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I PhillyFIT September/October 2008 I 215-396-0268 I www.phillyfitmagazine.com
Tai Chi
By David Graves
Many people have heard about Tai Chi. They hear of its many health benefits, meditative aspects, martial prowess, and growing popularity; they may entertain the thought of trying to find a class in their area. This is where the issue of finding the right teacher can often begin.
Much has been written regarding the ancient art of Tai Chi. Books have been authored which are cryptic, difficult to understand, or that miss the mark completely. Many teachers only add to this confusion by propagating the idea that there are “secrets” to Tai Chi; secrets that only a select few are privy. There have been films produced that chronicle people who study these arts amassing supernatural powers, a romantic and misguided idea. There are multitudes of studies published showing the everincreasing list of illnesses that Tai Chi can supposedly cure. With all of this, the true martial art, the true health benefits, the true magic of Tai Chi gets lost.
Tai Chi Chuan is a traditional martial art and health exercise based on Taoist philosophy. The main focus of this philosophy is on yin/yang harmony ― the balance of opposing forces ― and wuwei (pronounced wu-way), literally translated as “not doing.” At this point, we get back to the original problem of mystification; the ideas are pretty and the paradox is clever, but how does it help you, the seeker?
The idea of harmony is simple enough to understand, even on the most basic level. The idea of homeostasis helps to explain it. Everything in nature --- our body, the environment --- strives to move towards a state of balance. If anything is too heavily on one side or the other, changes will occur to bring the situation back into balance. Heart rate will increase to compensate for workload, the body will heat itself with fever to destroy a foreign invader, insulin will be produced to help process an increased level of glucose.
With this said, so much of our daily life is consumed by “Yang-biased” (or actively doing) thoughts. We drive our car, not realizing that the car is moving us at sixty-five miles per hour. We drink a glass of water, not realizing the millions of processes that must happen in order for us to perform that simple action. Our heart beats and our lungs breathe without our directing them to do so. Through the study of Tai Chi, we learn to bring our awareness to these less noticed phenomena, the Yin aspects of life, thereby reducing stress response, effecting deeper relaxation and bringing about balance.
The idea of wuwei is directly related to this. The literal translation is “not doing,” from the Chinese term wei wuwei ―“doing by not doing.” This is a beautiful paradox that does nothing to explain itself to someone who has not experienced it. The essence of wuwei is not experienced as “doing nothing,” but rather doing less to achieve more. As we read in the previous section, so much of our lives are out of our immediate control, even within our own bodies; why attempt to control that which cannot be controlled?
These two ideas, and the fundamental philosophy of Tai Chi, can best be summed up as follows:
Optimal action through less interfering action:
But how does this relate to Tai Chi, the martial art and health exercise? Most people are familiar with the slow-motion routines performed in parks and town squares, sometimes with hundreds of participants. This is the basic, and most important, tool of Tai Chi. The slow-motion routines are known as forms, or taolu. Through the practice of these, and adherence to the basic principles, the student develops a greater awareness of the “here and now” as well as effecting deep relaxation in body and mind, greater balance and supple musculature. With this knowledge, the principles can be brought into daily living.
Through this process, the health benefits become evident. As the body achieves deeper and deeper states of relaxation, it can operate in a more natural and healthy way. This can be observed through physiological changes including decreased blood pressure, decreased stress response, improved balance, improved cardiopulmonary functioning, etc. It is not through some supernatural event, but rather through allowing the body to function optimally and in its most natural state.
It is from this state of relaxation and quietness that the martial abilities of Tai Chi flow. Martial artists, regardless of style, will agree that true combat prowess comes not from superior techniques, but rather superior attributes, or ways of being. By training your body to move more freely, in a more natural state, your reaction to any stimulus will be quicker, more efficient, and more appropriate. Some confusion may arise regarding the study of the martial component of Tai Chi. Many people seek the purported health benefits and the relaxation that Tai Chi provides, rather than a system of self-defense. But it is through the knowledge of the martial components and the understanding of the principles involved that the other benefits can be fully realized.
So how does one find the proper teacher to lead them through this self-discovery? There are several key points to look for.
They are as follows:
1) Can the teacher trace their lineage back to the founders of the styles (Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu/Hao, or Sun)?
Remember, Tai Chi is a traditional art. Without the proper foundation, the martial abilities and health benefits can never be fully realized. There are no shortcuts in life.
2) Can the teacher explain things in traditional terms as well as in terms that are understandable and scientifically-based?
As a famous Tai Chi teacher once remarked, “There are no secrets,” any teacher who instructs as if there are secrets may not fully understand the concepts they are teaching.
3) Does the teacher abide by their own principles and instructions within Tai Chi?
An instructor who teaches one thing and does another will slow their own learning; and consequently, yours as well.
4) Does the instructor teach that Tai Chi is a martial art, health exercise and philosophy?
Without all three aspects, it can never be true Tai Chi. All three are intertwined. Without all three, a deeper understanding of Tai Chi can never be realized.
Armed with this information, an aspiring student of Tai Chi can fully pursue the incredibly rewarding study it provides. Whether one wishes to learn to simply relax more in their daily life, enhance other physical disciplines or plumb the deepest depths of this ancient philosophy and martial art; this information will help them from being discouraged in finding the right teacher. Do not be afraid to ask a teacher these questions. A good teacher will understand and will respect your desire to find true Tai Chi.
Good Journey!
David Graves currently heads the Trenton branch of Wuwei Taichi School. He has studied martial arts for over ten years. He received his instructorship in Taijiquan under Master Wonchull Park, disciple of Master Chen Peishan, the twentieth generation successor to Chen Family Taijiquan. Master Park currently serves on the Board of Directors of the International Society of Chen Taijiquan. More information can be found at
www.wuweitaichi.org Contact David at David@phillyfitmagazine.com