What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi Chuan

The Art of Perfected Equilibrium

An Ancient Eastern Way of Exercise to Achieve Health, Tranquility and Longevity

Tai Chi Chuan is a unique masterpiece of an ancient Eastern System of Gentle Natural Exercise dating back to A.D.1000. It was designed to nourish the body and calm the Spirit resulting in total health, tranquility and longevity. It has become an art in itself and an art-in-action for the doer.

“Tai Chi” is the concept that all of life is comprised of, and has been set in motion by, the constant interplay of two vital life forces that permeates every aspect of ourselves and the universe. Yin is the passive, negative and emotional life force, the feminine or receptive principle. Yang is the action oriented, positive and intellectual life force, the masculine active principle. No part has a life of its own, but each exists in complementary interaction with the other in every aspect of life – in nature, in our bodies and in the universe.

“Chuan” means “fist”, metaphorically “action” that implies power and control over one’s own actions. Symbolically, Chuan is mental and physical co-ordination.

Tai Chi Chuan therefore is a system of movements that activate and balance these two vital life forces through the powerful interaction of mind and body and will harmonize the circulation of various vital energetic currents in our body. The balanced interplay of these two fundamental and vital elements is the “perpetual motion” of life creating perfect equilibrium and harmony.

The goal is to achieve health and tranquility through a “way of movements” characterized by moving slowly and continuously, without strain, through varied sequences of contrasting forms powered by mental concentration that create vitality with calmness, balanced strength, flexibility and controlled energy with awareness. When the body is in perfect energetic equilibrium, there is no illness, strain or pain.

The technique, is circular in motion as is nature, and is soft, slow and continuous using specific movements of both Yin and Yang energies (fast & slow; expansion-contraction; inhalation-exhalation, etc.) which affects the entire system by involving and balancing every organ, as well as the skin. The “movements” involve the use of Forms, which allow a pattern to evolve and from the Form comes the movement that is done with flowing continuity which puts into play every part of the body.

Slowness, softness, evenness, clarity, balance and calmness are the five basic qualities used in this masterful technique that becomes the perfect weaving of movement and form for long lasting health and longevity.

The immense variety of patterns keeps one mentally stimulated as the techniques develop from Form to Form. The mind cannot be anywhere BUT on the action since the variations and repetitions demand total attention. Because every movement is anticipated by the mind, patience and control develop with effort and a consistent equilibrium between the body and mind is established.

Each form is created to open and balance the dual energies in every part of the body to attain perfect equilibrium. The smallest joint to the largest muscle is used. Breathing is natural – light or deep – depending on the structure and the positions of the Forms themselves. With this flowing alternation of light and strong energies, of void and solid forms, circulation is made to move freely to all parts of the body. No matter what the movements – pushing, pressing or lifting – the breath never comes quickly and the heart beat is not accelerated.

All patterns and designs are composed of circles, curves, arcs, parabolas (mathematical curve) and spirals of all sizes which go in many directions. The act of weaving and inter-relating the patterns in a circular way evokes calmness and energy. Each form must flow into the other following the flow of nature’s circadian rhythms and cycles.

Slowness, lightness, clarity, balance, calmness softness and circular movement are basic, and are united and interdependent as are the Forms in which there are no gaps. As in the wave-line of the Tai Chi, they move in endless succession and like its delineating circumference, these elements are fused, without beginning and without end. For this reason, imbalances such as high blood pressure, anemia, joint diseases, gastric disturbances, diabetes, chronic illness and stress disappear.