WHAT IS TAI CHI?

Although Tai Chi teachers share far more than they will probably admit, the one question that divides them is "What is Tai Chi?" Ask 100 teachers, and you'll get 100 different answers. In this article the teapotmonk presents the arguments in short videos for you to decide for yourself.

Teapotmonk asks if Tai Chi is a health or martial art?

IS TAI CHI A HEALTH ART, MARTIAL ART OR PHILOSOPHY?

One difficulty in defining anything related to tai chi is that these definitions are passed down by families and traditions and they tend to be pretty inflexible. What we can agree on is that Tai Chi was originally a Chinese martial art, but over the last century it has shifted its emphasis away from combat, towards other ends. What these ends are, and whether they still constitute “Tai Chi”, is where the arguments begin. For simplicity though, most answers generally fall into one of 3 categories: Health, Martial or Philosophical. Let’s take a quick look at each.

IS TAI CHI A HEALTH ART?

Some people will tell you that Tai Chi is exclusively a health art, practised largely by senior citizens in parks across the world in order to promote good balance, co-ordination, deep breathing and as a tool to overcome stress. The world, they say (with a concerned look) is becoming ever more stressful, with pollution and contamination everywhere we look. Yes, tools are needed that connect our minds and bodies and can help us defend ourselves, but not against human assailants, but rather against an attack on our immune system, our diets our lifestyle. Tai Chi has been updated for new times and new demands.

teapotmonk asks if tai chi is a health art

IS TAI CHI A MARTIAL ART?

Some people will tell you that Tai Chi is still a martial art, and that health practitioners have hijacked the practice from its fighting origins. They will insist (with a shaking fist) that unless you practice the martial aspects, you are practising a bland and empty form of Tai Chi. Is this true? You can read more about Tai Chi as a Martial art here.

IS TAI CHI A PHILOSOPHical art?

Some people will tell you that although we still live in a violent and militaristic age, the world has moved on from the days in which individuals were called to defend villages by hand-to-hand combat. We therefore need to update our training accordingly. For this we need to understand the ideas behind the moves, and the philosophical tradition that is rooted in an ancient text called: the Tao Te Ching. It is only here that Tai Chi can provide us with 21st century tools.

CAN TAI CHI BE MORE THAN ONE THING?

One of the interesting concepts about Tai Chi (that is often overlooked) is that it can possess opposing and often contradictory sides, yet still remain a coherent art. In other words, you can practice the art for health, martial, philosophical and spiritual purposes - for it is all Tai Chi.

Let's take one example: If you are looking to improve your balance - both physical and mental, then Tai Chi offers specific exercises and programmes that can help you achieve these. If, however, you are looking for ways to relax the mind, breathe deeper and find an inner stillness, then there are other aspects of Tai Chi you might prefer to focus on. Finally, there is the series of linked postures known as the Tai Chi Form that are slowly memorised and repeated - almost like a slow-motion dance.

All are aspects of Tai Chi, but you don't need to learn every part. You can choose to learn those aspects that best answer your needs. After all, this is 21st Century Tai Chi - and there are ways to tailor courses to fit you.

So instead of asking "What is Tai Chi", we could ask:

  • Can Tai Chi help me with my co-ordination, posture and balance? (Check out the Complete Tai Chi Course)

  • Can Tai Chi help me relax easier, feel less tense and feel less stressed? (Check out this book with free health course)

  • Can Tai Chi help me strengthen my body, allow me to feel more confident in myself, more efficient and more purposeful in the things I chose to do? (Check out the weekly workouts)

  • Can the ideas behind the moves help me interpret a world that is in constant flux and turmoil? (Read the Bean Curd Manual)

All these things are possible. Everything depends on what you are looking for.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

teapotmonk walking

3 things you can do right now that will set you on the path to good respiratory health:​

  1. Free: Get the basic TAI CHI PDFS

  2. ​Starter: Try this short but intense 30 Day 10 STEP Form Course

  3. Full Course: Enrol in the COMPLETE TAI CHI course that teaches all aspects over one year.