Taiji (Tai Chi)
Daoist Internal Martial Arts
Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is an internal Daoist martial art based upon the philosophical principles of Yin and Yang, Wu-Xing and Ba Gua. As such it takes the theoretical teachings of Daoism and puts them into a physical art. Over time this leads to an experiential understanding of these esoteric teachings. Experience over intellectual understanding is one of the key ideologies of Daoism.
The Most Popular Chinese Martial Art on the Planet
Taijiquan is without doubt the most practiced Chinese martial art on the planet. Every morning, tens of thousands of people take to parks and halls around the world to run through the various forms of their chosen style. The vast majority of these people are learning Taijiquan as a form of personal health-care for which Taijiquan is understandably famed. The slow forms of this style lead to an increased flow of bodily fluids and energy, healthier joints and effeicient bodily alignments; all essential factors in attaining vibrant health and longevity.
The Family Styles
There are numerous styles of Taijiquan which originated from within different families in China. It is a subject of great debate as to which style is the oldest and the best etc but the truth is that this simply does not matter! Each style is based around the same principles and leads to the same end results, it is just that the journey differs depending upon which style you choose. The video clip here shows short excerpts from two different styles of Taijiquan:
Within Lotus Nei Gong we teach the Yang and Hunyuan systems of Taijiquan. Most of our students are learning the Yang system. The Hunyuan is being taught privately to several students but in the future this will change and Hunyuan Taijiquan will be taught more publicly.
Yang Style and Hunyuan Style
The Yang style is based around the principles of natural body movement and awakening the usually dormant energy system to achieve internal skill. This style is considered the most widespread style of Taijiquan. For more information on Yang style Taijiquan
click here.Hunyuan style Taijiquan is an amalgamation of Chen family boxing and Xinyi Quan. These two martial arts were put together by Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang and have become very popular in Beijing and the North east of China. This style is not as widespread in the West as it is not as old as Yang style. For more information on Hunyuan Taijiquan
click here.Internal Arts
The internal martial arts build strength in a different way from an extrenal style such as Shaolin or Karate. Internal power is developed from within and relies on the various principles and layers of Nei Gong being built into the various forms and movements rather than simply relying on muscular force. This has the advantage of softening the practitioner and bringing them good health and mental well-being as well as martial power. The joints are aligned and Qi flow enabled. Building power in this manner means that Taijiquan is suitable as a martial study for anybody regardless of age. As we age, we may well lose physical strength but we not lose internal force as long as we know how to cultivate it through our practices. In China it is well know that any martial artist should study an art like Taijiquan alongside their other studies if they wish to continue their training into old age.
Study Taijiquan for Health, Well-Being and Internal Force
More than any other system, Taijiquan combines the teachings of Gong Fu, Chinese Medicine, Daoist Meditation and Eastern Philosophy. That is why Taijiquan is labeled as a jewel of Chinese culture. Only through the combining of these various factors did the ancient Daoists believe that a person would be led to union with Dao.
Taijiquan is a suitable martial arts for anybody, regardless of age
