Tai-chi will be an Olympic demonstration sport this year in August at the opening ceremonies. Tai-chi forms, push hands and full contact fighting will be on world-wide display. This is likely to bring Tai-chi to the forefront as a healthy exercise and martial arts system. My teacher’s son, Max Chen, has made the Olympic team so be sure to watch him compete.
You will not only see the slow Tai-chi forms, but more acrobatic forms as well and even multi-person forms using ancient weapons. In these forms the participants perform a choreographed battle with the weapons swiping within an inch of the other person’s head and body. Many people do not realize that Tai-chi is a martial art. The full name, “Tai-chi-Chuan” means, “The Grand Ultimate Martial Art”. During the Olympics you will see how the slow, flowing movements of the commonly known forms translate into the very fast flowing movements of the martial arts. The goal with the slow forms is to gain awareness and control of every muscle, joint and nerve of the body so that your movements are intricate and exact. Then when you move quickly you will be very efficient.
You will also likely see demonstrations of hundreds of people practicing forms in absolute unison dressed in ancient costumes. This will probably be the most colorful and dramatic Olympics in history.
There is an entire city in China called, “Wushu City”, completely devoted to teaching Tai-chi and Shaolin. While China repressed its ancient practices for many years, it has lately encouraged and welcomed its past. This year’s Olympics in China represents a complete dedication to showing the world how Tai-chi and related practices can bring the vitality of youth back to all of us and provide us with a challenging sport as well.
At the Long Island School of Tai-chi-Chuan, we are dedicated to providing training in both the health exercises and the martial arts of Tai-chi. We will be opening up classes in Olympic training for anyone interested in competing in the next Olympics. (Call 1-888-9TAICHI for information or contact info@movementsofmagic.com).
You will also see people practicing “Chi-Gung” in the Olympic coverage. These are simple exercises to develop the flow of internal energy (chi) in the body. This is the biological energy that sustains, strengthens and connects all the cells and organs of the body. As chi deteriorates, the body deteriorates. Chi-gung restores and strengthens the flow of chi so that the body regains its youthful strength. This school teaches a particular form of chi-gung translated into English as “Zookinesis” or animal exercises. It is an early form of chi-gung based on the flowing movements of animals. Zookinesis not only restores the flow of chi but restores the flexibility and springiness of the body, resulting in a very positive, uplifting feeling of calm inner strength. It can be done from a standing or sitting position.
There is a very good DVD (or video) available to introduce people to Tai-chi and shows 20 Tai-chi teachers performing the various Tai-chi exercises. This program is called, “The Best of American Tai-chi” and is available on the “Online Store” on this site. It explains the basic principles of Tai-chi and will help you understand what you see in the Olympics.
Keep in mind that Tai-chi isn’t really about competing with other people but rather a steady improvement in your own health, vitality and mental clarity. Some people feel that competing in Tai-chi is a contradiction in terms. I have found that Tai-chi competitions are very friendly and enjoyable with every competitor rooting for the others. I’m sure you will enjoy watching Tai-chi at this year’s Olympics.