"About a year ago (1964), three visitors from Taiwan, Prof. Cheng Man-Ch’ing and his two accomplished pupils, Prof. T.T. Liang and Mr. William Chen have remained in New York to conduct classes of T’ai-Chi Ch’uan for primary and advanced pupils. They are also experts in T’ai-Chi Ch’uan for Hand Combating and Medieval Weapons Fighting, which are more appealing to youngsters and sportsmen here."
-Wen-shan Huang
Founded nearly 1,000 years ago by the Taoist Chang San-Feng, T'ai-Chi
Ch'uan (Pronounced Tie-Gee-Chwan) is an ancient Chinese slow-motion exercise
for health, self-defense, mental development, and meditation. The name
T'ai-Chi signifies the harmonious balance and ultimate unity of opposing
forces in the universe.
Self-Defense
While most martial arts depend upon developing superior strength or speed,
T'ai-Chi Ch'uan is unique in that its basis for mastery lies in the development
of sensitivity. As sensitivity, technique and strategy are developed,
the use of brute force becomes unnecessary. Aggressive actions directed
toward the practitioner are neutralized and directed away, resulting in
a non-aggressive, purely defensive martial art. Each posture has a practical
application for self-defense, which is taught in a non-competitive and
nonaggressive manner.
Health
A "round" of T'ai-Chi exercises every muscle group in the
body for both strength and flexibility. It yields the benefits of calisthenics,
but in a pleasant and relaxed way. By following the body's own natural
movement patterns, blood circulates more efficiently to the organs, tissues,
and cells, increasing their vitality. The calm, deep breathing done in
T'ai-Chi increases oxygen intake, which produces aerobic benefits without
unduly stressful workouts. In addition, the vital energy, or ch'i (chee),
is drawn into each part of the body, resulting in an energized, well-
functioning body, which is the basis of good health
Mental development
The slow, calm, continuous movement of the postures helps the body
to become relaxed and centered. As the body rids itself of stress and
tension, the mind (since the mind and the body are really one) also becomes
centered and tranquil. With a calm, stress-free mind, we can concentrate
on the truly important aspects of our lives. Following the Taoist philosophy
of Yin and Yang (the balance and union of opposites), we learn to balance
and harmonize conflicting demands in our lives and to deal with those
around us in a flexible, non-aggressive manner.
Meditation
T'ai-Chi utilizes Taoist meditation techniques to promote development
of the inner self, or spirit. Taoists believe that these methods clear
the body's energy channels, allowing the ch'i to circulate freely. This
results in a clear mind and a strong spirit of vitality. The practitioner's
individual energy harmonizes with the energy of the universe, creating
a sense of oneness with the universe.
Why is T'ai-Chi important today?
Education in the western world has excluded an important factor of human
development: the harmonious integration of mind and body. The intellectual
and rational approach in our society has been greatly emphasized and developed.
The intuitive and holistic functions of the individual have been neglected
and underestimated. T'ai-Chi Ch'uan helps develop and exercise both the
intuitive and intellectual aspects of the individual. The T'ai-Chi exercises,
done faithfully with concentrated effort, allow the mind and body to function
as one.