I’m a certified instructor and student of Master William C.C. Chen for over 40 years and still take private lessons every Saturday morning. Master Chen is internationally known as a leading practitioner and teacher of Tai Chi Chuan for five decades. He was the youngest “live in” senior student and favorite disciple of the Grandmaster Professor Cheng Man Ch’ing, who was a student of the famous master Yang Ch’en-Fu (1883-1936).
Introduction
At first glance, it may seem to someone, as it did to me, to be contradictory for Tai Chi Chuan, to be a Chinese health and meditative exercise, and, at the same time, this exercise comprises moves that can be applied as an effective martial art. After careful examination, as we focus on the slow dance-like movements, we call forms, the rudiments of neutralizing punches and kicks will be observed. These daily forms are practiced deliberately; when practiced slowly they develop accuracy, balance and rooting, even while the practitioner is in a meditative like state, and as your body establishes a type of “memory”, the forms become natural movements to you. It is clear that this exercise can be practiced from the early teens to someone who is 80+ years old; regardless of age enhanced balance control and coordinated breathing can be beneficial.
As these movements or forms are practiced, they result in providing overall health benefits; while promoting relaxation, the practitioner achieves enhanced physical and emotional health; while developing deep breathing, better balance, and patience. This provides you with more energy, the self-defense movements can actually become a by-product. Daily repetition of the forms or movements should be practiced in a slow and controlled manner and should take seven to ten minutes a day.
It’s easier to maintain the discipline of everyday practice by setting aside the same time every day to practice.
If you are actively practicing any physical exercise: running, weight lifting, dance, swimming, or just walking, of course, you have to learn how to breathe properly. When practicing the forms, the accompanying breathing patterns should become automatic. In order for your training to result in an ability to use tai chi to enhance balance and coordination, a relaxed meditative “mind-set” must accompany your movements. Only when you can be relaxed enough to move without getting tense, while being able to direct your energy, body power or “chi”, can you be effective. Tai chi movements are your foundation; breathing properly by coordinating with these movements must become “second nature.”
If you’re diligent, you should feel increased energy levels, develop balance and control of how your body moves; as you get more coordinated from practicing the forms. Your energy, which is called your “chi” becomes focused and directed.
Martin I. Saposnick
Love your post. This is great information, and I’m really glad I found it. Keep up the wonderful work.
Thank you for the comment. Tai Chi Chuan has been tested in studies that are focused on balance and coordination. I am working on designing protocols so that seniors might have an easier time learning the forms. You can check it out further by visiting http://www.williamccchen.com (I am listed as an instructor on the site.) Tai Chi is good at any age and is, incidentily, a powerful martial art. Check out Ang Lee’s movie, “Pushing Hands”.
Hi Marty it’s about time you shared your wisdom of Tai chi Chuan with the rest of the world. Entering the senior circuit at 63 I can attest to the physical and mental benefits of practicing Tai Chi.
Marty turned me ‘ON” as they said in the old days to this particular style of Tai Chi and I have to say it was one of the best turn on’s in my life.
This particular form can be practiced by senior’s well into their eighties and nineties. Its like watching water flow effortless and rhythmical a quite serenity of conscience movement developed over the course of centuries by devout practitioners. This not some quick fix marketing generatered exercise crap. This is the real deal.
No jerky Olympian movements here just a series of well connected slow movements a lego set of building blocks designed to fit perfectly with ones coordination ability. Here’s another sixties maxi um “When in doubt try it out”.
You have nothing to lose but your aches and pains.
Your a positive force in the universe Marti let the energy flow.