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The Teaching

Taiji (Tai Chi) is an "inner" style of Chinese Martial Art, utilising the principles of relaxation and yielding both in application and in normal life.

Taiji was created over 700 years ago by the Daoist sage Zhang Sanfeng as a practical method for attaining immortality through the cultivation of Qi (Chi). Its principles were those formulated 2,500 years ago by Laotze, the founder of Daoism, in his book Dao de Jing (Tao Te Ching) and expressed thousand of years before in the book of the I Jing (I Ching).

Tai Qi has as its primary aim the cultivation of the Dao, or the practice of enlightenment, and has evolved into a set of slow movements, coordinated with the concentration of the mind and the breath.

Initial practice in Taiji consists in learning to relax the body and quieten the mind. This, while moving gently in a continuous sequence, ending after perhaps 20 minutes back in the original position.

All movements are circular; on reaching one extreme they return without stopping. This is achieved using the will, not rough muscular strength. Consciousness generates the will, which moves the Qi. When the Qi moves, the muscles are activated, joints extend like blowing into a rubber tube. So the Qi moves the body.

The internal organs receive a gentle massage and the blood, sinews and bones are strengthened. Pathways are thrown open. After a time the Qi will be felt accumulating and begin to circulate through the body. Further practice refines this inner energy and the spirit may begin to manifest. To achieve this, it is said, is to have the strength of a lumberjack, the pliability of a child and the peace of mind of a sage.

The application of Tai Qi is practised with a partner. The aim is to relax completely, yielding before the opponent's force. This is not weakness. The feet are rooted to the ground and the centre is stable. Using the sense of touch, you yield at the partner's slightest pressure and follow at their slightest retreat; respond slowly to slow action and quickly to fast action.

At every place the Yin and the Yang (empty and solid) must be distinguished. The entire body is so poised that a fly cannot alight without setting it in motion. Advancing, the opponent feels the distance incredibly long; retreating they feel it exasperatingly short.

When the body can be emptied of strength a tenacious energy will develop. Rooted in the feet it derives from the elastic resilience of the living sinews and muscles. Through practice this is refined, till it has the flexibility of finest steel and can be discharged in an instant. This is the application of Taiji for self defence.

Health Benefits of Taiji

Relaxation is the basis of Taiji, leading to naturalness and harmony in life.

Usually, as people grow older, their muscles and joints stiffen and their inner energy decreases. The initial exercises of Taiji were designed and refined over hundreds of years to counter these effects of age, and further, to create a surplus of energy in the body ensuring physical and psychological health while supporting spiritual growth.

All tension related physical and psychological problems yield to Taiji practice and many other diseases may also improve or completely cured as inner energy accumulates.

Requirements

People of all ages and degrees of health are able to practise Taiji.

It only requires an attitude of genuine enquiry, patience and perseverance, an openness to practise according to the teaching and a willingness to constantly examine and refine your inner conscience.

Once begun, Taiji should be thought of as a lifetime practice.

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