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Taiji Chuan - grand ultimate fist
Most people know of Taijiquan (also T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Tai Chi, or Taiji) by the slow, smooth and rythmic movements Inherent in Taiji routines or forms.
Taijiquan literally translated means "supreme ultimate fist". Taiji is an nei chia ("internal" or "soft") Chinese martial art. External arts stress physical power and technique, Internal arts emphasize mind/body principles of relaxation (over muscular tension), correct body structure, development of Chi (or energy) and efficiency & economy of motion. By staying relaxed a Taiji "player" or practioner can move and respond very fast. In moving their body as a whole, they can dramatically increase their power.
A calm awareness of balance (both yours and others), sensitivity to energy and motion, and the ability to focus on what is, or is not, going on now are hallmarks of Taiji.
Relaxation
Most people are experts in tension (both physical and mental). One of the goals in Tai Chi is to help people reduce the amount of physical and mental tension in their lives. The training in Tai-Chi is purposefully done slowly in large part to help the practitioner clear their mind of extraneous thought and focus on the movement in the moment. By focusing on what their body is doing the practitioner learns to use less muscular force; to be more efficient in the physical and mental energy they use. Thinking becomes more lucid, the mind more peaceful, the body more relaxed. Headaches, migraines and other tension related dis-eases are reduced or eliminated.
Improved Circulation
Along with relaxation comes improved circulation. With improved circulation the body is able to more readily maintain and improve its health. With a little regular practice students quickly find their hands become quite warm. As they continue to practice, this warmth spreads throughout their bodies and they feel more relaxed and energized.
Healing
Old injuries are often the cause of pain & discomfort many months or even years after the injury first occurred. By focusing on relaxation and correct body structure through its slow, rhythmic movement, Tai Chi helps work out the tension stored in the body allowing healing to occur.
In addition, Tai Chi promotes improved mental awareness, balance and flexibility in mind and body. It requires no special equipment or even a large space. Tai Chi can be done anywhere, by anybody, in any amount of time; from a few minutes during a work break, to an hour or more depending on the practitioner's schedule.
