TAI CHI - Ancient Martial Art and Modern Way to Wholistic Health

Many ancient types of exercise have formed a basis of modern training systems. The martial arts were originally derived from yoga asanas and pranayama and later, in the 5th century, reached China. Their initial introduction to the Chinese indigenous scene is attributed to the Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma. The fusion of his yoga teaching with the unique Chinese “Dao -Yin”system resulted in what we know today as martial arts. Nowadays, it is largely forgotten that in all ancient cultures exercise was, first of all, a form of medicine, an element of a wholistic healing art, the purpose of which was to strengthen or restore spiritual and physical balance of the aspirant.

Martial arts were fighting exercises, but not solely as a means of fighting an enemy, but rather fighting for overall health and the strength that comes from physical and spiritual well-being. In China, up to this day such popular systems as Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Wing Chun are being viewed as instruments of focusing the mind and developing inner strength.

If you have ever travelled to China and risen with the sun, you have probably observed numerous people practising Tai Chi in parks or squares. It is believed that sunrise is the best time to enjoy martial arts, because this it is when nature’s “chi”, or vital force, flows most strongly. You may have also noticed that Tai Chi movements are different from what we usually associate with fighting or combat exercises. Tai Chi is a sort of meditation in motion, which involves the coordination of body, breath and balance with the aim to harmonize the different energies of physical, mental and spiritual.

The series of motions in Tai Chi are called “forms” and are executed slowly and fluidly, with weight solidly grounded in the feet. As in yoga, the forms have names taken from nature - Eagle, Cobra Unwinds, Monkey, and so on. It looks easy when performed by a master but, in fact, practising the forms successfully requires considerable strength, concentration, and precision.

In China, Tai Chi is an exercise for young and old alike. It benefits both mind and body as it promotes peaceful inner focus and self-control - qualities which are especially useful for the fast-paced Western world that emphasizes speed, multi-tasking and aggressiveness. Tai Chi also improves the blood circulation and enhances performance of the cardiovascular system. Just like yoga, this ancient system strengthens the spine, particularly the lower back, and improves the functioning of the digestive and respiratory organs.

Wayne Hammel