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Not
exactly running...
When people think of 'tai chi' they don't think of the art as being cardio. And
for most people tai chi is not a
cardiovascular workout.
Typically, circulation will be notably improved
but the student won't be breathing hard or sweating (unless they are extremely
unfit/unhealthy).
Martial art
Taijiquan is another matter. It is a martial art. One
way or another, a martial artist must become fit,
and this always includes cardio work.
Slow form
The Long Yang form is usually performed in a slow,
gentle manner. There's no rigorous movements. The form teaches balance,
coordination and stamina. It is not a cardio workout.
Later forms
There are 4 more forms to learn after the Long Yang form, and these do not have
to be performed slowly. They can be practiced as quickly as you like.
3 of the forms feature weapons and the weapons are not necessarily lightweight.
Moving rapidly through a physically challenging sequence of movements whilst
holding a sword at arms-length is quite a workout.
Agility and nimbleness
The Tai Chi Classics require the exponent to be
light, agile and nimble. This is not as easy as it sounds. Deft stepping is a
skill; especially when done quickly.
Inexperienced students become tired quite quickly. In taijiquan, there are
numerous stepping drills and partnered exercises designed specifically to make
the student move their feet. It is akin to running.
Condition
Unfit students who start martial arts classes often find themselves breathing
hard. This is inevitable and to be encouraged. The challenge will make them
stronger.
An actual fight can last for minutes, so breathing hard after mild cardio work
is not desirable. The exponent needs to get fitter.
Being tense
Physical tension in the body prevents the joints from moving freely and
naturally, and burns energy needlessly. This is tiring and leads to fatigue.
A strong, relaxed, toned body can move spontaneously and comfortably. This is
what we are training.
Drills
Taijiquan partner drills are designed such that they become harder the higher up
the syllabus you climb. The more skilled you are, the more you can handle, and
therefore the harder the challenges...
The aim is to gently tax the body without causing injury. We want to challenge
the body, not force it.
Melee
The most confusing and tiring combat scenario involves multiple opponents. If
your cardiovascular fitness is poor, you will not last very long and you will
probably get beaten up.
Your body will tire rapidly, you will breath hard, become clumsy and resort to
using muscular tension in a desperate bid to regain control.
Group games
Taijiquan training involves 'games' - these are non-martial but rigorous. The
aim is test resolve, nerve, courage and cardiovascular stamina. The student
needs to move quickly and suddenly.
This is like sprinting. Poor cardiovascular fitness is immediately apparent.
Combat
Fitness in combat matters a lot. And cardiovascular health is crucial. It is
naive to believe that you can fight successfully when unfit. Yes, you may get
lucky, but this is not a good approach.
Cardio work
There are 2 sets of cardio exercises in our syllabus. We teach them in the
taijiquan syllabus and the
tai chi for fitness curriculum. Both sets
of exercises require sustained activity for a short span of time.
Use it or lose it
Unfit students in our school experience a significant improvement in their
cardiovascular health quite quickly and soon find that they can perform all of
the exercises without breathing hard.
Then we make things a little tougher for them...
Page created
18 April 2005
Last updated
26 January 2020
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