Page 16 - Simplifying T'ai Chi Rev3 2017

8 Simplifying T'ai Chi

The misunderstanding of many is that T'ai Chi as generally practised today is only
the adoption of the training routines from the Chinese martial art T'ai Chi Chuan,
with an emphasis on posture and movement improvement combined with an inner
calmness and control. This is true in many cases but there are still many who learn
and teach it as a true martial art.

The early years and techniques of T'ai Chi Chuan are cloaked with secrecy, partly
because as a martial art, the safe keeping of technique was essential to maintain
advantage and partly because of the Chinese/Asian traditional ideology of Masters
reserving knowledge to those of proven loyalty. Teaching was restricted to family
(usually implying a village) or selected students, and passed down by word of
mouth with nothing documented.
During the late 19th century and early 20th century, books and photographs of T'ai
Chi styles and practice started to appear, with early movie clips following around
1930. The Chinese/Western amalgamation in Hong Kong and Singapore,
combined with migration of Chinese culture to Taiwan and other south-east Asian
countries encouraged the spread further.
For those who want to learn a little more you can find a very brief summary of key
historical information later in this book on page 147.

T'ai Chi – A Martial Art or an Exercise?

One of the first things that I like to explain to all new students, both the young and
fit and the older and less able, is to alleviate any confusion and/or misconceptions
about whether T'ai Chi is an exercise regime or a martial art.
When you watch what has become the accepted practice of T'ai Chi form, it
seems completely divorced from a fighting martial art. In some respects this is
true. However, the forms are the basis of a training regime that was created to
attain fitness combined with perfect body control and a calm but focused mind –
the ideal requirements for those whose job it befalls to defend against aggression.
These slow movements of the form however are deceptive as with further training
each can be progressed if so desired into a fast, effective defensive action.

My classes are based upon using T'ai Chi for its health benefits. I'm sure that
although most of the younger, fitter members appreciate that they are learning the
prequel to a formal martial art, those who are past their prime, have had hip
replacements, are disabled or wheel-chair bound, haven't come along to learn
defensive applications! This doesn't mean, however, that actions and application
are never analysed and are ignored. As progress is made, and where suitable, a
generalised description of movement application is given and this encourages the
person to better appreciate posture control and energy movement (intent). This
provides for a safer and more effective practice.
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