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“‘Tai chi is a form of exercise derived from the martial art folk traditions of China. Nowadays, it is mainly carried out to aid health and fitness. It is suitable and recommended for the aged and for patients with chronic illnesses.1 Zhuo et al2 have classified long form tai chi as exercise with moderate intensity. Its intensity does not exceed 50% of maximum oxygen uptake, and the physiological changes in heart rate, noradrenaline, cortisol, and mood measured during tai chi were comparable to those found for moderate exercise.3” Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of the push movement in tai chi S P Chan, T C Luk, Y Hong Br J Sports Med 2003;37:339–344 Taijiquan is reputed to have it beginnings with the Chen family in China. This development grew from a synergy of Chinese philosophy, medicine, inner energy techniques, and martial arts over some 400 years ago. Since then other family styles and government committees have expanded Chen style into other systems of taiji. To date this has resulted in the Traditional and Standardized system classifications.
Traditional styles are primarily the creations of particular Chinese families such as Chen, Fu and Yang. Standardized styles are traditional styles, which have been systematized by China’s athletic committees in order to develop uniform execution of movements and information, and to popularize taijiquan even more. Simplified 24 and Combined 66 are examples of standardized forms.
FU Zhensong is the creator and founder of FU family style Taijiquan. This system is unique in its incorporation of Chen, Yang, and Sun Taijiquan, and Baqua. The family heritage was continued through his son FU WingFay to Bow Sim Mark (Mai Bowsim) To date Taijiquan has grown to become an effective modality of Integrative Medicine in general, and a traditional procedure-based therapy specifically. This makes taijiquan important as a preventive and wellness program worldwide.
Sifu Nathan Spivey (second from left)
visits with the Late Master FU Wing Fay and Family in 1988
The Main Features of Tai Chi Chuan
Basic Rules and Positions of the Body
A. The Main Features:
Mildness and Gentleness The basic stance is steady and unstrained, and the movements should be smooth and gentle. That is why after practicing the whole set once or twice there is hardly any panting, but only a light perspiration over the whole body and a sense of satisfaction. For this reason alone, Taijiquan is suited to almost anybody, regardless of age, sex, or physique. It is an excellent therapeutic exercise, even for the feeble and the chronically diseased. Continuity and Evenness From beginning to end, all the movements, including shifting of weight and moving from one position to another, are closely linked in an endless chain without a break. They follow one another at an even and unhurried pace like floating clouds or a smooth running stream. Natural and Circular Movement The style of Taijiquan distinguishes itself from others by its unique circular movements of the upper limbs, avoiding direct and straight impact, which is in conformity with the natural curvature of bodily joints. The exercise helps shape one's movements into gentle curves with a natural grace. Harmony and Consistency Throughout the exercise, with every single movement or position, the practitioner's upper half and lower half, "Inner self" (attention and breath) and "outer self" (the torso and limbs) must be in harmony. In fact, there must be perfect coordination of the whole body with the waist as the main axis. Even the hands and feet have to follow the body without any discord.
Such are the artistic features of Taijiquan.
 Grand Master Bow Sim Mark (center), Sifu Nathan Spivey (kneeling right) and Pennsylvania Tai Chi Arts Association Students |
Short History of Taiji and Features |
