Learning The Techniques and Training Of Tai Chi
December 20th, 2009 12:24 pmDerived from the Taiji symbol which, in the Western areas is known as the yin and yang, Tai Chi was said to be the practice that preserved the oldest schools of learning which study the receptive and active principles.
The core training of Tai Chi features two forms: the solo form and the Push Hands. In solo form, slow motions are given emphasis while maintaining a straight and firm spine and constant fine abdominal breathing. Push hands, on the other hand, involve training with a more practical and convenient ways of motion.
As the name implies, the solo form of Tai Chi, requires only one person to go with the flow of motion. With this form, you will go through a natural and complete range of motion while keeping your balance. If taken into regular practice, the solo form of Tai Chi can retain posture, promotes flexibility of the joints and muscles, and encourages proper circulation from any point of your body. The solo form is actually the basic of all forms. It is your first step to familiarize some of the important martial arts application sequences which you will face in the different forms.
Although, major styles and forms of traditional Tai Chi differ from other forms, physically; it remains irrelevant because the key factor here doesn’t just focus on the physical aspect but to the mental aspect as well. So whether, difference may show in the wave of hands, the position of the legs or whatsoever, for as long as it stimulates your mind and body then, it still can be considered as part in Tai Chi - only presented in another form.
Solo forms, weapons and empty-hands are movements that are commonly practiced individually in martial arts application and pushing hands. Scenarios like these are intended to prepare the students for training of self-defense.
The philosophy of Tai Chi goes this way: In a battle, if you become equal to the hardness of your opponent, then both of you are expected to acquire injury at a certain level. An injury that results from a senseless battle is likened to the fight of brute against brute. In Tai Chi, this is far beyond the right attitude and style.
While in other martial arts force is applied to some measure, in Tai Chi, the use of subtle movements and softness in facing a battle is a great contributing factor in order to end up victorious. With Tai Chi, you just follow every attacking motion and in the end exhaust the attacking force. Such is the Tai Chi principle wherein the yin and yang is applied - the primary goal in the Tai Chi discipline.
Aside from that, Tai Chi schools also focus their attention on how the energy of a striking person affects his opponent. For example, the palm can strike physically looking the same and performing the same but has a different and dramatic effect on the target.
Through your palm, you can strike and push the person either forward or backward, By doing so, lifting you opponent vertically off the ground and destroying their center of gravity.
After which, this technique can cease the striking force within the body of the person and resulting to a traumatic internal damage.
Tai Chi Society, a premier Tai Chi organization has been offering Tai Chi classes and workshops all throughout Los Angeles. Get unheard of deals on their Tai Chi Classes. Visit Tai Chi in Los Angeles now!