Tai-chi Chuan

Tai-Chi Chuan has become quite popular these days. It is commonly known as a form of low impact aerobic exercise, though many use the forms in meditation. However, there are those who recognize this slow dance as an effective martial art form. Inspired by the Taoist philosophy of Lao-tzu and Sun-tzu, The Penultimate Fist enjoys a long heritage with many benefits for today's athlete. The styles of Tai-Chi are taught in parks and clubs everywhere as an easy exercise with simple, meditative motions little realizing its martial potential.

The purpose of exercise is first to improve the circulation of the fluid tissues. Then it can improve one's strength, stamina, and coordination. The simple, balanced kata of Tai-Chi can serve to improve posture. An erect posture aligns the vertebræ, relieving the mechanical stress that the muscles would otherwise endure. The nerves and brain can also relax and conserve on energy. These easy to dance kata of Tai-Chi will also concentrate the practitioner's weight into a small area of the legs. Strong, well-conditioned leg muscles provide a good foundation for the body so one does not fall off the floor. These legs will also improve circulation in two ways. Conditioned legs are required to pump lymph upward. If one allows this tissue to pool in the legs and feet, it is worse than water stagnating in a pond. In the body, salts can crystallize causing damage to the surrounding tissues. These salts can combine with uric acid for a recipe for gout, varicose veins, and a variety of other ailments. Healthy leg muscles will also aid the heart in circulating blood tissues, refreshing the fluid tissues with the nutrients and vital gasses they convey, while removing waist and toxic gasses. This also improves overall cellular health reforming internal respiration and promoting aerobic endurance. Tai-Chi is an easy, simple exercise with premium benefits.

The main purpose of meditation is to focus the mind. This concentration can be mild or intensive. A scholar can sit for hours enjoying an opera, being as focused as the samurai in the heat of combat. Such focus can help a person to visualize a dream, then find the wit or inspiration to realize that dream. The conscious mind can, however, distract, distort, and interfere with the workings of the subconscious: where are the children? Are the horses all right? I can't do this! Are these forms correct? ¡Sex! Et cetera. Giving the ego something to play with, such as a Mantra or Mandala, can let the subconscious work unrestricted. These aids to meditation seem to work better when there are helping with the meditation. It is not unlike the child who is asked to help with the shopping. The child will help with enthusiasm, not realizing he is being kept out of trouble. Tai-Chi, with its easy, patient forms and correct, precise posture is an effective means to distract, as well as encourage the ego. They describe Tai-Chi as meditation in motion. As such, it can renew vigor as well as vision, protecting the soul simultaneously.

The purpose of any martial art is discipline and protection. This can, in turn, provide confidence and quiescence in the face of danger. Intuition and a knowledge of fortune will guide the martial artist, by being in harmony with the flow of totality. The Penultimate Fist will root the defender with a solid foundation, like a mountain is rooted in the earth. This allows the strength of that mountain to flow through a relaxed upper body. Any attack is then dispersed and diffused, reducing its effects. The recoil and parry, on the other hand, can be quite devastating. The Single Whip movement can explain this well. The defender will receive a punch to the upper body with an upraised arm. This will be done in a way that will throw the attacker off balance. The defender will then parry with a punch or push that can throw the opponent away. They have designed all the forms within Tai-Chi to defend, then parry in a fight. Lao-Tzu called this, "The virtue of non-contention: This is called the use of other's strength. [Lao-Tzu, p. 213]"

Tai-Chi Chuan is the surprise of modern culture, and a gift of the ancient world. It can make the world a better place to live in, not by delivering blows or outwitting one's foes with strange tactics, but by its quiet strength. It builds a strong, well-conditioned body that can endure much stress. Tai-Chi brings quiescence to the mind, focusing it upon one's goals, and giving the ego something constructive to do to keep out of trouble. The benefits of a healthy body and a focused mind serve one sell in a fight, where the defensive parries will save the day. The Penultimate Fist is meditation in motion, benefitting the soul with only a half-an-hour of effort, not bad for economy of time management, eh?

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