Tai Chi Chuan

1. Tai Chi Chuan By Christopher Angotti 指导教师：万伟珊

2. Tai Chi • Tai Chi Chuan was developed in China during the Tang Dynasty, about a thousand years ago. • It derived from the three philosophies of Chinese culture; Taoism , Confucianism and Buddhism. • Each of these three philosophies have their own way or path to achieve enlightenment

3. Tai Chi Chuan • Tai Chi Chuan can be translated into English as the: • Big or great (Tai) • Includes everything or is everywhere (Chi) • Way or path (Chuan)

4. Tai Chi Chuan • There are many types or styles of Tai Chi, but though they may look different the only thing that is important is that they incorporate the principles of Tai Chi or internal-movement. • The internal systems are also known as boxing for health or boxing with the feet and sometimes "sitting on the chair".

5. Tai Chi Chuan • The rationale was "self-defense" or to protect the self from the environment and sickness. • The original principles conform to those used in Chinese Medicine and at an advanced level Tai Chi includes meditation. • Through the diligent practice of Tai Chi we can achieve harmony and balance between and within ourselves, and our environment.

6. Chi Kung • The study of Tai Chi also includes the practice of Chi Kung. This means simply working with the Chi. • Chi is the main factor in the internal arts and is often referred to as energy, however this is incorrect. • Energy comes from the operation of chi and there are 84,000 types of chi in the human body. The universe has more.

7. The Tai Chi Form • Originally Tai Chi utilized stationary positions or forms, these were known as the Thirteen Postures. • The practitioner assumed one posture and then stood still for an hour or two. Once the principles of chi and stillness had been grasped, the practitioner began to link the postures into what has become known as The Form.

8. Tai Chi Forms • However times have changed and it is the norm today to first teach the moving form and then the student can hold selected postures if they so choose to do so. • Each style of Tai Chi has a different looking form. The different styles were usually named after the master who originated the style, as a mark of respect.

9. Ten Important Points for Tai Chi • The energy at the top of the head, should be light and sensitive. • Sink the chest and raise the back. • Relax the waist. • Distinguish full and empty. • Sink the shoulders and drop the elbow. 6. Use the mind and not strength. 7.Unity of the upper and lower body. 8. The unity of external and internal. 9. Continuity without interruption. 10. Seek stillness in movement.

10. Benefits • The practice of Tai Chi Chuan benefits the metabolism of the body, and adjusts the nervous system. • Tai Chi also integrates and harmonizes the breathing and circulation, as well as harmonizing the function of the muscles and the internal organs. • It is beneficial for high cholesterol, arthritis, rheumatism, hypertension, anemia, insomnia and digestion. The body becomes strong and flexible in a way that is different to most other types of exercise.

11. Benefits Cont’d • The intense concentration needed to do Tai Chi prevents the mind from staying involved with everyday thoughts, at least for a while, so that after practice the mind and emotions have also had a break and can see things from a better perspective.