What Is Tai Chi Qi Gong?
The power behind the quiet and graceful movements of Tai Chi Chuan derives from Qi Gong, which is much simpler and often ignored. Qi Gong, or Chi Kung, evolved from ancient systems of yoga and meditation, based on energy as well as balance and physical strength.
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History
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Before Tai Chi became popular, students of this martial art learned 13 standing postures that generate all movements and techniques in the system. A student practiced one, standing in that position for an hour every day for one month, before learning the next stance.
Basic Movements
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Advanced Qi Gong includes stepping methods unique to Tai Chi. Left and right forms repeat in a long sequence with a focus on balance, shifting body weight and coordination of hand and foot movement.
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Breathing Methods
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Tai Chi Chuan's higher practices manipulate an inner energy called chi or qi through special breathing rhythms and visualizations. Common in traditional yoga, this aspect of kung fu often alienates Western students with no experience of the forces involved.
Combined Practice
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The stability gained in stance training enhances the balance and coordination of Tai Chi's stepping exercises. With dedicated practice the Qi develops to powerful levels and these many aspects create one unified system of kung fu.
Qigong Systems
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Many Qi Gong forms originated as healing systems or as training for other martial arts. Two of the better known Qi Gong methods developed for Tai Chi Chuan are the Silk Reeling Exercise of Chen Tai Chi and Yang style's Flying Tiger sequence.
Benefits
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Tai Chi masters often test new students with Qi Gong practice to see whether they have what it takes "to eat the bitter." Qi Gong develops patience, will and tolerance of pain while generating the mysterious power required to learn the real Tai Chi Chuan.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Silk Reeling Qi Gong (Photo by A. Moon 2009)
