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Tai Chi
Tai Chi is to be introduced into certain Irish schools, in a programme aimed at six and seven year olds. Obviously the stress of rolling malar snakes and playing with sand is just getting too much. But why should the infants get all the calm? Why not check out a course in Tai Chi for yourself?
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system of ballet-like exercises designed for health, spiritual development and…ahem…self-defence. "Stop kicking my head or I will be forced to assume the White Crane Spreads its Wings position." Proponents counter such cynicism by telling us that the rewards of Tai Chi as a self-defence mechanism takes time to attain - but at least you'll have some inner tranquillity if you are set about by a three large men and a Rottweiler.
Tai Chi was first mentioned as early as 122 BC in Chinese chronicles, which described Taoist monks giving it loads in the courtyards. When the art formally began is couched in mystery. Legend has it was developed by a Taoist monk by the name of Chang Sang Feng. Feeling that other martial arts of the time were too violent, he lived as a hermit for years up a mountain, observing moves from the animal world that he thought he could adapt for people. Connecting them with the guiding principles of Taoism, he came up with his Grand Ultimate System.
Over the centuries, the system went through many changes, eventually ending up being kept as a secret by a certain Chen family. Fortunately, one of their wily young servants earwigged on their sessions and went on to develop the Yang style of Tai Chi, which is the style most commonly practised today.
Tai Chi has about 120 different postures, which are performed in a specific order in forms. You can choose to learn a short form if you want something quick to do before you run for the bus, or a 30-minuter if you have a long memory and time on your hands. However, each form aims to centre the mind and body. As practitioners go through the movements, they also do breathing exercises to improve respiratory and circulatory functions. The aim is to complete the form in a one fluid movement.
Simply learning the names of the postures will vastly improve your home life. You get an instant injection of mysticism and will have an inscrutable, non-committal answer to awkward questions.
"Is there anything for dinner?" "Repulse Monkey."
"Will you sew this on for me?" "Needle at the Bottom of the Sea."
"What did you use to do when you were young?" "Wave Hands Like Clouds."
Apart from the relaxation and enviable self-defence elements of Tai Chi, it also has a spiritual side. Practising the art is meant to assist the flow of chi (vital life energy) through the body, dissolving blockages both within the body and between the body and the environment. This helps you get control both over yourself and the world around you.
Described as meditation with movement, Tai Chi is based on the two fundamental Taoist precepts of yin and yang. Although they are seen to be opposites, the belief is that each must yield and merge with the other to achieve peace.
In fact, Tai Chi is so enamoured with the yin and yang idea that its symbol is that black and white circle yoke with the dots, so beloved by teenagers worldwide. Everything can be understood and explained by referring to these opposing principles. Tai Chi, in the manner of Kellog's Just Right, helps you get the balance right.
So with Tai Chi, you should learn to balance the conflicting demands in your life and to handle other people with non-aggression and flexibility. Ah yes, flexibility. Apart from all the mystical stuff, just how fit will Tai Chi get you?
Tai Chi movements are too slow to give you a cardiovascular workout, but it its defined poses do encourage muscle development. Practitioners believe that it is beneficial to the digestive system and that it promotes nutrient absorption. It is also said to have a positive influence on circulation and the lymphatic system, promoting a healthy heart.
We've all seen those people in the parks who look like they are raving very slowly - perhaps to Beethoven. They are in fact Tai Chi practitioners. You've been intrigued by their grace, their serenity, their blatant lack of embarrassment in the face of catcalls from 15-year-olds drunk on cider. Well, watch in wonder no more.
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