BY DON WILKERSON
Kung Fu is one of the most popular series on television,
Bruce Lee has brought the martial arts to the silver screen, and Karate and Tai
Chi classes are turning people away. Though much of the interest stems from a
contemporary concern for self-defence, many of these ancient exercise forms
have a complex history which relates to philosophy as well as physical
strength. Tai Chi Chuan, for example, is a form of meditation and dance-like
exercise which evolved out of the Chinese physiotherapeutic concern with health
and care of the body.
Tai Chi Chuan is a very old term signifying the absolute,
standing above all else. This concept of the absolute appears in two forms, Yin
and Yang. The term chuan means “fisticuffs” or “the art of fighting”. Tai Chi
Chuan, “absolute fisticuffs”, must therefore be interpreted as implying that a
person’s mind as well as his internal organs, together with the coordination of
the limbs, must be in a condition of constant equilibrium to repel any
assailant.
To produce such an equilibrium it is necessary to carry out
slow, natural, easy movements, breathing normally all the while. The aim is to
procure a condition of harmonious interaction for the body’s multiple elements.
This state is not only the basis of resistance to disease but allows one to
repel physical attack without tension and with a minimum of exertion.
The development of Chi (life-breath) was an early form of
respiratory therapy. “Nei Ching”, the Yellow Emperor’s book of medicine (3000
to 2000 BC), mentioned breathing exercises. These were accompanied by slight
bodily movement which encouraged from the “outside” the state of equilibrium
which the patient tried to attain “inside” through breathing techniques. The
Chi is the vital energy that courses through the body along various meridians,
stimulating the operation of the internal organ systems.
In the third century AD Hua To, founder of Chinese surgery, observed the locomotive system of various animals and devised a system of circular gestures based on the movements of tigers, deer, bears, apes, and birds. He added these curving motions to the Chi breathing exercises – his emphasis was on physical culture and toughness, and the exercises proved effective for self-defence. Thus a form of physical training with a military bias grew out of what was originally a therapeutic technique.
The Buddhists further extended the theory of developing the
physical constitution of the body for self-defence. Boddhidharma, founder of
Zen Buddhism and abbot of the Shaolin monastery in Hunan province, taught the
monks a boxing technique in eighteen movements (Shaolin) for protection of the
monastery and self-defence for travelling monks. The strengthening of the physical
constitution of the body became the “art of fisticuffs” or Chuan. The system
further developed to include 173 movements, bearing a certain resemblance to
Japanese Karate, with the emphasis being almost entirely on self-defence rather
than on the meditative qualities of the Chi therapy.
Modern Tai Chi exercise is comprised of 108 movements, the
style of which vary with the master. They take about 20 to 25 minutes to
perform. The slow relaxed postures of the form involve every section of the
body. Mastery of Tai Chi form takes about four years, depending on the degree
of dedication of the practitioner.
However, the physiotherapeutic benefits of Tai Chi can be
gained quite soon after one begins work. Absence of aches, sound sleep, less
lung congestion, and more vitality have been noted by many novices during the
first weeks of instruction. A gradual improvement in stamina, posture, mental
and physical coordination, accompanied by a relaxed feeling of well-being are
often experienced as one continues the lessons.
Tai Chi as taught by modern masters is somewhat divorced
from its religious origins but it is still a balanced set of principles
embodying therapeutic and martial arts qualities. Which of these is to be
emphasised is usually worked out between master and pupil. In smaller groups an
intimate atmosphere is possible, allowing for a more thorough study of the
exercises and their value.
Currently Tai Chi is being taught by Madam Rose Li at the
newly opened Chinese Cultural Center in Santa Barbara. Madam Li tutors in the
Peking style of Tai Chi, which she learned in Peking at the age of 8. Although
each class begins with a lecture on martial arts theory, internal (therapeutic)
and external (physical) progress is geared to the individual.
From the “Santa Barbara News and Review”, Friday September 7,
1973.
