ARTICLES                     

Tai Chi

EVALUATING FROM THR GRID OF HISTORY
Tai Chi translated from Mandarin to English means 'Supreme Ultimate Fist' or 'Boundless Fist'. It was traditionally classified as a form of martial arts of the Neijia branch (soft or internal branch). This 'soft' style approach distinguished it from its other counter part that of the 'hard' martial art style. It was formulated by Zhang Sanfeng - a Taoist monk in the 12th century who taught it in the Taoist monasteries in Wu Tang Shen. To this practice he combined the martial art teachings of the Buddhist Shaolin monasteries to create Tai Chi. He is said to be the creator of the 13 movements of Tai Chi.

EVALUATING FROM THE GRID OF FAITH
The name Tai Chi Chuan is derived from the Taiji. Symbol -  the yin and yang diagram. From its oldest preserved literature we learn that it is the study of 'yin' which represents the receptive principle and 'yang' which represents the active principle, both forces coming together in fusion. It is a concept where the 'Supreme Ultimate' is represented in this fusion. It is in agreement with both - the Taoist religion and Confucian philosophy.

EVALUATING ON THE GRID OF WHOLISM
As an exercise - it is practised for health reasons and is popular in hospitals, clinics, community and senior centres for its aesthetic appeal.
As a martial art - Students are taught the principle of 'yielding' to the force of an incoming attack rather than attack with the same force. They are taught not to resist or to fight directly, instead to meet the attack in softness following its motions until the force of the attack is exhausted or can be safely redirected. The essence of this strategy is to be sensitive to the opponent's movements and the centre of gravity so the victim can dictate an effective response to his attacker. This is learnt through thousands of hours of 'yin' -  the slow repetitive low impact movements and through meditation.

EVALUATING FROM THE GRID OF SCIENCE
As a martial art: The physical techniques are characterised by the use of leverage through the joints. This is based on coordination and relaxation rather than muscle tension for the purpose of neutralising or initiating an attack.
As a form of exercise: Research has shown:
• Long term practice to be favourable but statistically insignificant in the promotion of balance control, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.
• Pain, stress and anxiety are reduced in healthy subjects as well as those who had under gone coronary artery bypass surgery.
• Combined with yoga, tai chi is said to have reduced levels of LDLs when practiced for 12 -14 weeks. However a through review showed limitations and came to no firm conclusion.
• Combined with qigong it may reduce the severity of diabetes.

EVALUATING FROM THE GRID OF SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

Just as Hinduism as a religion sprang out of the philosophy of the 'Cosmic Consciousness' - Cosmic Consciousness being the 'first cause' (Bhagavad Gita 8:9), so also the religion of Taoism sprang out of the philosophy of the same 'first cause' -  'Cosmic Forces' keeping the order and pointing to "The Way" in the universe and life in general through the philosophy of Yin and Yang. Tai Chi is dependant on this impersonal force for protection and self defence.
In the Bible we have a Personal God who loves us and protects us when we have consented to a Covenant relationship with Him. Psalms 27 is just one example of His loving protection over us against all violence.