Tai Chi Chuan

The Grand Ultimate

Tai Chi is not readily thought of today as a martial art, but the truth is in the earlier days it was the ultimate martial art and very few Tai Chi Masters were ever defeated in battle. Like many other Chinese arts, the history of Tai Chi Chuan is lost in antiquity. We do know though, however, that it began as a Martial Art with the same functions as Karate and Kung-fu. Tai Chi Chuan uses a combination of hits, kicks, throws and wrist locks that are hidden for the most part in the graceful playing of the forms. Several styles have evolved over the years, major styles include Chen, Wu and Yang the most popular being Yang. Over the years Tai Chi has been cultivated for the purpose to strengthen and rebuild the body. People of all ages and health levels can benefit from Tai Chi. Also another form of exercise that is directly related to Tai Chi is Qi gong. Qi gong can be referred to as basic Tai Chi with easier to understand forms and movements while Tai Chi movements may seem more complicated, they are not. Tai Chi movements are usually performed slowly while Qi gong movements are a bit faster.

Often called "moving meditation", tai chi began as a martial art in China about 2000 years ago. Over the past century tai chi has become increasingly popular as an exercise for older adults and is practiced by millions of Chinese each morning in parks across the United States.

Tai Chi movements are usually slow and graceful but have proved to have a definitive effect on blood pressure, hypertension, balance and general over all well being. Regular practice of tai chi  suggest that tai chi has many benefits for seniors, including reduced risk of falling and significant improvement in quality of life. In Chinese medicine, tai chi is used to relax the body and let the chi (vital energy) flow through out the body. Physical activity is considered an essential component of health by the Chinese, who believe that with out daily movement the body's chi can become stagnate, which can lead to illness. The Chinese have demonstrated that the rhythmic, flowing movements of Tai Chi have therapeutic effects on the internal organs and balance. The existence of this life force "chi" has never been scientifically proven by western standards.

          Martial Arts can be broken down into two types: External and Internal. An example of external would be Karate and an example of internal would be Tai Chi. The external martial arts develop ones fighting skills and strength. Everything is directed toward performance on the external level. The internal martial arts focus on health, physical education and refine physical energy, however internal martial arts were developed from external martial arts and can be used in an emergency to protect ones self.

          Tai Chi is not as popular with younger people because it is not as flashy. Tai Chi is for self improvement and therefore is not for exhibition, but for ones self. External martial arts also have soft movements, but as referred to earlier are mainly practiced for fighting and self defense and have quick forceful movements. Self defense is an instinct all animals possess and a side effect of the internal style. I have heard it compared to a walking stick, that you automatically know how to use if you have to.

          While external martial arts prepare one to defend or conquer others, internal martial arts prepare one to conquer ones self. If you practice Karate, Tang Soo Do or other external martial arts you should consider exploring Tai Chi as a way to improve yourself and develop your internal strength. Practicing both styles is good for you. I have practiced Karate and Tang Soo Do for 43, years unfortunately I was introduced to Tai Chi only six years ago. Unfortunate because I did not learn of it earlier, but I am fortunate that I have started practicing Tai Chi and begun to revitalize my body.

          I have heard a lot of Karate Masters talk as if Tai Chi is a waste of time and for old people. I wonder if they will practice it when they get old. My own personal rewards from Tai Chi have been an improvement in my Karate techniques and speed. My internal chi or ki has developed tremendously. I suppose some martial artist discredit Tai Chi because they are ignorant of its benefits. I am very pleased that The World Tang Soo Do Association has seen the rewards of Tai Chi and started to teach it with in the organization. This is another example of Grand Master Shins desire to offer a complete martial arts training program. Do yourself a favor and find out more about Tai Chi to improve yourself and your martial art.

Ken Bloom