Daniel Otero

Whether it is tai chi, tai chi quan or taijiquan, these names have become synonymous with the slow and elderly. But the truth is, this famous martial art is known the world over thanks to Chinese culture, and is practiced in 150 countries by 100-million practitioners. It has become a martial art that was meant to represent the older generation; which I don’t essentially agree with, because the young can get as much benefit as the old. Originating from Kung fu, it made its way across China during the Song Dynasty and into the fabric of its patrimony. Further, it’s one of the social relics of China.

Many have criticized tai chi as being too soft and cannot truly be called a martial art, since it’s too “dragged out” for those who are younger. The truth is that this powerful fighting system is not only for conflict. It’s a method of meditation, to coordinate your internal organs and breathing to help seek a healthier lifestyle. It is the remedy and assistant to make everything in sync, like the Chinese yin and yang. This is what tai chi is all about, and those who practice this method understand all too well the benefits achieved. It is balance. Famous practitioners in China are movie stars like Jet Li and Donnie Yen.

But the father of tai chi was Zhang Sanfeng (considered a Taoist god). Legend has it that during the Song Dynasty (960 — 1279) he lived between 200 and 319 years, and he achieved immortality through tai chi. Details of his life remain unclear/uncertain/obscure for that matter. But considering the benefits of the art and how long people live, it has been said that many who practice the art achieve longevity and live long past 90 years of age.

How did tai chi come to be?

As with the Shaolin Monks and their invention of Kung fu, the same happened with Zhang Sanfeng. He watched animals in their natural habitat, when one day a bird of prey suddenly came to attack a snake to try and eat it! The snake remained strong and still, but alert. When the bird thought it had the snake within its grasp, the snake counterattacked with its venomous fangs and soon after killed the bird. This shows how a smaller, less-agile creature was able to conquer a bigger one by remaining passive and still. The lesson here is using brains over brawn.

One thing is certain, beyond the legend and mystics, tai chi was created by the monks in the Shaolin Monastery/Temple as a way to ward-off worries, and relieve the pains, wounds and the stresses of life.

Today, the art continues to grow amongst an elderly population not only in China, but abroad. One thing the art has to give is the softness, but it also provides a combination in Chinese boxing good for the heart and strong for the muscles. Those who practice it have increased their lung capacity and their heart muscle has improved. Further, it helps with diabetes, and lowers cholesterol and highblood pressure.

Many who live in the city of Shenzhen practice tai chi as part of their daily lives and routines, making them lighter in their steps, more agile and with a physical-strength coordination that some had never experienced before they did the art.

Keep in mind that tai chi is an internal-martial art. It is one to make the senses more aware, acute and help the body heal.

Shenzhen has at least five different tai chi schools, with their own unique styles, moves, exercises, pushing and combat methods.

However, if you are thrifty or can’t afford lessons, there is always a way to learn and watch all throughout China; especially inside a city like Shenzhen: on a warm, clear day, any day of the week or year, you’ll see tai chi practitioners in their silk uniforms enjoying the morning sun through their breathing exercises. In essence, come and enjoy this time and I strongly believe you don’t have to be an elderly person to incorporate yourself into any of the classes. Any age will do, and if you want to attain physical and mental health, tai chi is the key. Tai chi practitioners describe the martial art in the following way, “Not just an exercise, but a way of life!”