Tai Chi

Tai Chi

The concept of qi (or chi) was originally developed by Taoist philosopheres around the fifh century BCE. Qi is the life force or energy that resides in all living things, and learning how to generate and nurture it in one's own body results in a long healthy life in harmony with nature. Goerge Lucas used this idea in Star Wars films, calling it 'The Force'.

Taichi is based not only on the concept of qi, but on the concept of extreme opposites or 'poles' working together to produce harmony. 'Tai' is the Chinese word for extremes, while 'chi' (or 'ji') refers to poles - for example, the universe being composed of light and dark (Yin and Yang). Similiarly, human movements can be hard and soft, harsh and gentle. Only by combining both extremes of a particular disciple can the true whole be experienced.




Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan (Taiji-quan) is the application of the philosophy of taichi to martial arts. It is an 'internal' or 'soft' art, in that it seeks to generate qi within the body, and ultimately to direct this energy into the opponent. On the other hand, an 'external' or 'hard' art is based purely on physical strength. A hard/soft art such as karate aims to generate qi and subsequently to channel it into one's own muscles to generate extra strength and power. Tai Chi may be practised in a slow controlled manner but when performed with intent by a master it is a very deadly and explosive art.