By St. Louis Tai Chi ExaminerViolet Li
When Taichi (Taiji) is mentioned, the general response is "oh, old people's exercise". This perception or misunderstanding is caused by a few reasons. Taichi is an ancient Chinese Martial Art whose philosophical roots and practices date back several thousand years. Many people regard ancient things as antiquated, old-fashioned, and irrelevant. During the Chinese Culture Revolution (1966 - 1976), Taichi was prohibited to be taught publicly in China partially because it was considered to be part of the old culture and in contradiction to the modernization and culture revolution that Chairman Mao wanted to bring about. This prohibition created a demographic gap for young people to learn Taichi in China.
Taichi was created by the Chen Family. The Yang Family learned the Chen Style and modified it by introducing an even tempo, emphasizing fluidity, and slowness of motion. The Yang Family made a big contribution to the popularity of Taichi by teaching and promoting it for more than 130 years. The Yang Family and its disciples carry on the tradition and have taught Taichi to hundreds of thousands of people in China and overseas. The prevalence of the Yang style reinforces the perception that all Taichi is slow. Movies and media also attribute to this notion by filming senior citizens doing Taichi.
The truth of the matter is that Taichi is for people of all ages with a young heart. During the Friendship Party at the recent International Taichi Symposium, Taichi enthusiasts from all over the world danced together. No alcohol, just old Southern style BBQ, watermelon, and green tea. Everyone was sober and most danced the night way. Even Grandmasters Chen Zhenglei, Ma Hailong and Sun Yongtian joined the crowd and danced their hearts out. After all, Taichi is about learning how to let go and set our mind free. The same is with dance.
(Violet Li has a strong background in fitness. She is a Taichi (Taiji) enthusiast and certified instructor. She has taught Taichi to different demographic groups and establishments in St. Louis (AT&T, Mathews-Dickeys Boys and Girls Club, West County YMCA - St. Louis, private studio, senior centers and others). Violet is also well-versed in other fitness regiments. She taught Aerobics and Kickboxing before. She is a certified HeartZone Personal Trainer and a Aerobics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Do you have any good ideas or comments wanting to share with Violet? Please email her at Violet.Li@tadi.com. You can also see some of her teaching video on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/scotchvee.) |
