Tai Chi
[Tai] [Chi] is a [Chinese] martial art. Its full name is Tai [Chi] Chuan, a Chinese phrase which can be translated as approximately meaning supreme ultimate fist. Tai [Chi] is a relatively new martial art, with its concrete origins sometime around 1820, although it likely existed for some [time] before that. It is what is known as a soft style of martial combat, putting an emphasis on relaxed muscle positions and the use of an opponent’s momentum, as contrasted with the hard styles, which emphasize muscles in a high-state of readiness, and meeting an opponent’s force with one’s own force. In addition to the martial aspects of Tai [Chi], there is a great deal of stress placed on the concepts of meditative calm, and overall physical health. Indeed, for many [people] living in the modern world, Tai [Chi] is not thought of as a martial art, but rather as a system of movement and breathing meant to be therapeutic. In much the same way that yoga in the West has become divorced from its original intent, so too has Tai [Chi] become something quite different. In many ways, Tai [Chi] is a very Taoist tradition. It teaches such things as learning to move with the world – both in a literal, physical sense in terms of martial self-defense, and in a more abstract, meditative sense. Indeed, the core of Tai [Chi] could be described as simply learning to react appropriately to whatever is offered.
This is one reason why many in the modern world find it so valuable as a discipline. Practitioners of Tai [Chi] usually find that within a relatively short period of [time], they are [better] equipped to [handle] stressful situations, and find themselves less prone to being caught off balance either physically or mentally. In order to cultivate this state of mind, Tai [Chi] practitioners focus on two main types of formal training. In the first, the student learns a number of movement poses that they undertake on their own. These poses work on steady, healthy breathing, supple posture, and a smooth movement of the body’[s] joints. In the second, the student works with another practitioner to understand how these forms interact with another person’s movement. These pushing hands poses help teach a sensitivity, as well as helping to improve the [solo] poses through a more rigorous exercise. In addition to these poses, which one often sees Western practitioners doing in isolation in public parks, or in group classes, Tai [Chi] also makes use of more traditional martial art techniques. Sparring takes place between two practitioners, and is similar to sparring in many other widely-known martial art forms. Tai [Chi] practitioners may also make use of various weapons, including the spear or staff ([chang] or chiang), the broadsword or sabre (tao or dao), the straight [sword] (chien or jien). Other weapons [like] the chain or fan can be used as well.
This definition is too long for this mug.