"If asked the purpose of Tai Chi, it is to achieve long life and never aging youthfulness.
If asked the method of Tai Chi training, the mind and energy come first, the muscle and bones come second"
-- Poem of the Thirteen Postures
It has always struck me that the essence of Tai Chi is contained in these two short verses.
Why else do we exercise and play, than to remain youthful and vigorous in mind and body and more fully enjoy life? There are many approaches to exercise and physical culture. The approach taken by Tai Chi (and this is what differentiates so called "internal" and "external" systems of martial arts training) is to train ourselves to be fully present in mind and spirit in each and every movement and action. As we achieve this awareness, we will also come to live better in our bodies and begin to develop strength, flexibility, balance and co-ordination. This forms a positive feedback that builds on past training to improve our Tai Chi experience.
Once, when the noted Tai Chi master T.T. Liang was asked, "What is Tai Chi?" He replied, "Tai Chi is a Chinese system of calisthenics for good health and self defense."
Whether we want it or not, we are in a fight for our good health and well being everyday of our lives, and Tai Chi will help you achieve success in that daily battle.
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Hopefully, we will see more of you at class this month. ;-)
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