several methods
- on your own, fighting an imaginary opponent makes up the basis of all the work you do and it suits the majority of people because of its relation to relaxation, health and meditation;
- with a partner, pushing hands (tui shou) is more fun: it allows you to apply the movements in a martial context, and to develop listening skills with your partner;
- weapon training using a sword, sabre, fan, staff or pole as an extension of the body, encourages self-awareness as you master the techniques.

The benefits of tai chi
Closely linked to the energy principles of Chinese medicine, tai chi gives you a sense of wellbeing: the imaginary enemies, against which you fight, symbolise illness and stress.
- It promotes better energy circulation, mobilisation and relaxation and self defence. Through concentration and perseverance, you learn to overcome aggression and anxiety and take on all sorts of situations calmly.
-It encourages energy circulation, improves suppleness and stimulates the way your vital organs work. This claims to do wonders for longevity.
- By transferring weight from one foot to the other, it improves your sense of balance.
- It also helps more generally with body image and coordination of movement.

More information
For more information on tai chi, contact the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain: www.taichiunion.com