Introduction to Taijiquan (T’ai Chi Ch’uan) |
by Matthew Miller What is Taijiquan?
Taijiquan was originally developed in China as a martial arts training exercise. However, one does not need to practice martial arts to enjoy the benefits of Taijiquan. In China today, Taijiquan is practiced by young and old alike primarily to promote good health, reduce stress, improve movement and prevent disease. The unique "dynamic relaxation" of Taijiquan helps to harmonize the mind and body. What are the health benefits of Taijiquan?Studies have confirmed that regular practice of Taijiquan has many health benefits. These include:
Who can practice Taijiquan?People of any age may learn Taijiquan. Young and old, male and female, weak and strong alike can and do benefit greatly. Taijiquan is particularly appropriate for elderly people who are at risk for falls, as well as those with osteoporosis. Taijiquan is a safe form of aerobic exercise for individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Taijiquan can also be practiced by those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, since it provides good exercise without exacerbating joint symptoms. How should I Learn Taijiquan?Although today Taijiquan is primarily practiced for its health benefits, nevertheless it was originally developed as a martial art. A student who has some knowledge (however superficial) of Taijiquan’s martial application will find it easier to practice correctly, even if he or she does not intend to use Taijiquan for fighting. As a martial art training exercise, Taijiquan helps to build balance, stability, strength, efficiency of movement, whole-body connectedness and energy. Over the years, it has undergone the most rigorous testing imaginable: the effectiveness of a martial art in China was not a matter of theory or opinion, but literally a matter life or death. If your practice was not effective, then you were defeated in combat. Most books and many classes on Taijiquan merely teach the form, the series of choreographed movements. However, Taijiquan has nothing to do with the number of moves one learns or the different styles one knows. It’s the quality of each movement that counts. If you can do one movement with the correct quality and just repeat it over and over, you will get more benefit than if you do a complex set of movements without that quality.
Matthew Miller (pictured) teaches Taijiquan classes at the Mind Body Studio in Lynchburg, Virginia. Matthew lived in China for nine years, where he learned Taijiquan from Master Chen Longxiang (see photo below), a fifth generation heir to the authentic Yang Style Taijiquan lineage (click here to see a description of Matthew's historical lineage of teachers). Before leaving China to return to the U.S., Matthew was authorized by Master Chen to teach Taijiquan in the West. In China, Matthew also earned his medical degree from the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, specializing in acupuncture. He currently lives in Lynchburg, VA where he teaches Taijiquan and, with his wife Wang Yao, operates East West Acupuncture, a private acupuncture clinic.
Double-click the PLAY button above to watch a video of Master Chen Longxiang When are the Taijiquan Classes?CLASS SCHEDULE :Saturdays 9:00AM LOCATION: PHONE: (434) 851-8533 FEES: There is no fee for the class. Donations are welcome. REQUIREMENTS: There is no pre-requisite for classes, and beginners are welcome to join at any time. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Please bring an extra pair of shoes to practice in (preferably flat-soled such as these) since street shoes should not be worn in the studio. |
Taijiquan (also known as T’ai Chi Ch’uan or T’ai Chi or Tai Chi) has long been a very familiar part of the Chinese landscape. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in the United States as well. Anyone who has wandered into a park in Chinatown in the morning will certainly have been intrigued by the sight of huge numbers of Chinese practicing this slow and graceful form of exercise. However, most Americans still only have a vague idea about what Taijiquan is. 
