Like most people you probably think that Tai Chi is just a slow motion exercise that’s mainly suited to older people. But it’s actually a whole lot more than that..
The martial version of the art, sometimes called ‘practical’ Tai Chi, is actually a dynamic, fully battle tested martial art that anyone can enjoy.
Originally it was only taught to warriors and soldiers for military purposes. However at some stages of history, Asian martial arts masters realised training for fighting alone had its limitations. So they incorporated different element of various health, meditation and philosophy from usually Buddhist or Taoist sources.
This give people a more balanced practice. Yes, being a skillful fighter is great and builds self confidence and lets us live more freely. We can defend ourselves and others from ‘bandits’ and other unpleasant people.
However if we can combine this with a healthy lifestyle, exercises that make our body healthier on the inside and outside and things that can help us feel more content, concentrated and focussed. Then we have hugely improved our overall quality of life.
This is the goal of traditional Tai Chi, as taught by us at thirteen dynamics. An all round system for health and fitness, in mind and body, with sporting, self defence and social elements.
There are five divisions of training within the traditional training syllabus.
a) Hand Form（太極拳）
Training designed to build the general health of the body, to learn to relax body and mind as well as for refining posture, balance and coordination.
b) Pushing and striking Hands（推手）
Training designed to learn how to effectively use the opponents power against them at close ranges. Tai Chi’s fundamentals grappling skills.
c) Self-Defence and fighting（散手）
Training how to use minimum force at all ranges of combat to overcome a real opponent.
d) Internal Strength (Neigong)（內功）
Exercises combined with meditation to bring your body healthier on the, strength and power to high levels whilst refining martial arts techniques.
e) Weapons training（兵器）
Different weapons are used to further train the body, footwork, coordination and mental strength. Can also be used for self defence.
