Why is it important today..? Education in the western world has excluded an important factor of human development, the harmonious integration of the mind and body.
The intellectual and rational approach in our society has been greatly emphasised and developed. The intuitive and holistic functions of the individual have been neglected and underestimated. Taijiquan helps develop and exercise both the intuitive and the intellectual aspects of the individual. The Taijiquan exercises, done faithfully and correct with concentrated effort allow the mind and body to function as one.
What benefit will I get from Taiji?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, regular practice of Taiji is beneficial because it strengthens one’s mind (yi) and energy (jing) and allows one’s qi (life force) to increase and flow unimpeded through the body, ultimately transforming into spirit (shen).
More obviously, the benefits of Taijiquan can be appreciated at both a psychological and a physiological level:
- Psychologically, the mental component of the practice builds awareness and concentration.
- Physiologically, the correct practice of Taijiquan addresses the habitual tensing of the posture which restricts movement, disturbs balance, leads to low energy and, in the long term, chronic pain. As movement becomes freer and more relaxed, anxiety, stress and fatigue dissipate and greater vitality is experienced.
Integrating the mind and body through the practice of Taijiquan gives the practitioner a feeling of being grounded and powerful.
How does Hao Style Taiji develop power?
The Hao style syllabus includes sets of exercises of varying length and complexity. These exercises are informed by a detailed theoretical foundation.
Broadly, the practice of Hao Taijiquan has two parts:
- The first part consists of practicing the external forms – the movement of the posture and the torso methods (shenfa). Emphasis is placed on correct anatomical alignment and integrated movement. This foundation allows the practitioner to fully access the power inherent in his or her body.
- The second part focuses on internal structure. In this stage the mind (yi) becomes primary. Taijiquan theory states that where the mind (yi) reaches, the qi reaches, and the energy (jing) follows. Awareness must be unbroken, so that the qi and the energy are unbroken. In a state of utmost calmness the mind is highly focused in the body, continually checking that all parts of the body are natural and relaxed. With increased sensitivity the practitioner achieves a high level of postural control, using the mind to sink the muscle and qi, expand the posture, and open and close the joints.
In paired exercises this awareness, sensitivity and structure is directed at a partner, contesting balance and control. Taijiquan’s martial skills are developed in this manner.
