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Taijiquan or Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art, although today it is mainly practiced worldwide for its health benefits.
What does Taijiquan mean?
Literally translated : Tai> Supreme or Grand, Ji (Chi)> Ultimate, Quan (chuan)> Fist or Boxing.
Taijiquan is also known as an internal style of martial art. Unlike the
External martial arts that focus on brute force or muscular strength to
defeat the opponent, Taijiquan focuses on internal strength, external
softness.
The Tai Chi Classics refer to this as like being a steel rod surrounded by cotton. In essence, practice of Taijiquan and Qigong will strengthen the bone marrow to be like steel while the external body will be soft like
cotton. How can this be you ask? Taijiquan when practiced correctly is done in a mindful yet relaxed manner so as to stretch and strengthen
our bodies while using minimal amounts of external or muscular force.
Focusing on using our Chi (Qi) or internal energy to sink to our dan tien for use when later called for. By practicing with a looseness or (Song) structure, the Chi is activated and moves freely through the meridians
of the body.
Taijiquan has strong philosophical roots Based on the "Tao Te Ching ",(life's Path or pathway) written by Lao Tsu and the "I Ching" (Book of Changes".
Why practice Taijiquan?
Today many of us practice for different reasons. Some find Taijiquan as a gentle exercise, some use it for physical therapy, some for spiritual growth or philosophical interests and others for the martial applications. That's why finding a good teacher is important and following through with constant practice. Then you can gain your self-confidence and vital energy.
Ok, ready for your First class? Lets go. If your still new to the internet, please click on the highlighted words "First Class" for more information.
For those of us who wish to practice in accord with the universal energy, then the Taoist Healing time table may be of interest to study.
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