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Taiji Quan |
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The Great Ultimate Boxing
Gentle meditative internal martial art. Combining classical Daoist
philosophy of Yin/Yang with popular boxing styles and medical knowledge
of Qi and blood circulation this boxing style can be practised on
many diferent levels. Concentrating on breathing, relaxation, calming
the mind, the movement of Qi or the martial applications of absorbing
in defense or sometimes exploding counterattack, the ways of using
and training in Taiji are virtually limitless. True mastery of this
art can only be achieved through dilligent daily practise and with
the skills of a Master or Shifu to guide and correct.
Taiji Quan's popularity has been slowly growing in the West for
maybe twenty years now and is known by most people on some level.
Many older people are finding the benefits that are known to alleviate
the problems associated with an ageing body. These include general
stability and balance and other more serious problems such as osteoporosis
and heart problems. Research is currently being carried out by hospitals
in this country. |
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Taiji has a long heritage but its' origins are unclear. Stories
of a Daoist monk named Zhang San-Feng being the founder of the school
remain unconfirmed by any reliable documentation. Early reports
also trace the origin to Chenjia Gou (Chen Family Village). Chen
Wangting (1597-1664) after studying Qi Jiguangs' (a famous general)
work "Boxing Cannon", a military training manual, adapted 29 forms
directly into Chen family style. Many years later Yang Lu-chan (1799-1872)
came to Chen village. He wished to study Chen style but had a hard
time proving his worth as he was not of the family. Finally agreeing
Chen Zhang-xing began to teach Yang. Finding him to be an excellent
student Chen passed on the entire transmission. After many years
Yang went to Beijing teaching his boxing to the Manchus'. After
passing through many students Taiji today has five major schools
Chen (Wangting 1597-1664), Yang (Luchan 1799-1872), Wu (Yuxiang
1812-1880), Sun (Lutang 1861-1932) and Wu (Jiangquan 1870-1943).
Today Yang 24 or the Beijing Short Form is the most popular style.
Taking only 5 minutes to complete it is a perfect start to the day. |
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