This is, without a doubt, the most useful and insightful video I've seen about tai chi on UA-cam. I've practiced tai chi for 40 years. Presence is the essence of tai chi practice, and the experience of presence becomes continually deeper and deeper, and at some point, the presence of Tao is another possibility.
I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life (40s). I had been taking taekwondo classes for a few years before that and never really realized that - when I was doing something that demanded my physical AND my mental attention at the same time - things finally felt in sync. It's amazing what martial arts can do, especially for those of us blessed with ADHD super powers. Keep it up, friend. You are not alone.
Thank you for such a wonderful explanation of how Tai Chi affects our inner & outer being as well and how we can experience bliss. I love that word, bliss. I am starting a Tai Chi session on Tuesday, March 26 and am so looking forward to it. It is something I want to incorporate into my life long-term.
Live in New York City and had a lot of opportunity to observe Chinese people performing tai chi in Chinatown where I worked. They were incredibly strong physically I saw a man in his 60s climb up a flagpole keeping his feet in an L formation all the while looking at me as he ascended to the top smiling and laughing as he went. I’m grateful that they let me practice with them as I knew this would aid me in my old age now that I am older I am so grateful to have been exposed to tai chi
"People that get stuck thinking about whats going to happen next or what's going to happen in my future is because they're not present." That just spoke to my soul. You have earned your subscriber! *Martial Arts Bow*
I remember the first time I felt that flow state while doing tai chi. It lasted for about four or five movements, then I realised "I'm not moving, my body is moving itself!" and of course, that interrupted the flow, but ... wow. Having your mind be nothing, only being present, letting your body go on autopilot and do the thing, it's a hell of a feeling.
I know exactly exactly exactly what you mean! You feel like you are being moved effortlessly is that feeling you get when you’re doing isometrics and you suddenly let go and your arm goes in the direction that it was going in by its self it is a glorious feeling until you’ve experienced it it will just look like slow motion dancing and nonsense
I'm 65 and after a debilitating flu a couple of years ago I felt drained and without energy most of the time. Then I found a few good Tai Chi videos on UA-cam and just joined in and I feel so much better especially more energy. At the same time I felt I wanted to learn some self-defense, but we live in a small village and there are no classes. Then I read more and more about Tai Chi and it seems to me that it fits the bill for me. I can get more energy and I can learn some internal form of self-defense. Nice. Thank you for uploading your videos, I will follow along! Greetings from sunny Spain!
Thank you Antje I’m glad you’ve found tai chi. Tai chi is one practice that will look after you for life. It is healing on so many levels, some of which make sense, and some are beyond words. Tai chi frees up energy which tends to get stuck in the body. One of the first benefits is increased vitality and energy. Well done for getting started!
"In the present moment there are no problems" That really makes me realize.. hehe...😀 all my problems are in the future right now... right here everything is fine.
Ive noticed that because of work ive became stressed and inpatient. Ive been working on daily mediation but i like movement. This morning i started my journey of thai chi, and i already loved it.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Tai chi will dissolve stress and impatience guaranteed. I suffered in the past with anxiety and problems breathing due tightness in the chest area from too much "holding on" and "holding in". Tai chi is about letting go, release, and relaxation, which are the antithesis of stress. It only gets better!
I heard Anne LaMotte last night on a PBS station out of San Francisco. I was moved when she said it's OK to feel awkward in attempting to join a new group and to feel awkward for a while. This morning when I meditated, I thought of a Tai Chi group which meets in an old public park here in Northern California. I drove by and saw a group practicing. I decided to get a cup of coffee and come back when they were finishing. I met a lone man on his way to his car and I asked what it took to join. He said "just be here at 8 am. I'm the instructor." I introduced myself and we both have the same first name! I have not flourished during the pandemic. My nature is to be reclusive. I needed to get out of the house more. I get up very early so there is nothing stopping me, so I will be there tomorrow morning. Your video on the benefits of Tai Chi is just excellent, a real affirmation for the beginning of my journey. Thank you!
Wow! That you for sharing that wonderful story. I'm delighted you have found a local tai chi school and I'm humbled that my video helped you move in this direction. You won't regret it!
"The way we do some things, is the way we do all things." So true! It's wonderful to recognize how the practices of softening can make transformations within our whole life. Such a beautiful method! Thanks for sharing with the community.
Well, I just had tai chi lessons lately in hospital with a physiotherapist. And while I really liked it, and it made me feel excellent, and I want to continue with it, I DID think about other things all the time. For example, one time I was just about to make me a cup of coffee when my therapist asked me if I would like to have a tai chi lesson, I thought about wanting my coffee. All the time I thought about that. Coffee, coffee, coffee... Yes, I did have to think about what I was doing etc but my mind could still wonder all over the place. I just cannot understand how people are able to stopn their mind from wondering. I do have problems with anxiety, that"s why I was in the hospital. That"s why I cannot concentrate. I hope tai chi and yoga will help me. Greetings from Estonia!
Helen Golovin thanks for sharing. All thoughts arise as an expression of feelings. I understand what you mean about thoughts coming up during tai chi. Even though tai chi practice requires concentration, there’s not many things that can contend with the minds incessant need to always be thinking, to always be busy. That you are aware of your thoughts in the first place is already a great achievement. as you witness thoughts it becomes more and more clear “that we are not our thoughts” we are merely the witness of thinking. I used to be very anxious and have panic attacks. Tai chi helped a lot, especially with my breathing, which used to be mainly chest breathing leading to tightness in the chest. As I practiced more tai chi and sitting meditation, I learned to let go of tension faster, until letting go became a habit. After a few years of practicing acceptance, release, and letting go, this became the dominant pattern. If you are interested in diving deeper into the mechanics of letting go I highly recommend a book called “letting go” by David R. Hawkins. I’m not an expert on yoga, but I have no doubt it will help with anxiety, as will tai chi and meditation. All three aim to direct awareness inside the body, and more internal awareness of what’s going on inside the body is a good thing. Thanks again 🙏
I've been practicing tai chi for so long. I def have gained that advanced awareness flow state. I use it at the gym and create new functional workout techniques. Its really amazing
@@PabloTheOne it starts with doing simple movements that are altered according to the syncing of your breathe. Then overtime , you'll reach an awareness where you feel the muscle fibers spark. Over time, you'll feel the muscle fibers through whole motion Spark together. Then with practice youll really feel a flow of the ignited muscles with even a Slight tai chi gesture you practiced like 1000 times atleast. Notice with each body part , you must allow your breathe to travel there to open up blocked areas where Chi isn't flowing properly. All this stuff Then you'll notice when you apply with weights, your workouts will feel so dynamic and flow driven.
Discovered my first class today in the park and signed up for the next one. I, too, noticed how it completely had my focus and that felt great/unusual! I am a former dancer and I LOVE the flow, and the whole body moving as one. I feel a natural "rapport," you could say, with this idea. I'm excited about beginning my journey with this practice and your video further inspires me!
That's awesome Madeline and thank you for sharing your experience . It really is one of the best things we can do for the mind and body, and many people are yet to discover this for themselves. I hope you stick with it. There is a certain "timing" to movement which I'm sure you already know about. I think you will enjoy the journey ahead. Thank you 🙏
I had some lessons in the '70s and the instructor always said to stay aware of your breathing. The in-out of your breath is the basis of the flow of movement. Tai-Chi is like meditation in movement.
I can't disagree that breathing is important. The breath is fascinating and powerful. That said I don't give much attention to it other than to be aware of if I am holding the breath in anyway or if the breath is restricted in anyway. I usually focus on relaxation, alignment, sinking/rooting (requires relaxation) and center. I believe intention and relaxation are more important for flow of movement than anything else. Do you want to enter into a state of non-resistance, of non-interference. So long as we don't interfere with the breath and try to control it - because it doesn't want to be controlled anyways - flow will occur naturally.
I'm currently stuck in the covid shelter in Shanghai and and a thought popped into my head - well, I can't do yoga here, but why not give tai chi a try. I've been seeing these amazing elderly people in the local parks practicing tai chi and I was always astonished by the beauty, flawlessness, and perfection of their moves, like water waves. And I tried today and it definitely is a new milestone for me, I loved it. It's very similar to yoga in a way. But different, here you practice more balance standing on your feet. And your explanations and tips for beginners are super helpful, cuz it's definitely hard to make it smooth. Hope you are safe and healthy! 谢谢，师傅🙏
Woke up this morning with a bad migrain. Decided to try and do my normal workout Dvds had to give up half way through as head was so painful. Did my Tai Chi one as I know I feel so relaxed and fulfileld after( only been doing a few weeks). By the end I suddenly realised my megrain had gone!
Isn't that amazing? Tai chi is the most transformative system of movement in existence. Any type of tai chi will bring unexpected positive results. I've been practicing for about 13 years and still only scratching the surface of this incredible art. The main reason people feel so good in my opinion is because of relaxation in the form of releasing tension and letting go, which is contrary to many other forms of exercise that require resistance as a premise.
thank you for the benefits of tai chi. just started 3 days ago and I am already experiencing the ingle in my arm an my shoulder just keeps feeling better. will continue
Wow. Thank you so much for this inspiring and heart warming video! I started to practice Tai Chi few month ago and I was positive shocked how fast I am able to relax doing this beautiful Martial Art. Especially in our current time it's more necessary than ever to come in a smooth and strong state to create a peaceful world. May the force be with you! ☯
Thank you much appreciated! 🙏 relaxation is the way. It is the number one principle, and it sure is needed now more than ever. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Word. This is exactly what I teach . Live in the moment, feel harmony and connect with the universe. I haven't heard anyone talk about wildlife. I have had countless encounters with wildlife while practicing. It's almost like they are curious or fascinated. Practice !
Excellent words about Tai chi and I agree with everything. The detail and nuance of Taijiquan is incredible, endlessly fascinating. The understandings practice of this art can lead to are unlike anything else. Tai chi can help improve whatever else you do.
AMAZING PRESENTATION! I am about to introduce TAICHI to interested residents in my condo building. What a wonderful referral I can make to your videos. WELL DONE! Thank you for your invaluable contribution towards furthering health and peaceful personal development practices available to us all in these worrisome times. Blessings.
The greatest martial art combatants also studied Tai Chi, because it put them in tune with their inner power, thus enhancing any combative martial art.
I had learned a Yang Tai Chi and a Chen Tai chi form BOTH on VHS,and a friend wanted me to do them at his birthday party. I did them and a guy I recognized from a TKD Dojo asked me who my Sifu was and told him i learned them from, and Itold him from some old VHS tapes I had. He still kept asking and I told the same thing. He told me nobody could perfect forms like that unless a Sifu was teaching them in Person and I did that I didn't have to be a stuck up a-hole. I am learning a Both a Yang Form and Chen Form. and I know what everyone is talking about . This is a nice video . Neal
Thank you for sharing your experience. It is very difficult to learn taiji from a video. There are many angles and subtleties to master. If you can demonstrate a good quality form from video training alone that's fantastic. Well done. 👊
I discovered the benefits of tai chi when I was very high on weed. The thing when you’re high on weed you can feel everything inside of your body. I noticed when I moved slowly I felt so good. And I started tai chi
Thanks very much indeed, Colin. Your video on the benefits of Tai Chi is fascinating and very motivating! You explain the importance of internal energy very clearly. I subscribed to your channel and will watch all of your Tai Chi videos. By the way, you deserve many, many more subscribers than you have.
Honestly whoever is reading this this man is speaking truth. To me taichi is like magic, i dont know about others but since i started tai chi i felt my chakras opened and how do i know this ? Not only did i felt amazing like water flow in my breathing but also all of a sudden good things started to happen to me thats when i thought maybe tai chi opened my blocked chakras ? Anyway tai chi is a blessing i cannot a have a day go without me doing it even if for 20mnts
Thank you so much, I believe, TaiChi is a wonderful experience. I was introduced to lessons many years ago when I worked in NYC. I loved learning the great classes that gave me a good work out for my body, and mind was satisfied. I always had TaiChi on my mind and totally admired the process to study although I was finding it easier to practice Yoga at that time. Now in my later years I’m so happy to have the videos and of these ancient exercises available as I have feel in love with the flow and never forgot the movements I have learned after all the years gone by and looking forward to do and learn as much as I can.
Tai chi is excellent for this. Relaxation is the key to being able to move freely when your opponent is stuck. Tai chi will help your other practices. 🙏
Love yr explainations about tai chi . Am already a practioner of Qi gong and could follow and understood your meanings. This will be my next step to seeking harmony of self by way of Tai Chi practice. Only problem there's not many good master here to learn from . Been seeking a sifu who is willing to part their knowledge wish me luck, cheers .
Great ! I am german. Your voice is calm and easy to understand. You are right! There is so much contraction, tension, non-awareness in the world. And if you see Adam Mizner-pushing hands, its a kind of miracle what Qi and Emptyness can effort. Sorry, for my english…
Excellent video on the benefits of Tai Chi! I am a Tai Chi instructor as well & found this highly beneficial for me as I promote this amazing practice in my area. Thank you so much! I love everything about Tai Chi & Qigong & also starting to learn Mandarin. Let your chi flow Colin, you’re awesome!!
Hi Colin, many thanks for this wonderful video. I’ve been practicing tai chi for around 12 years but I’ve never heard it explained this good. I’m hooked on your channel. Cheers Pete
Thank you so very much for this inspirational video. I was just starting to learn about tai chi but I didn’t understand all these important significant powerful treasures, so you have definitely inspired me. I wish though that it would also burn calories like a regular workout. I so look forward to your other videos. Thank you
Thank you Sharon I'm delighted that you found inspiration through this video. For the record when done correct tai chi absolutely burns calories - especially once we learn to relax. When we relax the weight from the upper body sinks down into the legs which in turn have to deal with the downward force. Tai chi makes the legs stronger. For most practitioners however it will be a low calorie burning exercise when compare to other cardio or high intensity workouts. Thank you 🙏
Thank you so very much! I did a practice right now and I loved it, especially knowing it will help make my legs stronger and most importantly will help me RELAX. I became aware of the excess tension I was carrying in part so my body. Again, thank you!
I love the information in the video and your excitement about wanting to get ppl into this, so they can all feel the amazing benefits. I am and Essentrics instructor (a fitness program inspired by tai chi, among other things) and i love it, wanted to understand more about tai chi to see what that can give you (as i have never tried it). A lot of what you said was resonating with how i feel about Essentrics. I will definitely give tai chi a try at some point, i have a feeling i would love it!
Very excited to learn more. Started a tai chi chih class at a local YMCA. just felt so intrigued. I’m a type A personality and need more balance. You are right I was so focused on the moves and Could really just be so present and I really enjoyed it. There was Spa I like your music playing and I love the focus it takes. Oddly enough I felt so energized after the second class. So yes it’s relaxing but very freeing and energizing. Will watch more of your videos thanks for the great explanations. I’m excited to see what is to come 🥰 namaste
Sounds like you had a great experience. That's exactly what I would expect for who practices tai chi! We feel more energised because of the relaxation. The more we relax the less tense we are, the less tense the less resistance. Less resistance = more flow. Glad you found tai chi and thanks for sharing your experience 🙏
Wow thank you so much. This video is brilliant. Had my first TC class this evening and I came away kinda thinking I'll never get this, is it even worth it. You've given me the encouragement and inspired me to keep at it. Happy New Year to you
Please stick with it. Taiji is the gift that keeps on giving and it will take care of you for life. Someone close to me started in their 60s and only gets stronger and stronger and more relaxed every week. Appreciate your feedback!
@@CenterLifeBalance Thanks for the message. I've had 4 classes now and actually, I'm starting to feel something......it's subtle but good. Definitely going to keep going with it! Cheers
Congratulations on this lecture bringing froth the benefits of Tai chi. May be some practical prersentations ctop those principles could heklp connectiong ideas into a series of steps scucceeding one another. Best regards. Paul, 67.retired instructor of Karate.
I think I'm stuck in sympathetic overload and tried breathing which only seemed to make me more anxious. I did some Tai chi today and felt the movements with the nasal breathing really helped. I hope it continues. Thankyou
Tai chi permanently solved my anxiety more than 10 years ago. Just like a confident posture can effect our state of mind and increase confidence, the balanced movements of tai chi result in a more balance mind and help us release that which is not balanced. 🙏
Thank you for your words. I teach a free class for mostly seniors and they have not reached that place of relaxing. We only meet once a week but they are all trying so hard to learn the movements. So I have no doubt they will reach a place that they will just let go and do their tai chi. It is hard to explain to them what will happen when they reach a place that everything goes inward.
Thank you so much Colin :) Your explanation was wonderful... I loved every word you said and felt great in my being... I remember my first Tai Chi class, about 5 years ago, where I had a master; an amazing beautiful woman, who like me, loved Tai Chi and drawing/painting. She was really calm and confident and I had a target at that time, to be like her... But still loved to continue Tai Chi, even without her, cause she left there after a few months. And now, I'm very glad to meet you and benefit from your lovely channel. Thank you again... Peace & Love :)
We have to learn to detach ourselves from the mind. Our mind is our worst enemy. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Tai Chi. I am learning Tai Chi myself.
Observation is the key. The mind can be a powerful tool if used correctly. In some ways it can be like an enemy to be conquered or defeated. later we come to see ii more like a pet to be tamed. Tai chi will help unite the mind and body through focus, concentration, and awareness of the internal states. Thank you for your comments.
I wonder if there’s a difference between the benefits of Tai Chi and MBSR …and guided mindful meditations. The 8 week MBSR course. And then a lifetime of mindful meditation and becoming mindful and being in the moment.
Thank you for an insightful video, .. I would like to share also some words .. Studying the scriptures from God, and understanding the true definition as purely defined by our creator, makes us truly realise God.. and this is what "Islam" an arabic word means, a process of achieving peace, submitting to will of our wise creator letting go of tension and stress.. Muslim is an arabic word meaning a person who has quality of peace inside him.. which is only achieved by studying and guidance of mind through words of our creator.. which comes to a pruifying seeker.. I have started recently practicing tai chi, which yes gives me physical benefit. And will surely continue for deeper understanding and benefit.
Th am you. And Well said. As a course in miracles begins.. "Nothing Real can be threatened, nothing unreal exists. Therein lies the peace of God." Taiji will definitely help you on your journey to know thyself. It is indeed a mystical martial art.
After my first tai-chi session with an 80+ yo asian master who was not speaking the same language as his students and was only communicating with the groups by gestures, I felt like floatting above ground and feltg the energy flowing through my body. It is difficult to express in words really. Unfortunately, when I went for my second lesson, the tai chi master was gone. I tried to find a coach/master ever since, to no avail. Disappointment after disappointment. I probably have idealized this first session. Am I cursed?
Absolutely not cursed. Real Tai Chi masters are extremely rare. Sometimes with Tai Chi we can have an experience that gives us a glimpse of what is available energetically, structurally, physically, mentally, spiritually. These experiences come and go, and frequently they change/evolve. Doesn't mean you are not improving. If you have a standing meditation practice that's very helpful, other than that you should learn and practice the form as much as possible to get the best results. You don't need a tai chi master to accumulate amazing benefits from the practice of Tai Chi, but if you're extremely serious about it and you want to reach a very high level yourself, you will need to seek out a very high level teacher or a master who can guide you. The most important thing is depth in a single empty hand form rather than accumulation of multiple forms. Try to find a teacher who is the student of a master. That's the best advice I can give. Hope that serves you.
Are used to think that chi was so much mumbo-jumbo. I thought it was something that was done to sell martial arts magazines but when I began to study seriously and began to experience it in my own body it made a believer out of me I got to the point where I could feel it in others when we did the push hand exercises or when I touched people who are not tai chi practices. I could become one with their energy and flow with it it was a beautiful feeling it was like a dance and it does make you peaceful because you begin to realize that we are all fragile creatures that we all possess the capacity for power and you just want to give it away at one point I feel like I was moving in slow motion I felt like I was stoned! Like I said it’s a great feeling now that I’m older I’m using it in my rehab to heal some of my bodies ailments I’m glad I got exposed to it when I was younger otherwise I never would’ve known this
Similar effects are common between tai chi and meditation. In tai chi though intention is quite active, in meditation we aim to let go of intention. The ultimate purpose of meditation is peace and stillness. I love both!
Currently on Day 2 of my Tai Chi 100 Day Journey and ALL OF THIS - this is what I feel right now. I’ve decided now that I want this to be a part of my life forever ❤️
@@CenterLifeBalance Good come-back - I have just started Tai Chi and this video gives excellent reasons why I should continue, and others should start. It's a pity some people find a course not worth the money. The only way to learn is with a Master!
Just a few days ago I discovered Taiji. Incredible changes for me and I know this is just the beginning. First, when I bent over to pick something up I found it was much easier for my body to do. I was confused and left to wonder. I am an excellent tennis player. On the court I found I had much more flexibility and could hit the ball so much harder and faster. Again wonder but now curiosity. Was this the result of starting Taiji? How could this be in just a few days? Then I noticed I was moving more fluidly in day to day normal activities. So, I became more convinced Taiji is having some sort of effect even though I do only the simplest Taiji exercises. Now I have just seen this video. How wonderful!!! It ticks off all the new things I am experiencing. Now I know for the first time I have discovered Taiji and understand why the friend who showed me has been doing it most of his life.
Thanks for sharing. This video is the top of the iceberg in terms of benefits. If you stick with it taiji will continue to blow the mind and transform the body. 🙏
Thanks very much for your response! I like to say I will "travel in time with it". That means I won't "stick with it" I will not make it a "job of worK" but of with the flow and look to enjoy it everyday as it helps me through life. This is the wisdom that has come to me as an "old man" of 81 years. Thank you for revealing it so clearly to me. So that I can clearly see what I have discovered so late in life.
I recall one evening I was practicing figure 8 movements with my 2KALI sticks I was using the principles of tai chi in that I was flowing my movement was continuous and it was measured all of a sudden I went into a place where I felt I was moving in slow motion it was like I was flying it was like I was being carried lifted and manipulated it was glorious! I realized on some level I was moving faster than I had ever moved before yet it seemed like I was moving in slow motion it was a crazy wonderful paradox all the while I could feel this cool electrical energy flowing upward from my lower abdomen into my limbs it felt like tiger balm hot and cool at the same time I know I didn’t imagine this and I practiced it for several minutes like I said it was glorious it open my eyes to all of the stuff that I had read when I told one of my training partners what happened he was so jealous! Especially since I wasn’t Chinese and he was LOL
The heat and cold is always a pleasant experience kind of reminds be of yin and Yang presenting in the body. There are many wonderful sensations that come and go. Always changing with no two forms ever the same. Yes that's taiji. A blissful experience it seems you had. I'm glad for you. Well done 🙏
40yrs Quiet and Yang once I was doing Yang, Wave hands like Clouds, I felt like I was going float off the ground, it scared Me I had to pause .It was three days After my teacher " Marshall Ho " died ?😮🤐
Hi, what programs do you recommend to become trained to teach tai chi (and develop my own practice), especially for women and children? Thank you. Ps... my son named our dog Shen years ago...and incidentally he has been sitting right next to us, alert and looking relaxed and happy while we have been song morning qigong lately aa a family. Thank you!
Tai chi is amazing. i'm feeling very relaxed and present just after my first day practice. that what i couldn't get from meditating by sitting.. even after weeks of meditation.
mistersz that’s fantastic I’m happy that you had a good tai chi experience. Tai chi helps to focus awareness and is great for presence. Keep up the good work!
Tai chi chuan is moving meditation , & there is more energy releasing out of the body . That's why you felt more relaxation . Sitting meditation is static meditation , & there is more energy moving inside the body . Traditional meditation practitioners do both , daily .
Thank you. I would recommend finding a teacher if you can, especially in the beginning. You can certainly learn the movements by yourself but there is a lot of detail and the benefit of having a teacher is feedback on your practice.
Very well said. I have a black belt in an External style and practice Yang style Taiji in the US that includes loostening, Push hands, and Meditation. I don't really consider what I am doing a Martial art. I would consider it an internal mind body practice. I have to say that calling 95% of Tai Chi practices "martial Arts" seems like a misnomer these days. Most tai chi where folks practice forms with no application at all of the concepts or martial applications seems like it should have another name. It doesn't seem like even calling it internal anything seems correct if all someones is doing is a form with no understanding what they are trying to feel or develop. Its more like a relaxing movement class. Curious your thoughts?
Probably 99% of people will never be able to use Tai Chi as a Martial Art. To be able to use it properly as Martial Art one must be able to sink the chi to the dantien. This is already very difficult. Unless someone has been able to sink the chi they will be relying on applications without power, and if they come up against somebody that's Trained, who is fighting regularly or sparring regularly, they will be in for a shock. Tai chi people are generally not used to rough and tumble training outside of Chen village. But I do believe it's more than just relaxing. The process of relaxation develops a habit of letting go, which in itself is very transformative. And worth practicing for a lifetime.
The reason you get the impression that taiji is not a martial art, is because you're practicing Yang-style, and also because your teacher isn't a brawler. There are critical things missing in Sun, Wu, Yang and Hao styles. Their focus is on Yin energy. Always softness, yielding, relaxing and a unique lack of tension, and finally, slowness. In fact, being completely soft is considered a virtue and a mark of doing it right. The slowness invites relaxation to propagate, and a byproduct is a calm mind that begins to meditate, "accidentally", and this meditation improves with time and effort. Because of this approach, the aforementioned styles gradually become effortless, and indeed some practitioners boast of long duration practice, and incredible energy boost. All this is to say that those styles are excellent for chilling out, becoming a better person, and even healing physical and mental wounds. This is not the correct approach for martial arts. What happens during a fight? You go all out. You move as fast as possible. You become winded, your heart races, you exert force, and lose or win, you're tired after 1, 5, 10 minutes of exerting yourself at maximum effort, you gas. Your muscles are so sore you can hardly move your arms. Just like lifting weights, doing sprints, or swimming miles. For taiji to be effective, you have to break all the rules. First, you must realize that taiji is not just soft Yin. It must also be hard, Yang. Then you need a challenging form. Chen style has the burst punches, the jump kicks, the spin kicks, the exploding elbows, the low stances and the move, "swing kick, straddle, split". Done properly, it requires the flexibility to perform a split, and the strength to come out of it. So you need the same strength and limberness to do Chen at full speed, range and power, as you would need at a kickboxing gym. Since, in a fight, cardio is king, you must perform Chen as fast as you can, which is the speed you will naturally use in real melee. You must punch and kick with hardness, just like at a kickboxing gym, just like you would do in a fight. Instead of reeling silk, you must reel steel cables, then your Chen form will leave you gassed, flat on your back, breathing hard. You must keep practicing like this until your "pound the mortar" shakes the very pavement under your feet. Then you're training Taijiquan. I broke the training instruction of every Yang, Wu, and Chen teacher I've ever had, to bring you this knowledge. You must train your form like you're trying to rip someone's arms off. This is wholly in violation of every teaching tradition, the spirit of peaceful resolution, the peaceful warrior, the meditator tradition. But it is even more Taoist because it wholly embraces the total combination of Yin and Yang energy, so your form will be more true, more complete, more dangerous, than every other taiji player you ever meet. You have to break the rules to get the real Supreme Ultimate. You fight, the way you train. If your training does not include the demanding conditioning elements of wrestling, boxing, Shaolin, or MMA, then how could you possibly be prepared for violence and fighting? Hence, Yang style et al, is not the road to effective self defense any longer. The training is not in touch with the reality of violence and can't give you the total ability you need. It means they're watered down to the point of being broken forms. Better to do karate or jujitsu, than to train soft-only taiji and actually think you can brawl with brawlers with an unrealistic training method.
Lots of good point there. I would add that in the Laojia Yi Lu form there is Yin and Yang, and going all out hard and fast when one hasn't mastered the principles is putting the cart before the horse. There's a saying the chen masters use "slow first, then fast". moving at full speed with full power is something only a handful of people in the world can do, I would guess 5 or less. It's as rare as enlightenment. In softness there is hardness, like waves in the ocean, they don't need to become hard, but through softness they unite to become powerful. A worthy object.
@@CenterLifeBalance I suppose that I could have prefaced my dissertation by saying: "yeah, so, before you do yilus so fast you're out of breath in five minutes, or do six sealing or tie the coat like you're trying to rip someone's arms off, be sure you spend ten, no, twenty, years, sinking your qi, relaxing and cultivating yin and softness before becoming a Yang fajin bomb". I do only xinjia. Been training since I was fourteen. Did healing with Yang style first. Meditation with Wu style second. Then martial arts with Chen style. I'm not even 60 years old yet, but by following Chen Fake's method, and incorporating MMA conditioning, the ground shakes under my feet. I'm not even Chinese. If there are only 5 masters on Earth that can train Chen at full speed and are not scared they will wreck their qi by using Yang hardness, then congratulations, you just met one of the five.
This is, without a doubt, the most useful and insightful video I've seen about tai chi on UA-cam. I've practiced tai chi for 40 years. Presence is the essence of tai chi practice, and the experience of presence becomes continually deeper and deeper, and at some point, the presence of Tao is another possibility.
Just coming up to middle age and have been practicing tai chi for 25 years. I'm so grateful to have this under my belt at this stage in my life
What benefits Tai Chi brought to your life?
I have ADHD and Tai Chi has been the only thing I have ever tried that comes near to focusing my hyperactive brain, and keeping me calm. 😊
I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life (40s). I had been taking taekwondo classes for a few years before that and never really realized that - when I was doing something that demanded my physical AND my mental attention at the same time - things finally felt in sync. It's amazing what martial arts can do, especially for those of us blessed with ADHD super powers.
Keep it up, friend. You are not alone.
Thank you for such a wonderful explanation of how Tai Chi affects our inner & outer being as well and how we can experience bliss. I love that word, bliss. I am starting a Tai Chi session on Tuesday, March 26 and am so looking forward to it. It is something I want to incorporate into my life long-term.
It would be great to hear how tai chi has helped you with your ADHD.
Live in New York City and had a lot of opportunity to observe Chinese people performing tai chi in Chinatown where I worked. They were incredibly strong physically I saw a man in his 60s climb up a flagpole keeping his feet in an L formation all the while looking at me as he ascended to the top smiling and laughing as he went. I’m grateful that they let me practice with them as I knew this would aid me in my old age now that I am older I am so grateful to have been exposed to tai chi
"People that get stuck thinking about whats going to happen next or what's going to happen in my future is because they're not present." That just spoke to my soul. You have earned your subscriber! *Martial Arts Bow*
King cj thank you very much for sharing I’m glad you got something valuable from this video and I appreciate your feedback very much. Many thanks 🙏
Thank you for sharing that comment!!!! 👍
I remember the first time I felt that flow state while doing tai chi. It lasted for about four or five movements, then I realised "I'm not moving, my body is moving itself!" and of course, that interrupted the flow, but ... wow. Having your mind be nothing, only being present, letting your body go on autopilot and do the thing, it's a hell of a feeling.
I know exactly exactly exactly what you mean! You feel like you are being moved effortlessly is that feeling you get when you’re doing isometrics and you suddenly let go and your arm goes in the direction that it was going in by its self it is a glorious feeling until you’ve experienced it it will just look like slow motion dancing and nonsense
My sentiments precisely! Bless you!🧘🏾♂️
When you control your inside, you control your external world. Well said.🙏🙏🙏🙏🌈
I'm 65 and after a debilitating flu a couple of years ago I felt drained and without energy most of the time. Then I found a few good Tai Chi videos on UA-cam and just joined in and I feel so much better especially more energy. At the same time I felt I wanted to learn some self-defense, but we live in a small village and there are no classes. Then I read more and more about Tai Chi and it seems to me that it fits the bill for me. I can get more energy and I can learn some internal form of self-defense. Nice. Thank you for uploading your videos, I will follow along! Greetings from sunny Spain!
Thank you Antje I’m glad you’ve found tai chi. Tai chi is one practice that will look after you for life. It is healing on so many levels, some of which make sense, and some are beyond words. Tai chi frees up energy which tends to get stuck in the body. One of the first benefits is increased vitality and energy. Well done for getting started!
Sir,Thanks you,very nice explanation.
Well said cheers from Pennsylvania 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍
Thank you!
What books did u find helpful?
Hi, I’ve just started tai chi at the age of 60, I’m really enjoying it! Thanks for mentioning the benefits, it helps to understand. 🙏
"In the present moment there are no problems"
That really makes me realize.. hehe...😀 all my problems are in the future right now... right here everything is fine.
Absolutely!
Ive noticed that because of work ive became stressed and inpatient. Ive been working on daily mediation but i like movement. This morning i started my journey of thai chi, and i already loved it.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Tai chi will dissolve stress and impatience guaranteed. I suffered in the past with anxiety and problems breathing due tightness in the chest area from too much "holding on" and "holding in". Tai chi is about letting go, release, and relaxation, which are the antithesis of stress. It only gets better!
I heard Anne LaMotte last night on a PBS station out of San Francisco. I was moved when she said it's OK to feel awkward in attempting to join a new group and to feel awkward for a while. This morning when I meditated, I thought of a Tai Chi group which meets in an old public park here in Northern California. I drove by and saw a group practicing. I decided to get a cup of coffee and come back when they were finishing. I met a lone man on his way to his car and I asked what it took to join. He said "just be here at 8 am. I'm the instructor." I introduced myself and we both have the same first name!
I have not flourished during the pandemic. My nature is to be reclusive. I needed to get out of the house more. I get up very early so there is nothing stopping me, so I will be there tomorrow morning. Your video on the benefits of Tai Chi is just excellent, a real affirmation for the beginning of my journey. Thank you!
Wow! That you for sharing that wonderful story. I'm delighted you have found a local tai chi school and I'm humbled that my video helped you move in this direction. You won't regret it!
"The way we do some things, is the way we do all things."
So true! It's wonderful to recognize how the practices of softening can make transformations within our whole life.
Such a beautiful method! Thanks for sharing with the community.
Well, I just had tai chi lessons lately in hospital with a physiotherapist. And while I really liked it, and it made me feel excellent, and I want to continue with it, I DID think about other things all the time. For example, one time I was just about to make me a cup of coffee when my therapist asked me if I would like to have a tai chi lesson, I thought about wanting my coffee. All the time I thought about that. Coffee, coffee, coffee... Yes, I did have to think about what I was doing etc but my mind could still wonder all over the place. I just cannot understand how people are able to stopn their mind from wondering.
I do have problems with anxiety, that"s why I was in the hospital. That"s why I cannot concentrate. I hope tai chi and yoga will help me.
Greetings from Estonia!
Helen Golovin thanks for sharing. All thoughts arise as an expression of feelings. I understand what you mean about thoughts coming up during tai chi. Even though tai chi practice requires concentration, there’s not many things that can contend with the minds incessant need to always be thinking, to always be busy. That you are aware of your thoughts in the first place is already a great achievement. as you witness thoughts it becomes more and more clear “that we are not our thoughts” we are merely the witness of thinking.
I used to be very anxious and have panic attacks. Tai chi helped a lot, especially with my breathing, which used to be mainly chest breathing leading to tightness in the chest. As I practiced more tai chi and sitting meditation, I learned to let go of tension faster, until letting go became a habit. After a few years of practicing acceptance, release, and letting go, this became the dominant pattern. If you are interested in diving deeper into the mechanics of letting go I highly recommend a book called “letting go” by David R. Hawkins.
I’m not an expert on yoga, but I have no doubt it will help with anxiety, as will tai chi and meditation. All three aim to direct awareness inside the body, and more internal awareness of what’s going on inside the body is a good thing.
Thanks again 🙏
@@CenterLifeBalance Thanks for the answer. I will check out that book. I have always had difficulty with staying in the moment.
I've been practicing tai chi for so long. I def have gained that advanced awareness flow state. I use it at the gym and create new functional workout techniques. Its really amazing
tell more about your Tai Chi
@@PabloTheOne it starts with doing simple movements that are altered according to the syncing of your breathe. Then overtime , you'll reach an awareness where you feel the muscle fibers spark. Over time, you'll feel the muscle fibers through whole motion Spark together. Then with practice youll really feel a flow of the ignited muscles with even a Slight tai chi gesture you practiced like 1000 times atleast. Notice with each body part , you must allow your breathe to travel there to open up blocked areas where Chi isn't flowing properly.
All this stuff Then you'll notice when you apply with weights, your workouts will feel so dynamic and flow driven.
@@mv5384 thank you, I appreciate your wisdom
Discovered my first class today in the park and signed up for the next one. I, too, noticed how it completely had my focus and that felt great/unusual! I am a former dancer and I LOVE the flow, and the whole body moving as one. I feel a natural "rapport," you could say, with this idea. I'm excited about beginning my journey with this practice and your video further inspires me!
That's awesome Madeline and thank you for sharing your experience . It really is one of the best things we can do for the mind and body, and many people are yet to discover this for themselves. I hope you stick with it. There is a certain "timing" to movement which I'm sure you already know about. I think you will enjoy the journey ahead. Thank you 🙏
Awesome and very helpful how you explained the effects of taichi. Thank you kindly. I love taichi. Changed my life.
Amazing. As you spoke. Within a few seconds I was able to relax the pain in my shoulder. I’ve tried Tai Chi I love it. Thank you for your words.
I had some lessons in the '70s and the instructor always said to stay aware of your breathing.
The in-out of your breath is the basis of the flow of movement.
Tai-Chi is like meditation in movement.
I can't disagree that breathing is important. The breath is fascinating and powerful. That said I don't give much attention to it other than to be aware of if I am holding the breath in anyway or if the breath is restricted in anyway. I usually focus on relaxation, alignment, sinking/rooting (requires relaxation) and center. I believe intention and relaxation are more important for flow of movement than anything else. Do you want to enter into a state of non-resistance, of non-interference. So long as we don't interfere with the breath and try to control it - because it doesn't want to be controlled anyways - flow will occur naturally.
👏👏
I'm currently stuck in the covid shelter in Shanghai and and a thought popped into my head - well, I can't do yoga here, but why not give tai chi a try.
I've been seeing these amazing elderly people in the local parks practicing tai chi and I was always astonished by the beauty, flawlessness, and perfection of their moves, like water waves.
And I tried today and it definitely is a new milestone for me, I loved it. It's very similar to yoga in a way. But different, here you practice more balance standing on your feet.
And your explanations and tips for beginners are super helpful, cuz it's definitely hard to make it smooth.
Hope you are safe and healthy!
谢谢，师傅🙏
That's awesome thank you for sharing. Hopefully they drop the charade soon.
Woke up this morning with a bad migrain. Decided to try and do my normal workout Dvds had to give up half way through as head was so painful.
Did my Tai Chi one as I know I feel so relaxed and fulfileld after( only been doing a few weeks). By the end I suddenly realised my megrain had gone!
Isn't that amazing? Tai chi is the most transformative system of movement in existence. Any type of tai chi will bring unexpected positive results. I've been practicing for about 13 years and still only scratching the surface of this incredible art. The main reason people feel so good in my opinion is because of relaxation in the form of releasing tension and letting go, which is contrary to many other forms of exercise that require resistance as a premise.
Thank you so much. Great explanation and I look forward to learning more from you.
thank you for the benefits of tai chi. just started 3 days ago and I am already experiencing the ingle in my arm an my shoulder just keeps feeling better. will continue
That's great I'm glad you're feeling good. Tai chi is the gift that keeps on giving! Thanks for sharing your feedback 🙏
So how is it working for you now?
Wow. Thank you so much for this inspiring and heart warming video! I started to practice Tai Chi few month ago and I was positive shocked how fast I am able to relax doing this beautiful Martial Art. Especially in our current time it's more necessary than ever to come in a smooth and strong state to create a peaceful world. May the force be with you! ☯
Thank you much appreciated! 🙏 relaxation is the way. It is the number one principle, and it sure is needed now more than ever. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Word.
This is exactly what I teach .
Live in the moment, feel harmony and connect with the universe.
I haven't heard anyone talk about wildlife.
I have had countless encounters with wildlife while practicing. It's almost like they are curious or fascinated.
Practice !
Excellent words about Tai chi and I agree with everything. The detail and nuance of Taijiquan is incredible, endlessly fascinating. The understandings practice of this art can lead to are unlike anything else. Tai chi can help improve whatever else you do.
I do tai chi (almost) everyday and the benefits for my health and wellbeing are phenomenal.
AMAZING PRESENTATION! I am about to introduce TAICHI to interested residents in my condo building. What a wonderful referral I can make to your videos. WELL DONE! Thank you for your invaluable contribution towards furthering health and peaceful personal development practices available to us all in these worrisome times. Blessings.
Very kind and appreciated thank you 🙏
The greatest martial art combatants also studied Tai Chi, because it put them in tune with their inner power, thus enhancing any combative martial art.
I had learned a Yang Tai Chi and a Chen Tai chi form BOTH on VHS,and a friend wanted me to do them at his birthday party. I did them and a guy I recognized from a TKD Dojo asked me who my Sifu was and told him i learned them from, and Itold him from some old VHS tapes I had. He still kept asking and I told the same thing. He told me nobody could perfect forms like that unless a Sifu was teaching them in Person and I did that I didn't have to be a stuck up a-hole. I am learning a Both a Yang Form and Chen Form. and I know what everyone is talking about .
This is a nice video .
Neal
Thank you for sharing your experience. It is very difficult to learn taiji from a video. There are many angles and subtleties to master. If you can demonstrate a good quality form from video training alone that's fantastic. Well done. 👊
Thanks Colin, I can tell you are learning the Chen tai chi. Please keep posting your sharing!
Thank you much appreciated!
I discovered the benefits of tai chi when I was very high on weed. The thing when you’re high on weed you can feel everything inside of your body. I noticed when I moved slowly I felt so good. And I started tai chi
Seriously?😂
Thanks very much indeed, Colin. Your video on the benefits of Tai Chi is fascinating and very motivating! You explain the importance of internal energy very clearly. I subscribed to your channel and will watch all of your Tai Chi videos. By the way, you deserve many, many more subscribers than you have.
Honestly whoever is reading this this man is speaking truth. To me taichi is like magic, i dont know about others but since i started tai chi i felt my chakras opened and how do i know this ? Not only did i felt amazing like water flow in my breathing but also all of a sudden good things started to happen to me thats when i thought maybe tai chi opened my blocked chakras ? Anyway tai chi is a blessing i cannot a have a day go without me doing it even if for 20mnts
Definitely balances our chakras have experienced this myself. Once you've had taiji there's no going back!
most clear concise ,explanations available on you tube.thank you!
This is a gift I'm sharing with my students. Thank you so much for the time and energy you've put into this .
Thank you Arlene much appreciated 🙏
Thank you so much, I believe, TaiChi is a wonderful experience. I was introduced to lessons many years ago when I worked in NYC.
I loved learning the great classes that gave me a good work out for my body, and mind was satisfied. I always had TaiChi on my mind and totally admired the process to study although I was finding it easier to practice Yoga at that time. Now in my later years I’m so happy to have the videos and of these ancient exercises available as I have feel in love with the flow and never forgot the movements I have learned after all the years gone by and looking forward to do and learn as much as I can.
I'm a wing tsun Practitioner 🙏 but I started to learn tai chi for developing my sensation and relaxation 🙏
Tai chi is excellent for this. Relaxation is the key to being able to move freely when your opponent is stuck. Tai chi will help your other practices. 🙏
For me its a moving meditation, develop mindfulness and feeling the nature. Beautiful
Hey Colin, Thomas Ogram here. Great to see you and a brilliant video.
Hope all is well. I have a new FB profile now.
Hey Thomas good to hear from you. Thank you for the feedback. I'll add you on FB.
Most excellent
Subscribed Zenfully @great content!🧘🏾♂️
Thank you. Suprising how little body moments and awarenesses can do.
Thank you Ashley for your comment. Much appreciated 😊
Thank you for that! I’m very interested in learning Tai Chi and this is by far the best explanation I’ve found!
Thank you for the very clear and inspiring explanation.
Thank you, this confirms what I've felt and thought through practicing Tai Chi
I had the same experience of being present. Amazing. I missed it so much. Thank you for this video 🤍
Love yr explainations about tai chi . Am already a practioner of Qi gong and could follow and understood your meanings. This will be my next step to seeking harmony of self by way of Tai Chi practice. Only problem there's not many good master here to learn from . Been seeking a sifu who is willing to part their knowledge wish me luck, cheers .
Masters are very rare. Which country do you live in?
@@CenterLifeBalance Malaysiato be precise
At 15:15 I realised you must be somewhere in Australia! Awesome video by the way :)
Thanks for your very informative video, very nice explanations for people who are new to TJ.
You are a great teacher and this is a great video. Thank you!
Great ! I am german. Your voice is calm and easy to understand.
You are right! There is so much contraction, tension, non-awareness in the world.
And if you see Adam Mizner-pushing hands, its a kind of miracle what Qi and Emptyness can effort.
Sorry, for my english…
Taiji is indeed miraculous and mysterious! Good English 👍
Excellent video on the benefits of Tai Chi! I am a Tai Chi instructor as well & found this highly beneficial for me as I promote this amazing practice in my area. Thank you so much! I love everything about Tai Chi & Qigong & also starting to learn Mandarin. Let your chi flow Colin, you’re awesome!!
What a wonderful comment thank you very much! We need many more teachers like yourself with a passion for Tai Chi. Keep up the good work!
Hi Colin, many thanks for this wonderful video. I’ve been practicing tai chi for around 12 years but I’ve never heard it explained this good. I’m hooked on your channel. Cheers Pete
Thank you Peter I appreciate that.
Thank you so very much for this inspirational video. I was just starting to learn about tai chi but I didn’t understand all these important significant powerful treasures, so you have definitely inspired me. I wish though that it would also burn calories like a regular workout. I so look forward to your other videos. Thank you
Thank you Sharon I'm delighted that you found inspiration through this video. For the record when done correct tai chi absolutely burns calories - especially once we learn to relax. When we relax the weight from the upper body sinks down into the legs which in turn have to deal with the downward force. Tai chi makes the legs stronger. For most practitioners however it will be a low calorie burning exercise when compare to other cardio or high intensity workouts. Thank you 🙏
Thank you so very much! I did a practice right now and I loved it, especially knowing it will help make my legs stronger and most importantly will help me RELAX. I became aware of the excess tension I was carrying in part so my body. Again, thank you!
Best explanation, I will try next week
Nice job buddy I just had my first session this morning keep up the good work
James Tracey thank you very much. Congratulations on your first tai chi session. Stick with the results will be fantastic.
I love the information in the video and your excitement about wanting to get ppl into this, so they can all feel the amazing benefits. I am and Essentrics instructor (a fitness program inspired by tai chi, among other things) and i love it, wanted to understand more about tai chi to see what that can give you (as i have never tried it). A lot of what you said was resonating with how i feel about Essentrics. I will definitely give tai chi a try at some point, i have a feeling i would love it!
Once you get into tai chi there no going back. It's truly uniquely transformative. Thanks for sharing 🙏
Very excited to learn more. Started a tai chi chih class at a local YMCA. just felt so intrigued. I’m a type A personality and need more balance. You are right I was so focused on the moves and Could really just be so present and I really enjoyed it. There was Spa I like your music playing and I love the focus it takes. Oddly enough I felt so energized after the second class. So yes it’s relaxing but very freeing and energizing. Will watch more of your videos thanks for the great explanations. I’m excited to see what is to come 🥰 namaste
Sounds like you had a great experience. That's exactly what I would expect for who practices tai chi! We feel more energised because of the relaxation. The more we relax the less tense we are, the less tense the less resistance. Less resistance = more flow. Glad you found tai chi and thanks for sharing your experience 🙏
Thank you so much for this video. Yes, I also think Presence is the key. Greetings from Serbia!
Tanja J thank you for your comment and I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I Appreciate your support!
Wow thank you so much. This video is brilliant. Had my first TC class this evening and I came away kinda thinking I'll never get this, is it even worth it. You've given me the encouragement and inspired me to keep at it. Happy New Year to you
Please stick with it. Taiji is the gift that keeps on giving and it will take care of you for life. Someone close to me started in their 60s and only gets stronger and stronger and more relaxed every week. Appreciate your feedback!
@@CenterLifeBalance Thanks for the message. I've had 4 classes now and actually, I'm starting to feel something......it's subtle but good. Definitely going to keep going with it! Cheers
Dug Corpolonga is a good teacher, posts on youtube everyday
Congratulations on this lecture bringing froth the benefits of Tai chi. May be some practical prersentations ctop those principles could heklp connectiong ideas into a series of steps scucceeding one another. Best regards. Paul, 67.retired instructor of Karate.
Wow! This is great I'll make sure to mention these health benefits on my blog.
I think I'm stuck in sympathetic overload and tried breathing which only seemed to make me more anxious. I did some Tai chi today and felt the movements with the nasal breathing really helped. I hope it continues. Thankyou
Tai chi permanently solved my anxiety more than 10 years ago. Just like a confident posture can effect our state of mind and increase confidence, the balanced movements of tai chi result in a more balance mind and help us release that which is not balanced. 🙏
@@CenterLifeBalance thankyou my friend. I must practice Qigong and Tai Chi to slow down. Good luck on your journey ♥️
Due to start my tai chi journey in Edinburgh next week. Found this video interesting and informative as I’m about to start my classes... thank you
Thank you Graham I wish you the best with your tai chi journey.
Thank you
Great instruction/Great video .
Cymru Tai chi Wales
Great video again thank you. I feel the chi energy it's moving, relaxing and beautiful. Thanks again. Lyndon
Thank you Lyndon I appreciate your support. When one thing moves, everything moves! 🙏
Very well explained, well done.
Six months and I feel so much better.
Thank you for your words. I teach a free class for mostly seniors and they have not reached that place of relaxing. We only meet once a week but they are all trying so hard to learn the movements. So I have no doubt they will reach a place that they will just let go and do their tai chi. It is hard to explain to them what will happen when they reach a place that everything goes inward.
Some things are beyond explanation and have to be experience to be known. Great work passing on your knowledge and skills to others!
Thank you so much Colin :)
Your explanation was wonderful... I loved every word you said and felt great in my being...
I remember my first Tai Chi class, about 5 years ago, where I had a master; an amazing beautiful woman, who like me, loved Tai Chi and drawing/painting. She was really calm and confident and I had a target at that time, to be like her... But still loved to continue Tai Chi, even without her, cause she left there after a few months. And now, I'm very glad to meet you and benefit from your lovely channel. Thank you again...
Peace & Love :)
We have to learn to detach ourselves from the mind. Our mind is our worst enemy. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Tai Chi. I am learning Tai Chi myself.
Observation is the key. The mind can be a powerful tool if used correctly. In some ways it can be like an enemy to be conquered or defeated. later we come to see ii more like a pet to be tamed. Tai chi will help unite the mind and body through focus, concentration, and awareness of the internal states. Thank you for your comments.
A very enlightening article! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you much appreciated 🙏
Thank you for the content. I am just beginning my journey on tai chi and this information has been very valuable
Taiji is a triune art, 1: Martial Art; 2:Qigong and 3: Meditation.
I love this. I practice Tai Chi, always looking for more knowledge.
I wonder if there’s a difference between the benefits of Tai Chi and MBSR …and guided mindful meditations. The 8 week MBSR course. And then a lifetime of mindful meditation and becoming mindful and being in the moment.
Thank you for an insightful video, ..
I would like to share also some words .. Studying the scriptures from God, and understanding the true definition as purely defined by our creator, makes us truly realise God.. and this is what "Islam" an arabic word means, a process of achieving peace, submitting to will of our wise creator letting go of tension and stress.. Muslim is an arabic word meaning a person who has quality of peace inside him.. which is only achieved by studying and guidance of mind through words of our creator.. which comes to a pruifying seeker..
I have started recently practicing tai chi, which yes gives me physical benefit. And will surely continue for deeper understanding and benefit.
Th am you. And Well said. As a course in miracles begins.. "Nothing Real can be threatened, nothing unreal exists. Therein lies the peace of God."
Taiji will definitely help you on your journey to know thyself. It is indeed a mystical martial art.
After my first tai-chi session with an 80+ yo asian master who was not speaking the same language as his students and was only communicating with the groups by gestures, I felt like floatting above ground and feltg the energy flowing through my body. It is difficult to express in words really. Unfortunately, when I went for my second lesson, the tai chi master was gone. I tried to find a coach/master ever since, to no avail. Disappointment after disappointment.
I probably have idealized this first session.
Am I cursed?
Absolutely not cursed. Real Tai Chi masters are extremely rare. Sometimes with Tai Chi we can have an experience that gives us a glimpse of what is available energetically, structurally, physically, mentally, spiritually. These experiences come and go, and frequently they change/evolve. Doesn't mean you are not improving. If you have a standing meditation practice that's very helpful, other than that you should learn and practice the form as much as possible to get the best results. You don't need a tai chi master to accumulate amazing benefits from the practice of Tai Chi, but if you're extremely serious about it and you want to reach a very high level yourself, you will need to seek out a very high level teacher or a master who can guide you. The most important thing is depth in a single empty hand form rather than accumulation of multiple forms. Try to find a teacher who is the student of a master. That's the best advice I can give. Hope that serves you.
Great ! Love your enthusiasm and take on Tai Chi !
Thank You for the great sharing . Do you conduct any class
Yes I teach in Sydney Australia. For the moment there are no online classes.
Great Video! Thank you for post!
Subscribed! Love the video
Are used to think that chi was so much mumbo-jumbo. I thought it was something that was done to sell martial arts magazines but when I began to study seriously and began to experience it in my own body it made a believer out of me I got to the point where I could feel it in others when we did the push hand exercises or when I touched people who are not tai chi practices. I could become one with their energy and flow with it it was a beautiful feeling it was like a dance and it does make you peaceful because you begin to realize that we are all fragile creatures that we all possess the capacity for power and you just want to give it away at one point I feel like I was moving in slow motion I felt like I was stoned! Like I said it’s a great feeling now that I’m older I’m using it in my rehab to heal some of my bodies ailments I’m glad I got exposed to it when I was younger otherwise I never would’ve known this
Tai Chi is the gift that keeps on giving.
Doing meditation and going deep is too difficult
But getting similar effect or outcome is direct outcome of Taichi
Similar effects are common between tai chi and meditation. In tai chi though intention is quite active, in meditation we aim to let go of intention. The ultimate purpose of meditation is peace and stillness. I love both!
Currently on Day 2 of my Tai Chi 100 Day Journey and ALL OF THIS - this is what I feel right now. I’ve decided now that I want this to be a part of my life forever ❤️
Day 12 and I feel the same!
how do you feel now? this guy is just tryna sell us some tai chi course ?
So true. Come join my December class in Sydney if you can!
@@CenterLifeBalance Good come-back - I have just started Tai Chi and this video gives excellent reasons why I should continue, and others should start. It's a pity some people find a course not worth the money. The only way to learn is with a Master!
This is a great video, thank you for doing this it is so helpful. Lyndon
Thanks again Lyndon I'm glad you enjoying the channel.
Just a few days ago I discovered Taiji. Incredible changes for me and I know this is just the beginning. First, when I bent over to pick something up I found it was much easier for my body to do. I was confused and left to wonder. I am an excellent tennis player. On the court I found I had much more flexibility and could hit the ball so much harder and faster. Again wonder but now curiosity. Was this the result of starting Taiji? How could this be in just a few days? Then I noticed I was moving more fluidly in day to day normal activities. So, I became more convinced Taiji is having some sort of effect even though I do only the simplest Taiji exercises. Now I have just seen this video. How wonderful!!! It ticks off all the new things I am experiencing. Now I know for the first time I have discovered Taiji and understand why the friend who showed me has been doing it most of his life.
Thanks for sharing. This video is the top of the iceberg in terms of benefits. If you stick with it taiji will continue to blow the mind and transform the body. 🙏
Thanks very much for your response! I like to say I will "travel in time with it". That means I won't "stick with it" I will not make it a "job of worK" but of with the flow and look to enjoy it everyday as it helps me through life. This is the wisdom that has come to me as an "old man" of 81 years. Thank you for revealing it so clearly to me. So that I can clearly see what I have discovered so late in life.
I recall one evening I was practicing figure 8 movements with my 2KALI sticks I was using the principles of tai chi in that I was flowing my movement was continuous and it was measured all of a sudden I went into a place where I felt I was moving in slow motion it was like I was flying it was like I was being carried lifted and manipulated it was glorious! I realized on some level I was moving faster than I had ever moved before yet it seemed like I was moving in slow motion it was a crazy wonderful paradox all the while I could feel this cool electrical energy flowing upward from my lower abdomen into my limbs it felt like tiger balm hot and cool at the same time I know I didn’t imagine this and I practiced it for several minutes like I said it was glorious it open my eyes to all of the stuff that I had read when I told one of my training partners what happened he was so jealous! Especially since I wasn’t Chinese and he was LOL
The heat and cold is always a pleasant experience kind of reminds be of yin and Yang presenting in the body. There are many wonderful sensations that come and go. Always changing with no two forms ever the same. Yes that's taiji. A blissful experience it seems you had. I'm glad for you. Well done 🙏
40yrs Quiet and Yang once I was doing Yang, Wave hands like Clouds, I felt like I was going float off the ground, it scared Me I had to pause .It was three days After my teacher " Marshall Ho " died ?😮🤐
What a great video thanks
amazing video!
really important info for all. thanks
Hi, what programs do you recommend to become trained to teach tai chi (and develop my own practice), especially for women and children? Thank you. Ps... my son named our dog Shen years ago...and incidentally he has been sitting right next to us, alert and looking relaxed and happy while we have been song morning qigong lately aa a family. Thank you!
Take a shot every time he says “martial arts”
Great video, up 🇮🇪
Tai chi is amazing. i'm feeling very relaxed and present just after my first day practice. that what i couldn't get from meditating by sitting.. even after weeks of meditation.
mistersz that’s fantastic I’m happy that you had a good tai chi experience. Tai chi helps to focus awareness and is great for presence. Keep up the good work!
Tai chi chuan is moving meditation , & there is more energy releasing out of the body . That's why you felt more relaxation . Sitting meditation is static meditation , & there is more energy moving inside the body . Traditional meditation practitioners do both , daily .
Exceptional bro.
Great video! Can I learn and practise Tai Chi on my own?
Thank you. I would recommend finding a teacher if you can, especially in the beginning. You can certainly learn the movements by yourself but there is a lot of detail and the benefit of having a teacher is feedback on your practice.
Very well said. I have a black belt in an External style and practice Yang style Taiji in the US that includes loostening, Push hands, and Meditation. I don't really consider what I am doing a Martial art. I would consider it an internal mind body practice. I have to say that calling 95% of Tai Chi practices "martial Arts" seems like a misnomer these days. Most tai chi where folks practice forms with no application at all of the concepts or martial applications seems like it should have another name. It doesn't seem like even calling it internal anything seems correct if all someones is doing is a form with no understanding what they are trying to feel or develop. Its more like a relaxing movement class. Curious your thoughts?
Probably 99% of people will never be able to use Tai Chi as a Martial Art. To be able to use it properly as Martial Art one must be able to sink the chi to the dantien. This is already very difficult. Unless someone has been able to sink the chi they will be relying on applications without power, and if they come up against somebody that's Trained, who is fighting regularly or sparring regularly, they will be in for a shock. Tai chi people are generally not used to rough and tumble training outside of Chen village. But I do believe it's more than just relaxing. The process of relaxation develops a habit of letting go, which in itself is very transformative. And worth practicing for a lifetime.
The reason you get the impression that taiji is not a martial art, is because you're practicing Yang-style, and also because your teacher isn't a brawler. There are critical things missing in Sun, Wu, Yang and Hao styles. Their focus is on Yin energy. Always softness, yielding, relaxing and a unique lack of tension, and finally, slowness. In fact, being completely soft is considered a virtue and a mark of doing it right. The slowness invites relaxation to propagate, and a byproduct is a calm mind that begins to meditate, "accidentally", and this meditation improves with time and effort. Because of this approach, the aforementioned styles gradually become effortless, and indeed some practitioners boast of long duration practice, and incredible energy boost.
All this is to say that those styles are excellent for chilling out, becoming a better person, and even healing physical and mental wounds.
This is not the correct approach for martial arts. What happens during a fight? You go all out. You move as fast as possible. You become winded, your heart races, you exert force, and lose or win, you're tired after 1, 5, 10 minutes of exerting yourself at maximum effort, you gas. Your muscles are so sore you can hardly move your arms. Just like lifting weights, doing sprints, or swimming miles.
For taiji to be effective, you have to break all the rules. First, you must realize that taiji is not just soft Yin. It must also be hard, Yang. Then you need a challenging form. Chen style has the burst punches, the jump kicks, the spin kicks, the exploding elbows, the low stances and the move, "swing kick, straddle, split". Done properly, it requires the flexibility to perform a split, and the strength to come out of it. So you need the same strength and limberness to do Chen at full speed, range and power, as you would need at a kickboxing gym. Since, in a fight, cardio is king, you must perform Chen as fast as you can, which is the speed you will naturally use in real melee. You must punch and kick with hardness, just like at a kickboxing gym, just like you would do in a fight. Instead of reeling silk, you must reel steel cables, then your Chen form will leave you gassed, flat on your back, breathing hard. You must keep practicing like this until your "pound the mortar" shakes the very pavement under your feet. Then you're training Taijiquan. I broke the training instruction of every Yang, Wu, and Chen teacher I've ever had, to bring you this knowledge. You must train your form like you're trying to rip someone's arms off. This is wholly in violation of every teaching tradition, the spirit of peaceful resolution, the peaceful warrior, the meditator tradition. But it is even more Taoist because it wholly embraces the total combination of Yin and Yang energy, so your form will be more true, more complete, more dangerous, than every other taiji player you ever meet.
You have to break the rules to get the real Supreme Ultimate. You fight, the way you train. If your training does not include the demanding conditioning elements of wrestling, boxing, Shaolin, or MMA, then how could you possibly be prepared for violence and fighting? Hence, Yang style et al, is not the road to effective self defense any longer. The training is not in touch with the reality of violence and can't give you the total ability you need. It means they're watered down to the point of being broken forms. Better to do karate or jujitsu, than to train soft-only taiji and actually think you can brawl with brawlers with an unrealistic training method.
Lots of good point there. I would add that in the Laojia Yi Lu form there is Yin and Yang, and going all out hard and fast when one hasn't mastered the principles is putting the cart before the horse. There's a saying the chen masters use "slow first, then fast". moving at full speed with full power is something only a handful of people in the world can do, I would guess 5 or less. It's as rare as enlightenment. In softness there is hardness, like waves in the ocean, they don't need to become hard, but through softness they unite to become powerful. A worthy object.
@@CenterLifeBalance I suppose that I could have prefaced my dissertation by saying: "yeah, so, before you do yilus so fast you're out of breath in five minutes, or do six sealing or tie the coat like you're trying to rip someone's arms off, be sure you spend ten, no, twenty, years, sinking your qi, relaxing and cultivating yin and softness before becoming a Yang fajin bomb". I do only xinjia. Been training since I was fourteen. Did healing with Yang style first. Meditation with Wu style second. Then martial arts with Chen style. I'm not even 60 years old yet, but by following Chen Fake's method, and incorporating MMA conditioning, the ground shakes under my feet. I'm not even Chinese. If there are only 5 masters on Earth that can train Chen at full speed and are not scared they will wreck their qi by using Yang hardness, then congratulations, you just met one of the five.