There is an unmistakable poetry to watching one proficient in the art of Tai Chi. Movements are slow, sometimes almost imperceptible, one graceful posture flowing seamlessly into the next in a seemingly infinite dance of both stillness and strength. The body seems relaxed, almost soft, yet with an underlying focus power and strength. So are made visible the aims of Tai Chi – to circulate the life force throughout the body, and to balance opposing forces – yin and yang, masculine and feminine, yielding and powerful.
Legend has it that the form of Tai Chi came to its founder, Chang San-Feng, in a dream. A Taoist hermit, Chang witnessed a snake engaged in combat with a crane and was impressed with the skilful way the snake was able to dodge and counterattack the larger, more powerful crane. That night he dreamed about Tai Chi.
It is thus not surprising that Tai Chi was developed as a martial art, combining certain fighting movements with other movements designed to increase internal energy in the body. At the time of its development, Tai Chi was a deadly art, secretly handed down from generation to generation and jealously guarded by a few families. The movements, the breath control, the focus, all were specifically developed for neutralising the opponent in an efficient, scientific manner. It is wise for the Tai Chi student to be able to appreciate and understand this martial context, even if one is not interested in fighting.
In modern Tai Chi, the face of the enemy has changed. Rather than a physical opponent who has to be engaged in hand-to-hand combat, the enemy has become more subtle and resides within. Although hidden, this enemy is well known to all of us by the name Stress. Today the enemy appears in many disguises, including fatigue, overwork or lack of understanding of oneself and one’s body. In this new combat, the stakes are still life and death, and Tai Chi is still a powerful neutraliser.
The modern practitioner is a well-rounded individual, inspired by great masters such as Cheng Man-Ch’ing who became renowned as a master of the Five Excellences: painting, poetry, calligraphy, medicine and martial arts.
Based in the Taoist tradition, Tai Chi also values contemplation and inner focus. The slow, graceful movements of Taoist Tai Chi improve mental clarity, increase strength and flexibility and improve balance and circulation. Following the principles of Taoist ‘internal alchemy,’ the goal of Taoist Tai Chi is to return the body and mind to its original pure and healthy state.