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Taiji (Tai Chi) is a « healing » martial art, which is based on breathing accompanied by slow and precise movements...

- Its history -

Although its origin is unknown, Taiji is believed to have been developed in the 12th or 13th century in China. This discipline similar to Qi Gong (Chi Kung) promotes inner peace while inculcating the precepts of self-defence.

- Its philosophy -

The practice of Taiji is based on the maintenance between Yin and Yang, whose harmony allows us to stay in balance and in good health (mental and physical) :

Yin is a feminine character representing the qualities of water, such as stillness and inward transmissions ;

Yang is a masculine character representing the qualities of fire, such as heat and upward and downward movement.

We should keep in mind that any Taoist practice is based on three treasures :

JING (BODY/ESSENCE) : The body is the vessel through which our energy and our spirit circulate. It is the approach to health, longevity and optimal performance.

QI/CHI (ENERGY) : Increasing the energy of our life force can lead us to healing and open the way to intuitive abilities, even psychic ones.

SHEN (SPIRIT/MENTAL) : Using the sphere of influence well is essential to go to the root of our true personal power, to engage it fully, to obtain emotional balance, to find inner peace, to discover our talents and to realize our true potential.

Working with the three treasures requires going through beginner, intermediate and advanced stages. The techniques build on each other until we can merge them seamlessly. At the most advanced stages, the three treasures merge into a unified whole which leads us to the experience of the Tao.

The Tao is the « Mother of the World », the principle that engenders all that exists, the fundamental force that flows through all things in the universe. It is the very essence of reality and by nature ineffable and indescribable. Tao means « Supreme Being, way, path », it is often translated as « the principle ».

- Its different forms -

There are many types of Taiji (the differences lie in the speed, the maintenance of the postures and the type of breathing). Mainly derived from the original style of the Chen family, different forms are practiced nowadays either combined with each other or in a single practice :

THE CHEN STYLE : This is the eldest mobile style. Its very low postures strongly solicit the legs, its changes of rhythm and slight destructuring/restructuring give it a particular relief.

THE YANG STYLE : This is the most popular style. He favours ample movements and vertical circles as well as wide postures facilitating anchoring.

THE WU STYLE : This is a derivative of the Yang style. It is recognizable by certain postures leaning forward or to the side and by its ample movements favouring horizontal circles. The judicious use of « axis exits and resumptions » notably facilitates the circulation of the breath.

THE SUN STYLE : Offers great mobility and a subtle lightness emanates from this little-taught style. It is a synthesis of the three internal arts (Xingyiquan, Baguazhang and Taiji Wu Hao).

It is possible to go deeper with the following disciplines :

THE XINGYIQUAN STYLE : Structured and structuring, it brings into play the power of the whole body in linear movements.

THE BAGUAZHANG STYLE : It is based on palm supports and changes centered on the circular walk. It teaches us and allows us to occupy space in a unique way.

THE WU HAO STYLE : It develops dense and compact movements, accompanied by changes of direction.

- Its benefits -

Practiced regularly, Taiji can help us strengthen our muscles, improve our flexibility and our posture (being more flexible allows us to be more active and more comfortable).

Practicing is a continuum and is often considered a moving meditation, which requires concentration and self-awareness. It is not uncommon to feel stronger and sometimes more vulnerable when performing the movements.

- Its practice -

Taiji requires no equipment and can be practiced just about anywhere. Although his practice is easily accessible, it is always preferable to consult our doctor before starting.

We can devote fifteen to thirty minutes to it, three to five times a week. The criteria and standards for what constitutes a beginner, intermediate, or advanced method vary widely between schools.

During a Taiji session, we will use muscles that we didn't know we had and some discomfort and tremors are to be expected. The path to achieving fluidity, flexibility and relaxed movement in our practice requires patience and effort, like any sport or art form. Let’s stay careful, this doesn’t mean that when there is pain, we have to go beyond it (pain is and will always be a warning signal).

At first, it can be difficult to practice alone, but above all we must not feel guilty, we must accept our limits and persevere. The important thing is to learn the entire sequences, even if we have to alter certain movements.

It is completely normal to feel emotional discomfort, part of learning is to recognize the subtle tensions in our body and mind. This can frighten us, especially if we were not aware that these tensions were within us. However, by addressing these inconveniences and managing to overcome them, we will emerge stronger and can learn to let go more easily.

Conclusions

Although Taiji (Tai Chi) is not particularly easy to learn, even poorly practiced, it promotes vibrant health. As we grow in experience, we will become more grounded, flexible and able to relax while practicing (a certain degree of challenge makes things more recreational and livelier, whether physical, mental or artistic).

What do you think?