Tai Chi Chuan, literally meaning “Grand Ultimate Fist,” is one of the most sophisticated Chinese fighting arts. It is a masterpiece of neurophysiology as the brain connects with the fighting devices of the fingers and the toes for punches and kicks. The desire force of Yi毅(力) in the brain amplifies […]
taijiquan
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Yunzhong’s life and work Yang Yunzhong, born in 1962 in the province of Shanxi, has worked as a medical doctor for 10 years, before he chose the path of Taijiquan and Qigong. On his way, he met many well-known masters, among them Pang Ming (Hunyuangong/Zhineng Qigong), Feng Zhiqiang (Chen-Style Hunyuan Taijiquan), […]
In both Taijiquan and Qigong, the ideal is to create an energy flow through the whole body. Concerning the limbs this would mean from the feet to the hands — ideally to the very tips of the fingers. To achieve this, every practitioner has to get to know the structure […]
Stillness: The Mover & Shaker in Taiji Shi Ming is known as one of China’s preeminent taiji masters. He is a strict disciplinarian of the old school, inspiring his students to practice long hours in the park under all conditions, including the sub-zero temperatures of winter. He holds himself to […]
Cheng Man Ching on the dao of Taijiquan – a poem Cheng Man Ching is portrayed by his students as an example of total dedication and commitment to the Chinese Arts, especially concerning Taijiquan. Indeed, while also advocating the health aspects of Taijiquan and its use for self-defence, Cheng Man […]
My Tai Chi Journey to Hannover – Feedback by Yang Yun-Zhong Director of the Institute of Chinese Taiji-Wisdom 16.5.2017, Hongkong From April, 19th to April, 21st 2017 I have been a guest teacher for a three-day workshop at the 17th International Push Hands Meeting in Hannover. Concerning the participation at […]
Ways to learn Qigong and Taijiquan part 4: Exchange Meetings There are many ways to learn Qigong and Taijiquan.We have considered the pros and cons of some: Exchange Meetings Are you curious about what other Qigong and Tajijquan enthusiasts are up to? Do you want to experience how many ways […]
Ways to learn Qigong and Taijiquan part 3: Workshops – Holidays – Seminars There are many ways to learn Qigong and Taijiquan.We have considered the pros and cons of some: Learning in Workshops – Week-end courses and seminars Especially concerning Qigong, workshops are ideal to get to know new short […]
Ways to learn Qigong and Taijiquan part 2 There are many ways to learn Qigong and Taijiquan.We have considered the pros and cons of some: Learning with DVDs, videos and online-programmes The promise: If you are very busy, videos and online-classes seem to be for you: your training will be […]
Ways to learn Qigong and Taijiquan part 1: weekly courses There are many ways to learn Qigong and Taijiquan.We have considered the pros and cons of some: Learning in weekly courses The most practical way to learn Qigong or Taijiquan is to regularly visit a school nearby and take part […]
Taijiquan Training part 3 See also our other tips for beginners for Taijiquan Training on our Basics of Tai Chi site! Goal: Eliminate chronical or posture-related health problems Some illnesses or diseases may not respond to the more superficial exercises of a wellness-style Qigong or Taijiquan. Examples are old injuries which developed into […]
We all have different lives, different preconditions and individual obstacles to overcome. The time you should invest in practising Taijiquan or Qigong depends on the goal of your practice. Goal: First steps in reconvalescence If you start Taijiquan or Qigong as part of reconvalescence after an illness or after surgery, you may […]
The ideal: Hard work Not unlike Japanese culture, the Chinese ideal for physical exercises is hard work. The Chinese word for that is “gong” (功). It is used in “Qigong” – working with the Qi, i.e. cultivating life energy – as well as in “gongfu” – referring to skills which are […]
On the Difficulty of Lasting Change in the Practice of Taiji Abstract Serious progress in the practice of taiji often requires far-reaching changes that can involve various levels of training. Christine Schneider investigates the question of why such changes are so hard to achieve and explains, on the basis of […]
How to learn Tai Chi? Questions and Answers for Beginners What to wear? – Tai Chi Clothing Your Tai Chi clothing should be comfortable and your shoes should be supportive, but light. Tai Chi Shoes Too much structure on the sole of the shoes may impede the turning in of […]
Our set of exercises is inspired by common Wushu warming-up from the Sha family and warming-up/Jibengong exercises of Liu Yafei. Thank you very much for the inspiration!Preparing for a Taijiquan, Wushu or Qigong lesson you should follow the principles of: The following exercises are more or less a core of […]
Variations of spelling: T’ai Chi Ch’uan and Taiji Quan. Taijiquan (traditional Chinese: 太極拳, modernized Chinese: 太极拳, pinyin: tàijíquán, Wade-Giles: t’ai chi ch’üan, pronunciation) is a Chinese internal martial art. It is commonly translated as Highest / Ultimate Fist or Supreme Ultimate Boxing and often simply referred to as “Taiji” or “Tai […]
This article is an excerpt from ‘The Little Book of Tai Ji Quan’ by Dr Ben Morris. Authors foreword The pursuits and achievements of the past masters, and of their written work; what use is all of this? It was not written to describe some esoteric babble, nor was it […]
HARMLESSNESS, A SUBTLE MARTIAL CONCEPT I am using the word harmless to mean harmless of intent, not cowardly, weak and defenseless. I am discussing a non-threatening trait that will reduce fear, a major cause of antagonism. First do not become fearful and second do not cause fear. If there is […]
The documentary The Professor: Tai Chi’s Journey West by Barry Strugatz/Ken van Sickle can be warmly recommended. Both Barry Strugatz and Ken van Sickle are themselves practitioners of Taijiquan, the latter being a master Student of Cheng Man Ching himself – their documentary view is thus one from the inside.The […]