T'ai Chi

T'ai Chi Ch'uan, or T'ai Chi, is translated as "supreme ultimate fist," and is a Chinese martial art which is known for its claim to increase a practitioner's health and longevity. T'ai Chi is a "soft style" martial art, which is a martial art which concentrates on defensive techniques, such as blocking and redirecting.

Soft styles of martials arts are less physically challenging, and can be suited to older students and those with physical limitations.

T'ai Chi forms are best known as the slow motion routines groups of people practice in parks across China and other parts of the world. T'ai Chi emphasizes awareness of a practitioner's balance and what affects it, and awareness of the same in others. It also teaches practitioners appreciation of the ability to moderate extremes of behavior and attitude at both the mental and physical level.

T'ai Chi is considered a martial art of meditation, and is increasingly thought of as a form of alternative medicine by westerners. T'ai Chi theory and practice is largely in agreement with many of the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.

T'ai Chi forms are characterized by: using leverage based on coordination in relaxation rather than tension, which is thought to improve stamina and circulation; using a relaxed style of motion in coordination with controlled breathing to direct the body; and reconizing the ultimate unity of internal (yin) and external (yang), or mind and body.

There are several styles; Chen style, which is known for its low postures and vigorous martial arts training; Yang style, which incorporates slow, steady, soft movements suitable for general practitioners; Wu style, a highly distinctive style with many small, subtle movements which focus on developing internal chi; Sun style, characterized by high stances with intricate footwork; and Wu Tang style, which emphasizes breathing exercises.

T'ai Chi emphasizes training in three basic ranges- close, medium, and long. Pushes and open hand strikes are more common than punches, and kicks are usually never higher than the hip. The fingers, hands, wrist, elbows, shoulders, back, hips, knees, and feet are most commonly used to strike. Most T'ai Chi teachers will train their students in defensive skills first before offensive skills are taught. There is also an emphasis on kind-heartedness; one is expected to show mercy to one's opponents.