Tai Chi Chuan

From ArticleWorld

Although the exact origin of Tai Chi Chuan is not known, it is believed to have been developed by a Taoist monk called Chang San-feng in the twelfth century. It is based on movements using muscle relaxation and balance rather than the muscle tension which is used in harder kinds of martial arts.

There are two basic aspects to the martial arts side of Tai Chi Chuan. Firstly, solo students are taught a slow sequence of movements which rely on a straight spine and relaxed breathing and emphasizes the use of gravity in movements. Secondly, they are taught a series of movements working with a partner and the goal here is to appreciate the sensitivity of reflexes and coordination. Central to the practice is the use of balance and what affects it.

Health benefits

Students are taught the importance of health, meditation and martial arts. It is often practiced because of the benefits to health it bestows as well as to its reputation for increasing longetivity. As it involves slow repetitive movements, this has the effect of increasing and encouraging the internal circulation system and if practiced over a length of time, the benefits are said to last forever.

In combat

Unlike harder forms of martial arts, Tai Chi Chuan advocates meeting force with softness, or yang with yin. By meeting an opponent who is attacking with brute force with a soft, follow through response, the actions cancel themselves out. The theory maintains that by meeting force with force, both sides are hurt. To react to violence in this way is very difficult and takes many years to accomplish.