WHAT IS TAI CHI?

Originally, all martial arts started in the Shaolin Temple in the Henan Province of China. Shaolin boxing was inspired by nature and Buddhist philosophy. In Chenjiagou (a small village not far from the temple), they evolved a form of boxing known as Cannon Fist or Cannon Pounding.

A military general called Chen Wang Ting combined the Cannon Fist with Yin/Yang philosophy and Taoist breathing exercises to produce a comprehensive 'soft' martial art known now as Tai Chi Chuan.

Tai Chi is now recognized as the most popular martial art in the world. This is largely due to it's health benefits, which include improved circulation, stronger immune system, suppleness, longevity, decreased stress and increased energy levels.

What is less well known is that there are also many Tai Chi weapons forms, including Sword, Sabre, Spear and even Fan.

The basic principle of Tai Chi is to yield to the attackers force and move it to a place where it cannot harm you. From this gained advantage, you can then strike back or throw your opponent to the ground.

Many of my students ask me if there are any good books about Tai Chi. I have yet to find a definitive English book, and there is no substitute for the oral communication of a good teacher. But the following are some books I have found extremely useful background to supplement my Tai Chi training.

1.    Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching by Timothy Freke.

2.    The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

3.    Urban Warrior by Barefoot Doctor.