WHAT IS TAIJI (TAI CHI)?
Taijiquan literally means “grand ultimate fist” and was originally developed in China as a martial art. Its slow meditative movements also make it an effective mind body exercise with numerous health benefits. The traditional vehicle in which to learn Taiji is through practicing the empty hand Form (a sequence of interconnected postures) and supplemental exercises to help facilitate the learning process. Taiji is gaining in popularity world wide as young adults are beginning to recognize it as an effective exercise to keep their body fit and healthy.
WHAT IS QIGONG (CHI KUNG)?
Qigong literally means “practice of vital energy,” and is an ancient Chinese art of meditation and physical exercise. When it is practiced correctly, it promotes health, mental well-being, martial arts skills, and spiritual development. There are many types of Qigong systems. Most Qigong systems incorporate breathing techniques, moving exercises, still postures, and mental training. Qigong is well known in China as part of their healthcare system and is now popular in the United States for its development of internal energy, promotion of healing, reduction of stress, and extension of life.
BENEFITS OF TAIJI AND QIGONG
One of the main benefits of Taiji practice is its efficiency in reducing stress and strengthening the immune system. Stress has been scientifically shown to be a big factor in causing many diseases that are prevalent in our society today. Stress decreases the strength of our immune system and increases our susceptibility to sickness and disease. In our fast-paced, productivity-driven culture, taking time to de-stress and relax is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. For athletes, Taiji helps with fluidity of motion, reflexes, balance, coordination, speed, and whole-body power. It helps to speed the recovery and healing time from injuries. It is a great tool to help the practitioner become aware of their body in stillness and in movement. Taiji also helps the martial artist develop internal power and learn to express that power in the most efficient manner.
Qigong helps to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy (qi). Regular practice of Qigong helps to reduce pain, reduce stress and anxiety, cleanse the body of toxins, restore energy and strengthen the immune system. Regular practice leads to better overall health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind.
CHEN STYLE TAIJIQUAN
Chen Style Taijiquan is widely acknowledged as the ancestor of all the other Taijiquan styles. It is characterized by low, powerful stances, body coiling, stomping, and explosive releases of power that are mostly absent from the practice of other styles of Taijiquan. Chen Style Taijiquan can also be practiced with graceful, slow, and light movements. The martial aspects and health benefits are preserved and retained within the Chen Taijiquan system.
Generally, there are two barehanded form sets in Chen Taijiquan. The First Form is “Yi Lu” (First Routine) and the Second Form is “Er Lu” (Second Routine), also known as “Cannon Fist” or “Pao Chui”. The speed, strength, and difficulty in each of the two forms are quite different
The first form (Yi Lu) is softer. This form is used as a tool to help develop a practitioner’s strength, balance, coordination, and understanding of basic Taiji principles. The strength of the form is based on the basic “Chan Si Jing” (spiral energy/force). Because of these characteristics, the first form is essential for beginners to learn. It is also beneficial for those who want to practice Taijiquan for health reasons.
The second form (Cannon Fist) is more complex. It is geared towards the development of explosive power and martial techniques. There are many fast, powerful, and hard movements within this form.
Traditionally, beginners always start with the first form of Chen Taijiquan while practicing some basic exercises to get rid of body stiffness. Practicing a combination of the first form and basic exercises correctly will help the beginner develop “Chan Si Jing” (spiral energy). The second form helps to develop more explosive power.
