Tai Chi

Tai Chi Chuan is much more than learning movements.

While the "forms" (sequences of movements) are a central and visible element of the practice, they are the vehicle for cultivating a series of internal principles and skills that go far beyond simple choreography.

The practice is steeped in Taoist philosophy, particularly the concepts of Yin and Yang. It seeks balance, harmony, and the interconnection of opposites (soft and firm, fast and slow, empty and full) in both movement and life.

Executing the forms requires deep mental concentration, mindful breathing, and constant body awareness. This makes the practice a form of active meditation that helps calm the mind and reduce stress.

In Tai Chi, we should practice seeking to improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength, posture, circulation, and coordination. Deep diaphragmatic breathing also benefits the cardiovascular and nervous systems. A fundamental objective is learning to move and feel the vital energy (氣, qì) within the body. The aim is for the mind to direct the qi, and the qi to direct physical movement, which requires deep relaxation and body awareness.

Tai Chi Chuan has its roots as a sophisticated combat system. The movements, although often practiced slowly, contain practical martial applications. The practice seeks to develop "internal strength" (勁, jìn) rather than brute muscular power, focusing on softness, elasticity, and efficiency.

In short, memorizing a form is the gateway, but the true value of Tai Chi lies in the holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit, and the development of internal skills in the execution of that form.