Balancing the body | ||
classes qigong tai chi kung fu about us reviews a-z
Right hand
dominates
Most people favour one side of their body.
Usually the right hand side. Often the left side is woefully neglected and
underused.
Left and right
There are many reasons to work both sides of the body equally e.g. even muscular
development, wear & tear, ambidextrous body use, coordination, increased
mobility, the ability to use the other hand in the event of an accident,
versatility.
Favouring one side is foolish but common.
Front and back
Equally common is the tendency to think about the back and the front as though
they weren't opposite sides of the same body. Front and back are related:
A weak back makes slouching more likely.
Similarly, a huge stomach will draw the body forward and down.
Shortening the abdominal muscles through
forceful exercise causes the body to stoop.
Peering forward at a computer monitor or mobile phone makes the back bend
unnaturally.
Upper and lower
People are frequently inclined to over-reach rather than step closer to an
object. This is simply a lazy habit and can lead to injury. Instead of stepping,
they stretch.
Stretching can be good - as a controlled exercise - but not in everyday life.
Mind and body
Gyms usually have pounding 'motivational' music. Runners wear headphones. The
mind is not with the body. The music is being used to remove consciousness from
the banality of the task at hand.
In terms of healthy body use this is not good. Diminished awareness can result
in injury. It leads to poor skeletal alignment and poor sensitivity.
Alternative exercise
Qigong and tai chi exercise the body in a comprehensive way; favouring
neither left, right, front, back, upper or lower.
In this respect they offer a more balanced workout than mainstream exercise.
Tai chi chuan (dynamic balancing boxing)
Tai chi training is far more demanding. The student must take everything they
have learned and employ it in combat. The syllabus is extensive.
It offers elements that go way beyond qigong and tai chi...
Form
Form enables the student to shift through a wide range of movements that provide
the framework for functional day-to-day healthy body use.
Both sides of the body are employed in a varied, non-strenuous manner. Agile,
careful stepping trains the student to step easily and naturally in a balanced,
whole-body fashion.
Mirror everything
New starters learn the form with the right hand dominating. Mirroring the form
movements encourages ambidexterity; allowing the left
hand to take turns being dominant.
Every aspect of the tai chi syllabus should be practiced with the right and
left hand.
Partner work
Partner work extends the benefits of form by creating scenarios that
require the individual to maintain a high level of awareness during each
activity.
Mind/body, right/left, front/back, upper/lower are all balanced. The mind is
conscious and present throughout.
Weaponry
Weapons training involves solo and partnered work, drills and forms. The
versatile range of physical challenges ensure that people remain focussed, aware
and balanced at all times.
The student is required to compensate for the weight of the weapon by minutely
adjusting the body.
Taoism
Taoism is neither philosophy nor religion. It is ancient form of science
based upon the observation of nature and adherence to the insights that are
gained.
The principles and precepts are not theoretical. By moving in a tai chi way
the student is putting Taoism into practice. Over time, the lessons acquired in
class can be implemented in all aspects of life.
Harmony, tranquillity and balance are cultivated.
Page created
18 March 1997
Last updated
16 June 2023
▲