Taijiquan
Also known as shadowboxing, Taijiquan is a martial art based on yin-yang principles. Taij is the ying-yang symbol and quan means fist or martial art.
Legend says that Taijiquan began with a hermit in the 12 century, watching a fight between a snake and a crane.
From what he saw and the knowledge he had of qiqong he adapted a fight style already known to him.
Basic principles are relaxation and flowing with the force of your opponent.
For a long time it was kept a family secret. In the first half of this century the style spread over China. In the “west” it is better known as a meditation movement to enlarge your body conscience and improve emotional and spritual balance.
In the last 100 years many forms of taijiquan have been developed; I teach Zheng Manqing (Cheng Man Ch’ing) named after its’ creator. Zheng Manqing is a key figure in spreading Taijiquan.
The tradition that I follow (developed by Huang Xingxian, a pupil of Zheng) is not the most simple but the most complete and profound Taijiquan I’ve come across. To learn this form takes two years.
A starters course is followed by a second course. Besides a short form there is a long form, a fast form, and a form with weapons. Also there is a system of partner training (pushing hands).
The emphases of the course is on learning the form, a series of movements which have to be performed precisely. The goal is not to know the form but to get in to harmony with the basic principles through the form. The principles are:
• Calm but alert spirit
• Fully relaxed body
• An optimal body structure
• A good grounding with the earth
• Move from your centre
• Unity in body and mind
• Balance
Taijiquan may look easy when it is performed but it takes years to obtain the right skills.
Everybody can learn taijiquan, a good condition is not necessary. What is necessary is attention, spirit and practice. Taijiquan is a learning process which can be continued for the rest of your life.
The teacher of the taijiquan lessons is Dirk Jan ter Haar who is practising taijiquan for almost 25 years. The last ten years he has also given lessons.
What you will need?
Easy clothing. In the first lesson I’ll tell a bit more about what is good taijiquan clothing.
In the meditation lessons I’ll give advise on how to sit and the next lesson you can take a pillow to be more comfortable.
