Wu - Chinese Martial Arts
Tai Chi Introduction | History | Spiritual | Ying and Yang | Training | Weapons | Application
Spiritual
Tai Chi Chuan has a connection with spirituality in the form of its legendary
origination from the Daoist mystic Zhang San Feng. Daoism plays in supplying the
philosophical principles. It is not a religion, but a Chinese spiritual system.
Qi is a Chinese cultural concept that represents the total synthesis of mind, body and spirit. According to the classics, 'where the intent goes, the Qi follows'.
Yi, or intent, is also of great importance to the effective usage of Tai Chi Chuan as a martial art. The mind must be trained to develop a state of 'non-attachment' whereby it is possible to allow the body to work naturally and in a relaxed manner, despite being placed in an extremely stressful situation. The practitioner must also not allow his mind to dwell on hitting or being hit, as either response will impede his body's ability to react naturally to the situation.
Tai Chi Chuan is to be considered a method of programming the subconscious, it is vitally important that the practitioner ensures he is in the requisite state before he begins. For this reason, a short meditation period before a student commences the form will facilitate his ability to relax and to make progress in his body.