History

There is a lot of information on Tai Chi on the internet, some of it good and some of it not-so-good. In short, Tai Chi - more correctly known as Taijiquan - is a Chinese martial art that is now practiced throughout the world for a variety of reasons, most commonly its health benefits (see below). Tai Chi as we know it today can be divided into five recognised 'family' styles: Chen, Yang, Sun, Wu, and Wu/Hao although other styles exist as variations (e.g. Cheng Man-Ching style as a variation of Yang style). While each style has its own variations, all conform to the basic principles outlined in the series of historical texts known collectively as the Tai Chi Classics. All styles practice a sequence of linked movements (a form) at a relatively sedate pace. Additionally most styles practice weapons forms (broadsword, straightsword, staff, etc.) and tui shou (pushing-hands) routines although these very often won't be present where Tai Chi is practiced purely for health benefits.

The various styles can be reliably traced back to the Chen style, from which Yang style developed to become the most widely practiced form today. The styles developed through individuals and their families, from one generation to the next, and often with individuals learning from other styles at different points and incorporating elements back in to their style. As a result, different styles often contain different numbers of movements within their forms, often with different emphasis or interpretation.

During the 20th century, after a period of supressing practice within China, the Chinese government decided to turn full-circle and promote the practice of Taijiquan along with other Chinese Martial Arts. This resulted, in 1956, with the creation by the Chinese Sports Committee of the standardised 24-posture Simplified Form of Tai Chi (often know as the Bejing 24-step form). The form itself consists of 24 unique postures put together in to a moving form that takes around 4-5 minutes to perform. It provides an excellent basis from which to learn the fundamentals of Tai Chi.

What do we do?

Practice Tai Chi! How this breaks down is that for most people it will initially involve learning the basic 24-step form as this forms the basis for later learning longer Yang and related forms such as the Cheng Man-Ching form and the Yang Family Long Form. A common class will include:

• Light loosening and stretching exercises

• Basic Qigong and relaxation routines

• 24-step form work looking at the sequence as well as individual postures

• Broadsword (Dao) form

In addition some advanced students may practise other weapon forms such as the straight sword (jian) along with pushing hands (tui shou).

Benefits

There are a number of recognised benefits from practicing Tai Chi and these are often pitched to the elderly (where the majority of studies have been carried out) but Tai Chi practice can be of benefit to all. Benefits include:

• stress reduction

• improved balance

• improved general mobility

• improved posture

• increased leg muscle strength

• improved focus and concentration

Take a look at the Links page for more information on the benefits.