Does anybody do tai chi here?

Question

Well i've been doing it for quite a few years now, but when my friend asked me what it's like i had no idea on what to tell her! i just wanted to now what people thought about it and stuff...

Answer 1

I practice tai chi ch'uan, the Yang-style simplified 24 form. It is one of the "internal" or "soft style" martial arts which seeks to develop "chi" and promote the flow of blood, chi, and healing within the body.

The only other "internal" or "soft style" martial art I can think of right now is "ba gua zhang", and one of the students in my class is also a ba gua zhang practitioner.

I used to commute a round trip 110 miles a day on interstate highways and a "belt-way", and developed a chronic tenseness. Tai chi has helped me overcome that tenseness in my shoulders, neck and head, and has resulted in a decrease in the number of headaches I have. I also use tai chi on alternate days with my karate to help reduce the tenseness in my upper body, legs and hips.

For many people, a state of "moving meditation" is reached in tai chi. It has been described almost as a kind of altered state of consciousness.

I am interested in some of the work done by Dr. Paul Lam on the use of tai chi in treating arthritis and diabetes. In addition, I am fascinated by the fact that tai chi is being used to retard or reverse the aging process in its practitoners.

My instructor is a 6th degree black belt in karate who is also an ardent tai chi practitioner and has been for a number of years. We are always being told the "martial applications" of certain tai chi positions. For me, my interest is how tai chi can help me physically as an adjunct to my study of karate. If it can help me to offset the stress of the "hard style", I feel that I have accomplished much.

Answer 2

Yes, I am a Taiji (Tai Chi) lover; here are my 2 cents.

Tai Chi basically is a form of Chinese martial arts that emphasize the importance of balance of energy - both Ying and Yang. It is a very effective martial arts but because of its slow and relaxing movement, it is also a very popular health exercise for people of all ages.

The slow relaxing movement is to help its practitioner to understand his or her body so they can use either the Ying and Yang force properly.

There is no wrong reason to practice it as long as you enjoy the art and practice it correctly. It is important to find the appropriate teacher for the reason you want to learn.

Because many Tai Chi teachers today only understand the health aspect of Tai Chi and don't know any of the martial arts applications. If one want to learn the martial arts application of Tai Chi, make sure you ask your potential teacher first before signing up.

Almost forgot, I am a Chen Style Tai Chi practitioner for 7+ years now and still loving it. There is still so much more to learn. =)

Answer 3

http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/tai-chi-chuan.htm