Hi,
just wantet to post some differencies in Tai Chi, compared to other martial arts that I have observed, and areas where I also notice that the "power concept" of external martial arts frequently sneeks in into peoples Tai Chi exercise.
The first issue is the "syncronized breathing". Exhaling when the movement expands and inhaling when the movement contracts or whithdraws.
Good Tai Chi instructors usually advises that breathing should be free, and not connected to the movement. One good way to exercise free breathing is to actually do the opposite, inhale when the movement expands, and exhale when the movement contracts.
The problem with syncronized breathing, is that it suggests that there are stops in the Tai Chi form, like the focusing in Karate i.e.
Another issue is the concept of "accumulating power". Some Tai Chi practitioners seems to accumulate power through the form, creating an impression that the movements are connected with great strenght. Perhaps mostly practitioners that are interested in the martial aspect of Tai Chi.
This is not something I want to critcize, since Tai Chi has the ability to work on muscles and the strength of the body in a fantastic way. It is tempting to try to summon this strenght in the movements of Brush Knee, or the Fair Lady i.e. or in any part of the body, where the Tai Chi form creates a new sensation.
Instead, there is the possibllity to constantly empty the limbs and the whole body from strength, avoiding all kinds of concentrated force in any part of the body. Emptying the limbs gives room for Chi to flow.
Peter
just wantet to post some differencies in Tai Chi, compared to other martial arts that I have observed, and areas where I also notice that the "power concept" of external martial arts frequently sneeks in into peoples Tai Chi exercise.
The first issue is the "syncronized breathing". Exhaling when the movement expands and inhaling when the movement contracts or whithdraws.
Good Tai Chi instructors usually advises that breathing should be free, and not connected to the movement. One good way to exercise free breathing is to actually do the opposite, inhale when the movement expands, and exhale when the movement contracts.
The problem with syncronized breathing, is that it suggests that there are stops in the Tai Chi form, like the focusing in Karate i.e.
Another issue is the concept of "accumulating power". Some Tai Chi practitioners seems to accumulate power through the form, creating an impression that the movements are connected with great strenght. Perhaps mostly practitioners that are interested in the martial aspect of Tai Chi.
This is not something I want to critcize, since Tai Chi has the ability to work on muscles and the strength of the body in a fantastic way. It is tempting to try to summon this strenght in the movements of Brush Knee, or the Fair Lady i.e. or in any part of the body, where the Tai Chi form creates a new sensation.
Instead, there is the possibllity to constantly empty the limbs and the whole body from strength, avoiding all kinds of concentrated force in any part of the body. Emptying the limbs gives room for Chi to flow.
Peter
