Tai chi does not mean oriental wisdom or something exotic.
It is the wisdom of your own senses, your own mind and body together
as one process.
If you have been looking for some way to move back into getting a little more exercise, and you find that, like most of us, you are not presently interested in running the full or a half marathon, and you have no interest in lifting a few weights, I have a suggestion to offer you. While both of the exercises that I have mentioned are good for you, to begin a new routine, of any kind, you have got to get your head and heart in the game. You have to want to do it. This comes even before being committed to sticking with it. My suggestion is Tai Chi. But, like any other new undertaking, there are certain points to consider if you are really thinking of joining a group.
Basic Facts
Tai Chi and Tai Chi Chuan are the same. The Anglicized and Americanized spellings do not adequately reflect the CHINESE symbols, so there are a multitude of ways to spell the same thing. There may be an additional character or two on the end of the latter, but the meaning stands the same. Tai Chi is just the shorter version. Tai Chi Chuan means “Supreme Ultimate Fist”. It is derived from a series of kung fu techniques that can be applied as both a therapeutic activity and as a medium of self-defense.
No age or fitness requirements
Tai chi is a good activity for almost any age, teens to the 90s. This art is not common for children though, because the slow movements will probably just bore them to tears. But most likely, the classes that you look into will be targeted at people from the early twenties and so on. Men and women can both enroll in the same class. It is unusual to see a men-only or women-only class within a Tai Chi program. Generally, it is much more beneficial if men and women mix because of the energy this brings to the class.
Being physically fit is not a prerequisite, as it is in some sports. It is really okay that you may be you are stout, thin, overweight, etc. Even people who are wheelchair-bound can do modified movements of Tai Chi. There are even a video program series that is aimed at people with arthritis.
But you do have to be able to maintain a certain level of attentiveness. Like most other forms of exercise, even though this may not sound strenuous, it is advisable to check in with your physician if you are taking any medications to help maintain your current state of health. And if your doctor approves, tell your teacher about your issues so that they can adjust or restrict movements for you.
Is it a martial art, or not? Yes
Tai Chi is both an exercise and a martial art. There are some teachers who give out only the movements that are designed purely for health benefits. There are also a few instructors who focus on the self-defense aspects of the forms. So if you are thinking that you are the type who needs self defense along with your exercise, and you want the best of both worlds, Tai Chi may be a wise choice for you. If your focus is on self-defense solely, then Kung Fu or Tae Kwon Do may be more suited to your tastes.
Tai Chi is a form of an internal martial art that is characterized by soft movements and is a training that is meant to be a relaxing and a much slower speed than most other kinds of martial art.
Don’t go out to buy a new outfit
Many people stumble over getting ready for things and never actually do the activity. You know these people. They need the in fashion tennis outfit, the right bowling ball, new shoes and gloves for weight lifting, a brand new set of clubs. And these people will never move forward because they are focused on the look, rather than the activity. They get stuck in the minutiae, lost in the preparation. Hung up at “Fixin’ ta…”
No such set of excuses will save you from Tai Chi. If you decide to go to a Tai Chi class, you don’t have to shop around for cool clothes. Special clothing is not a requirement. You just have to wear something really comfortable like shoes (preferably soft, like sneakers) or socks work well, and clothing that will allow you to move freely while performing your every move. Do not wear jeans or any constrictive kind of clothing.
While doing the actual class, expect to do some Qigong. This is a form of breathing and meditation that is done by moving your body, or sometimes in a stationary state. Expect to do some “Push hands” or what is known as tui shou. This is an exercise that requires two persons who exchange energy by performing movements leveled with each other. You may also expect the use of weapons like swords, but certainly not at your first class.
Tai chi and Qigong are great, gentle exercises for your heart, mind and body. And, yes, before you ask, I do practice Tai chi, and have even taught a very short basic form. I am also a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. And, I am old. 🙂 So, what’s your excuse?
Go out and try it for yourself.
Thoughts?
Photo Credit: stevendepolo via Compfight cc
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