Tai Chi, The History – Evolving From Martial Art Form Into Meditative Discipline Today

Tai Chi explained

Tai Chi started off as a martial art form introduced by the ancient Chinese in totally different form, from where it evolved down the centuries to what we know and love as the smooth, graceful and almost poetic movements followed by masters of Tai Chi today. Some of these masters are not even Chinese, in fact, many are of European origin but with a deep and intrinsic love and dedication to this extremely mystical and healing physical discipline that helps a total mind, body and soul connection to be made for rejuvenation, toning, improving balance and increasing inner peace.

Almost meditative in certain movements but powerfully strong in the sense that only a quiet energetic smooth burst of pure dynamics can be, this 2,500 year old descendant of qigong, the original Chinese medicinal self-defense discipline helps to promote inner peace, say Tai Chi historians. In fact, potential attackers can be sensed and effectively dealt with, their aggressive movements counteracted by an alert and experienced tai chi master who is trained in the art of using internal energy for deflecting offensive movements by only calling upon a small amount of his or her own energy for neutralizing larger amounts of force used by the attacker

What is Qi?

Chinese medicine in the traditional sense regards humans as a tiny part of the universe, and like it, they are thought of as existing on a constant interface of 5 life-giving elements (namely water, fire, metal, water, wood, and the earth). This theory links all the bodily organs in much the same way as the 5 aspects of Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) in the universal sense. Qi is regarded as life force or the inner bodily energy that flows through all the intrinsic channels, known as meridian and when the qi is balanced through proper interaction of all these elements in the body, optimum health is achieved.

What is Qigong?

Tai chi (Qi) is said to have originated from Qigong, which is the mind, breathing and movement integrating discipline creating a natural balance of calm energy that can be applied to leisure, professional endeavors and self-defense. Just like Yoga, a primary meditative form of exercise and holistic health principle, Qigong has 3,000+ varieties in addition to 5 chief traditions, namely Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian besides martial arts and of course medical. It can be further sub-divided into 2 main types, “soft” and “hard” of which the former qigong (described inner qigong) integrates tai chi as one form.

Element: Tai Chi for Beginners
publisher: Starz / Anchor Bay
price: $6.33 (new), $9.41 (used)

Tai Chi is well-known for bringing the mind, body, and spirit together to gain balance, prevent injury, and promote good health. Filmed on a tranquil location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this program features two practices that offer personal one-on-one instruction and will allow you to experience the many layers of benefits this martial art has to offer. The first practice will revitalize and energize using the principles of Qi Gong. This Qi Gong series will focus on the breath and energy flow to prepare your mind and body for Tai Chi. In the second practice you will learn Tai Chi postures step-by-step, and then use these ancient flowing movements together in a moving meditation designed to increase the body’s natural energy. This powerful Tai Chi sequence will help clear your mind, reduce stress, enhance flexibility, and promote overall wellness.

About the Instructor Samuel Barnes, founder of Tai Chi Works studio in Beverly Hills, is a master teacher with over 20 years of Tai Chi Chuan teaching experience. Samuel’s instruction easily and gracefully infuses the principles of Tai Chi into students’ lifestyle allowing them to immediately experience the rejuvenating benefits of this peaceful art.

Simplified Tai chi Chuan with Applications (YMAA)
publisher: YMAA Publication Center
price: $16.99 (new), $17.24 (used)

The 24 Forms and the 48 Forms.

BETTER HEALTH IN 20 MINUTES A DAY!

Learn two of the most popular forms of Tai Chi Chuan, the ancient Chinese martial art which is often described as ‘moving meditation’. The ‘Simplified’ 24-posture form is taught and demonstrated by Master Liang, Shou-Yu, with martial fighting applications. The form is shown from several angles, with breathing instructions. The Standard 48-posture form is also demonstrated.

This expanded DVD edition contains much more instruction than the VHS editions. DVD-only Detail Sections for both forms instruct each movement, and offer ‘guidelines’ for refining your training. Chapter markers for each technique and extensive DVD navigation make it simple to find any posture on the DVD with just a couple clicks, so you can continue your study where you left off.

In only 20 minutes a day, you can gain the health benefits of Tai Chi Chuan: increased strength and energy, better balance, and improved bodily awareness. Excellent for beginning students, those who want a low-impact alternative to jogging or aerobics, and those with limited time for exercise.

This DVD complements the best-selling book Tai Chi Chuan—24 Postures with Applications & 48 Posture Routine, by Liang, Shou-Yu & Wen-Ching Wu (sold separately).

Special Features: Over 100 Chapter sections • Narration: English or French • Multi-Language Menus and Subtitles: English, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, & French • History of Tai Chi Chuan sections • Slideshows of Master Liang demonstrating correct posture alignment • Interactive YMAA Product Catalog with previews of all YMAA video titles.

YMAA PRODUCTION • LIANG, SHOU-YU • “TAI CHI CHUAN 24 POSTURES WITH APPLICATIONS & STANDARD 48 POSTURES” • WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY LIANG, SHOU-YU WITH KELLY MACLEAN AND RAMEL RONES • EDITED BY DAVID SILVER AND MEDIAMANIC • VIDEO PRODUCTION SUPERVISION BY DAVID SILVER • DIRECTED BY DR. YANG, JWING-MING

150 minutes – color/ DVD9 – NTSC -All Regions