Tai Chi Chaun
T
he original Tai Chi form is called "Chen" style practised in the Chinese Shaolin Temple since the Fifteenth Century. All other common Tai Chi styles were later derived from the Chen style. Until the beginning of this century Tai Chi was considered a secret practice passed down through families and loyal students.
The practice of Tai Chi has come down to the present through three major family traditions. As mentioned Chen, with its combination of soft and explosive power techniques. The second is Yang, with its smooth and even-flowing tempo. The third is Wu, derived from both the Chen and Yang forms. There are also quite a few other styles.
Simple Principles
The basic principles of all forms of Tai Chi are essentially the same:
1. Keeping the bone structure aligned with the forces of Heaven and Earth, and transferring the Earth force through the bone structure into a single point of discharge.
2. Relaxing in movement while distinguishing the full (Yang) from the empty (Yin).
3. Allowing the Chi to circulate and move the muscles, bones and tendons in slow, co-ordinated movements without ever pushing the physical limitations of the body to extremes, and moving smoothly and continuously with total bodily integration.
What is Chi?
Chi can be defined as bio-electricity, life force, vitality, or simply energy. Chi is all of these but none of them exclusively. Chi is the essence of the food we eat and the air we breath, the real nourishment of the body.
When we breath or eat, we are taking Chi into our bodies. Without Chi, there can be no life.
History of Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi Chuan was derived from Taoism. The most important practice of Taoism was concerned with tranquility of mind and improvement of temperament. Since the hustle and bustle of city is unsuitable for those seeking self-discipline, the Taoists had to search for isolated spots where they could lead the life of a hermit. Such spots exist only in the mountains where one finds little or no sound, no sorrow and no movement. But in reality such hermitage is an unsuitable environment in which to dwell. The reasons for this are that the air thought fresh, is often foggy; the winds are too strong; transportation of food is difficult making nutrition a bit deficiency. Furthermore, there is a constant danger of being a victim of wild beasts. Also, many diseases when left unattended, may cause death. So, many taoists failed to reach their Destiny -- the life of transcendental bliss. Therefore, the taoists developed techniques of Martial Art in order to gain good health and to protect themselves from the attacks of beasts.
In the Tong Dynasty (618 AD to 907 AD), there were some soft styles of the martial arts of which the Thirty Seven Styles of Hsu Suan Ping was the main one. At the end of the Sung Dynasty a Taoist by the name of Cheung San Fung, in order to find one suitable martial art for the Taoist, often observed the habits of long-lived animals such as turtles and cranes. After many years of study, he, at last, created Tai Chi Chuan.
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