Introduction
At first glance, it may seem to someone, as it did to me, to be contradictory for Tai Chi Chuan, to be a Chinese health and meditative exercise, and, at the same time, this exercise comprises moves that can be applied as an effective martial art. After careful examination, as we focus on the slow dance-like movements, we call forms, the rudiments of neutralizing punches and kicks will be observed.
These daily forms are practiced deliberately; when practiced slowly they develop accuracy, balance and rooting, even while the practitioner is in a meditative like state, and as your body establishes a type of “memory”, the forms become natural movements to you.moements or forms are practiced, they result in providing overall health benefits; while promoting relaxation, the practitioner achieves enhanced physical and emotional health; while developing deep breathing, better balance, and patience.
This provides you with more energy, as the self-defense movements become a by-product. Daily repetition of the forms or movements should be practiced in a slow and controlled manner and should take seven to ten minutes a day. It’s easier to maintain the discipline of everyday practice by setting aside the same time every day to practice.
If you are actively practicing any physical exercise: running, weight lifting, dance, swimming etc., of course, you have to learn how to breathe properly. When practicing the forms, the accompanying breathing patterns must become automatic. In order for your training to result in an ability to use tai chi as a self-defense, a relaxed meditative “mind-set” must accompany your movements.
Only when you can be relaxed enough to move without getting tense, while being able to direct your energy, body power or “chi”, can you be effective. Tai chi movements are your foundation; breathing properly by coordinating with these movements must become “second nature.”If you’re diligent, you should feel increased energy levels, develop balance and control of how your body moves by controlling the speed and power of your punches and kicks: as you get more coordinated from practicing the forms, your strikes will become very powerful. Your energy, which is called your “chi” becomes focused and directed.
The body becomes trained to move automatically, much like a piano player, practicing the scales, training their fingers to move in certain ways, tai chi chuan students train to move in certain ways so that their body moves with an efficiency of movements, that are self-defense postures. Your body’s “chi” or energy must be focused as it is directed through your punch or kick. As you are blocking, your “chi” gathers to absorb blows directed to you.
All in all when you can engage your body's Chi it is not magic; it requires practice and focus.....but it's worth it!!
