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Learn About Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellness

With Authentic Chinese Master

Origins
and
philosophy

TaiChi
vs
QiGong

Benefits
of
TaiChi

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The Birth of TaiChi

According to one legend, Tai Chi (also written T’ai Chi Ch’üan, or taiji quan in the more modern pinyin transliteration) was invented during the Song dynasty (12th-13th century), by a Taoist monk from the Wudang Mountains, Zhang Sanfeng. Zhang Sanfeng was already adept in the practice of the Shaolin “external school” (waijia). According to legend, one night in a dream he received the revelation of the “internal school” (neijia) techniques from the Taoist warrior god Zhenwu. Waking up, he put these new techniques to good use by killing 100 bandits single-handed! Another charming story describes how the sage one day saw a white crane attacking a snake. Observing the fluid circular defensive motions of the snake, and the rapid, stabbing offensive motions of the bird, Zhang Sangfeng was inspired to create the fluid and explosive forms of Tai Chi. Zhang Sangfeng must have been an expert practitioner of the forms, since he is said to have lived for hundreds of years and to have ended his life by merging with the Dao and becoming an immortal. These are all legends of course, not history, and it is not even certain that Zhang Sanfeng was a real historical person. But like most legends, the stories of the Zhang Sanfeng’s life contain elements of truth, and have something to tell us about the historical origins of Tai Chi, by associating it closely with Taoist philosophy. The first references to a physical practice that begins to look like Tai Chi can be found in the founding works of the Taoist philosopher Zhuang Zhou: “Inhaling and exhaling in different ways, spitting out the old breath and introducing the new breath, imitating the bear, or the bird stretching its neck, all this tends towards gaining eternal life. This is what those who practice daoyin gymnastics enjoy, those who nourish the body and desire to live as long as Pengzu.”

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Image by Дмитрий Хрусталев-Григорьев
Tai Chi: The Dance of Yin and Yang

Decoding the Name Taiji quan, often translated into English as “Supreme ultimate fist”, is a somewhat obscure term comprising two expressions. "Quan" straightforwardly means “fist”, hinting at Tai Chi’s origins in bare-fisted boxing, despite the inclusion of weapons techniques today. "Taiji", however, carries a profound complexity, literally meaning "the ultimate pinnacle" and representing the active principle of the Dao. Taiji and the Dao If we consider the Dao as the entirety of the natural universe, then Taiji can be understood as the fundamental laws and principles governing the Dao's actions. While the Dao encompasses the universe, it remains undifferentiated. Taiji represents the initial transformation, leading to a series of differentiations that progressively give rise to all observable phenomena, including ourselves. Yin and Yang: The Dance of Change This first differentiation manifests as the two models, Yin and Yang. They are in constant transformation, embodying the Taoist philosophy that everything is in flux, changing from itself into its opposite and back again. Taiji quan can thus be viewed as “boxing based on the ultimate principles of the natural world,” where the fluid movements mirror the constant interplay of Yin and Yang. Internal Strength: The Power of Water Unlike external martial arts, Tai Chi emphasizes cultivating internal strength. It draws inspiration from the Taoist image of water: seemingly weak, yet capable of eroding mountains over time, always seeking its natural course. Body and Spirit: A Unified Whole A key distinction between Taoism and Western philosophy, particularly Christian thought, lies in the perception of the body and spirit. In the latter, the physical body is often seen as an obstacle to spiritual growth. In contrast, Taoism sees no separation between the two. The sage's path to immortality involves refining and strengthening the body's Qi, with immortality being the ultimate point on a continuum of well-being. Qi: The Vital Force Central to Tai Chi, Qigong, and Chinese philosophy is the concept of “Qi”, encompassing both physical and spiritual energy. Again, the interconnectedness of body and spirit is evident: spiritual understanding is intertwined with physical development. Qigong and Tai Chi: Cultivating Qi Qigong, literally “the practice of Qi”, complements Tai Chi by focusing on improving the body’s energy and health through breathing, stretching, and meditation. Thus, the practice of Tai Chi is intrinsically linked to Qigong, both working in tandem to cultivate and harmonize Qi.

5 reasons to learn TaiChi or QiGong
  • Reduce Stress & Anxiety: The gentle, flowing movements and focus on breath work have a calming effect on the mind and body.

  • Increase Flexibility & Balance: Tai Chi and Qigong involve slow, controlled movements that improve joint mobility and overall coordination.

  • Strengthen Muscles & Bones: While gentle, the exercises engage various muscle groups, promoting strength and potentially improving bone density.

  • Boost Immune System: Regular practice may help enhance immune function and overall resilience.

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Tai Chi: The Gentle Power of Self-Defence

While often perceived as a graceful form of exercise for health and well-being, Tai Chi has deep roots in martial arts. Its flowing movements conceal a potent system of self-defence, rooted in the principles of yielding, redirecting, and utilizing an opponent's energy against them. Through dedicated practice, Tai Chi cultivates: Sensitivity and Awareness: Develop a heightened sense of your own body and the movements of others, enabling you to anticipate and respond effectively in challenging situations. Internal Power: Cultivate "fa jin" (explosive power) and "peng jin" (ward-off energy), generating surprising force from a relaxed and grounded state. Balance and Coordination: Enhance your agility and stability, enabling you to move with fluidity and precision, even under pressure. Mental Clarity and Focus: Train your mind to remain calm and focused in the face of conflict, allowing for clear decision-making and effective action. While the martial aspects of Tai Chi are less emphasized in many modern classes, its self-defence potential remains a core element of the practice. At FangYuan TaiChi Centre, we offer specialized training programs that delve into the martial applications of Tai Chi, empowering you to cultivate both inner peace and the ability to protect yourself.

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Two Sides of the Same Coin:
Exploring Qigong v Tai Chi

While both rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom and focused on cultivating Qi (vital energy), Tai Chi and Qigong have distinct characteristics:

  • Movement: Tai Chi is known for its graceful, flowing sequences of movements, often described as "meditation in motion." Qigong encompasses a broader range of practices, including static postures, dynamic exercises, and breathing techniques.  

     

  • Focus: Tai Chi emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and breath through continuous movement. Qigong can be more targeted, focusing on specific health benefits or energy cultivation practices.  

  • Martial Arts Connection: Tai Chi evolved from martial arts and retains self-defence principles within its forms. Qigong generally focuses more on health, wellness, and spiritual development.  

QiGong: Ancient
Wisdom for Modern Healing

Rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom, Qigong emerged over 3,000 years ago as a powerful practice for cultivating health and well-being. Drawing upon the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qigong recognizes the existence of Qi, or vital energy, within every individual. Through mindful movement, focused breathing, and meditation, Qigong practitioners learn to open and balance the flow of Qi along the meridians—the same energy pathways used in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. This enhanced circulation of Qi promotes physical and mental harmony, fostering a sense of deep relaxation, increased vitality, and improved overall health. Beyond its physical benefits, Qigong also offers a profound spiritual dimension. Regular practice can heighten your sensitivity to the subtle energies that permeate the universe, deepening your connection to the natural world and cultivating a profound sense of inner peace. Whether you seek stress relief, pain management, or a path to greater self-awareness, Qigong provides a gentle yet powerful way to unlock your body's innate healing potential and tap into the boundless energy that surrounds us.

TaiChi: Meditation
in Motion

In essence, Tai Chi can be seen as a dynamic form of Qigong, where the flowing movements become a meditation in motion. Tai Chi and Qigong are both rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom and focus on cultivating Qi, or vital energy. However, they differ in their approach. Tai Chi is characterized by its graceful, flowing sequences of movements, often described as "meditation in motion." It emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and breath through continuous movement. In contrast, Qigong encompasses a broader range of practices, including static postures, dynamic exercises, and breathing techniques, often with a more targeted focus on specific health benefits or energy cultivation. While Tai Chi evolved from martial arts and retains self-defense principles, Qigong generally centers on health, wellness, and spiritual development. If you enjoy flowing, graceful movements and seek stress reduction, mental clarity, improved balance, flexibility, and coordination, or are interested in the martial arts aspect, Tai Chi might be the perfect fit for you. However, both Tai Chi and Qigong offer profound benefits for mind, body, and spirit. We encourage you to explore both practices at FangYuan TaiChi Centre and discover the path that resonates most deeply with you.

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