About Taichi

1) What is Tai chi?

Taichi Chuan or Taichi is the highest form of martial arts which has its roots in China. It means ‘Supreme ultimate fist’, ‘Great life force’ etc.

2) Is Tai chi, which we know today, a modified version of the traditional form?

There are many schools which teach Taichi in the world. What we teach and promote is the Authentic Yang Family Taichi Chuan which was founded by the 1st Grand Master, Yang Lu Chan. I am the disciple of the 5th Generation Grand Master, Fu Sheng Yuan who has his schools spread all over the world with his base in China and Australia. What I teach is the pure traditional form which I have learnt from my teacher in my many visits to both China and Australia.

3) What kind of exercises does one do in Tai chi?

It is a combination of physical exercise, breathing techniques and meditation. It comprises of slow, relaxed flowing movements of opening and closing forms, advance and retreat, attack and defence, channalising energy through the body’s natural movements to attain high degree of fitness, both mental and physical.

4) What are the health benefits of Tai chi?

With regular practice it works on the central nervous system, calming the mind. It works on the cardiovascular system strengthening the heart, lungs etc. It works on the digestive system strengthening the internal organs. Over all it strengthens the immune system and protects us from ailments and even if we fall ill it helps us to recover faster. It tones up the muscles, strengthens the ligaments, tendons, bones, nerves etc. It helps you to cope up with the day to day pressures of life and keeps you mentally strong and alert. For a high performing sportsperson it helps them to stay calm at the crutial stages of the game. For a normal person it helps to sustain the fitness level. For a person with ailments or dis-orders it helps them to recover back to good health and taichi compliments / supports medical science.

5) Tai chi is often called "meditation in motion", please explain why?

Its because the movements are like the river flow without a break for 21 minutes, in which we perform about 600 to 700 movements. While one is in practice, the pulse rate does not go up, the breathing remains the same and many times it slows down. We move from left to right, forward and back but the speed remains the same and the spine too is straight without any strain on it. The most important factor is that the mind is is in the present moment. When the mind does not wander to the past or to the future and is in the here and the now, it is meditation. The combination of all this is “Meditation in Motion” or “Moving Meditatiom”. Well, I was describing the Authentic Yang Family Taichi and not the other styles, which may not follow the uniform pattern popularly known as a “Moving Meditation”.

6) How popular is Tai chi in India?

When I started teaching Taichi 15 years back,very few people knew about this art but over the years with word of mouth and media support it has gained popularity. Now when one practices Taichi in an open Park, people recognize this . It is very popular among the working class namely….IT professionals,doctors,sportsperson among others. We have been teaching the MRF Pace Foundation cricketers headed by Dennise Lilliee and T A Sekar, STF police cammandos, IAS and IPS officers, Corporate houses and Business heads among others.

7) Are there any academies or institutions in India where one can learn Tai chi and what is the cost?

Our academy has its branches in seven major cities…chenai , Bangalore,Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune,Delhi & Kochi. The cost for a one year course is Rs.12,000/- and if one wants to start with the basic beginner’s level, it would cost them Rs.3000/- for a two months course.
8) Do we have enough experts (or teachers) in India to teach Tai chi?

Yes, Our Academy has instructors in their respective cities and I have personally trained them to teach.

9) Can one learn Tai chi watching video clips and reading books?

No, it is not possible .

10) Are there different levels of training in Tai chi?

When one joins our class, they start with simple movements and slowly progress to more sophisticated combinations and by the end of the course one has a life package. Those who wish to learn the weapon forms can learn the sword and the sabre if they wish after the Life Package lessons.

11) What is the minimum age to start Tai chi?

There is no age bar in our Academy. We have students between 10 and 85 years at the moment.

12) If someone is a heart patient or a diabetic, is it advisable to do Tai chi?

Taichi is a therapy by itself and we not only have students who have gone through bypass but also those with diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, spinal disorders, insomnia, asthma etc. Taichi compliments / supports medical science to recover from ailments faster.

13) What are the things required to practice Tai chi?

Loose clothing and comfortable footwear.

14) Is there any restriction on practicing Tai chi indoors or outdoors?

It is best to practice Taichi outdoor with nature. If indoors, it should be well ventilated.

15) Does Tai chi has any similarity with yoga?

Yoga is asanas , pranayama and rajayoga and are done separately whereas Authentic Yang Family Taichi is a combination of all the three yogas.