Tai chi, or shadow boxing is one of the major branches of traditional Chinese martial arts. Tai chi is derived from “Tai Chi” a reference which appeared in the book of changes around 1100 to 1221 BC. “In all changes exists Tai Chi, which causes the two opposites in everything” is the reference. Tai Chi meaning the ultimate of ultimate is often used in describing the vastness of the universe. Principles of this form of martial arts are based on the philosophy of Taoism, which stress the natural balance in everything and the need for both physical and spiritual living in accordance with the patterns of nature. This philosophy states that everything is composed of two opposites that are entirely complementary, also known as the elements of yin …show more content…
Through the combination of martial arts exercises, the practice of Daoyin and Tuna, and traditional Chinese medicine Tai Chi became a complete system of exercise in which the participant’s mental concentration, breathing, and actions are closely connected. Tai Chi paved the way for its use as an ideal form of exercise for all aspects of health care. Since then Chen style had been kept almost secretly within his village, where the clan taught Tai Chi to their daughter-in-laws, but not their daughters in assurance that the secret didn’t leave the village. Later, Chen Xin, a16th generation member of the Chen family, wrote and illustrated a book on the Chen School of Tai Chi, in which he described the correct postures and movements, and explained both the medical and philosophical background of the routines. However this book was not published until 1932, after Chen Fake, a great grandson of the famous Chen Changxing, had taught the style of Tai Chi outside of the Chen village. Yang Style is the most popular of all forms. It was created in the early 19th century by Yan Lu-chan. As a child Yang enjoyed martial arts and had the opportunity to study with various famous
Philosophy is a complicated subject. Since the beginning of human existence, many tried to come up with theories about life, happiness, reality and knowledge. From philosophical ideas different beliefs sprung, and existence of different religions followed. Every theory raised by a philosopher attracted different followers. In today's modern society aside from major religions, there are thousands of others that suggest that their explanations to universal questions are the only accurate ones, and all of these religions seek to gain more followers to join their "way". One of these religions is the religion/philosophy of Taoism. Taoism has it roots in China, where the founder of Taoism Lao-Tse was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted his society during his lifetime. The result was his book: Tao-te-Ching. Lao-Tse described Taoism as a path or a way which one must follow in order to reach inner serenity and peace. In order to reach these inner goals one must live in harmony with nature and natural process that creates the balance in the universe.
"Main Concepts of Taoism: Yin and Yang." Taoism and the Taoist Arts. April 2002. http://www.taoistarts.net/main.html#yin LeGuin, Ursula K. The Lathe of Heaven. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers Inc., 2000.
One of the most relaxing forms of martial arts, T'ai Chi, can help to overcome such problems as arthritis, rheumatism, back problems, lack of balance, high blood pressure, stress, post-traumatic stress, lack of energy, and more. T'ai Chi is a non violent form of the martial arts whose roots are derived from the Chinese and correlated with Traditional Chinese Medicinal techniques. There are many forms of T'ai Chi, including T'ai Chi Chuan and T'ai Chi Chih; all of which have been studied for thousands of years to improve the Chinese way of life. There have been many records of the origin of T'ai Chi reaching as far back as over 3500 years ago. In addition to a Chinese Martial Art, T'ai Chi has origins related to Taoism, which revolved around calmness, "tranquillity of mind," and the improvement of health and persona (wysiwg://25/http://www.spiritweb.org/Spirit/tai-chi.html). Monks employed T'ai Chi as means of be coming more in tune with their bodies and their environment. Therefore, this martial art helped them to "defend themselves against bandits and warlords through physical health and spiritual growth" (http://www.maui.net/~taichi4u/overview.html).
- - -. “Taoist Tai Chi Society .” ABC-CLIO eBook Collection. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. .
Today, most modern styles of Tai Chi Chuan trace their development to at least one of the four traditional schools: Chen, Yang, Wu, or Sun.3 The most common style of Tai Chi currently practiced in the states is Tai Chi Chuan.4 This type of Tai Chi comes from the definitions: Tai Chi- meaning infinity, the absolute. It contains dynamic and static movement: it is the mother of Yin and Yang, of everything male and female. It is the root of motion, which is division, and of stillness, which is union.5 Chuan- or fist, is the symbol of unity between body and mind.4 Tai Chi Chuan must neither be overdone nor underdone: it must be exact. Comprehension comes from growing an understanding, plus effort and this leads one gradually to full enlightenment.4
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a martial arts chivalry film released in 2000. It was directed by Ang Lee, who also directed films such as “Broke Back Mountain and “Life of Pi.” The film focuses on the three main characters Li Mu Bai, Shu Lien and Jen. Li Mu Bai stays on a Taoist monastery, and is an expert in sword fighting; famous for his Kung Fu. Unlike Li Mu Bai, Shu Lien is a Confucianist who runs a security company and has deceased fiancé. Another important character, Jen, is from a wealthy family and is taught by Jade Fox, who disguises as a nanny, how to fight. Jen is egoistic and contradicts the rules of both Confucianism and Taoism. Lo, also known as the “Dark Cloud” is a bandit who falls in love with Jen. The film mainly tackled on the importance of Confucianism and Taoism in one’s life and how these two are alike to each other when they are put together. In the film, we will see how they influence the character’s lives having Confucianism and Taoism beliefs performed together. We all know that these two philosophies are different from each other. Confucianism emphasizes morality, familial piety and respect for authorities to create peace and harmony among people. On the other hand, Taoism focuses on the harmony of yin and yang, detachment from worldly things, oneness with the nature and to go with the flow.
TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, can be traced as far back as 1000 BC, where stone acupuncture needles were believed to be used. Texts from that period also talked of Yin and Yang and other concepts. The first written work on TCM is titled the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, Huangdi Newijing (Gascoigne 11). This book was written in 300 BC, but entries date back to the early 2700’s BC. The book is still used in universities of Chinese Medicine around the world and is often called the bible of TCM. Today, TCM is still thriving in China and all of Asia. In recent years, information on TCM has become available to people in the United States. The United States has several schools of TCM, and it is now much easier to buy the necessary supplies needed for correct practice of TCM (Gascoigne 11-7).
All athletes get injured right? So who exactly allows them to run the fields again? There is a specific person meant for just that, a Physical Therapist. A career that would be fit for someone who enjoys being active and being involved in sports. As a way to help people, Physical Therapy is a very important career to any individual who is looking to get better, Physically. They attend any person,it doesn’t matter what age or gender. Over all this career is most important to athletes, who may get injured and need someone to help them get back in shape. As you continue to read, you will learn about the conditions and requirements needed to be a Physical Therapist. You will read about how not everyone is fit
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like” (Lau Tzu). Born into a life of noodles and relaxation Po, a chubby panda, always wanted to be a Kung Fu master. Out of nowhere an opportunity arises to have his dream become reality. Po, like any normal panda snatches up this once in a lifetime opportunity and runs with it. But when the going gets tough, he doesn’t know if this is the life he was meant to live. While the film was meant for enjoyment, DreamWorks has incorporated clear examples of the three major Chinese Schools of Thought: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
The author travels to China as an English teacher for the Hunan Medical School. There he stayed for two years picking up many anecdotes along the way. The author already had spent a large amount of his life studying Chinese language and the martial arts. However, when he arrives in China he meets teachers who have dedicated their entire lives to perfecting a particular art or skill, whether it be martial arts or calligraphy.
The Chinese worldview focuses on harmony, balance, and change because they are all connected in some way. When change occurs, we must focus on keeping everything balanced. Too much or too little of one thing can be bad. However once everything is balanced, our lives are full of harmony and peace. Chinese culture promotes these themes through The Book of Changes and Yin and Yang. The Book of Changes provides people with philosophical meanings to further explain how to maintain harmony. Yin and Yang has become the most prominent concept within the book because it provides a background and base on how to achieve this harmony. By understanding the Book of Changes and Yin and Yang, one can profit from understanding how the world works.
Even though Taoism and many other folk religions have shaped the Chinese mind, Confucianism remains, by any historical measure, its chief mentor” (Novak 113). Therefore, since the two religions grew up together, there are similarities, such as their views on humans, attempting to find harmony in life and in nature, and serve as guides for their followers through self-cultivation and improvement techniques. Confucianism believes that their congregation should have human conduct over the idea of God in their lives, whereas Taoism is formed on the belief that its congregation should create a relationship with nature. This is pointed out by Smith in Experiencing the World’s Religions, “Confucius represents the classical, Lao Tzu the romantic; Confucius stresses social responsibility, Lao Tzu praises spontaneity and naturalness; Confucius focus is on the human, Lao Tzu’s on what transcends the human” (Smith 218).
Aikido is a martial art that uses joints to as an advantage for self defense. Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido was based on past martial arts. There were other influences on Aikido besides martial arts. The reason i decided to take this class is so I can learn to defend myself with a very interesting martial art.
...e and space and is therefore attainable to each individual who is ready to be released from the bonds of the physical. The Tao is perfection, a place where yin and yang come together and all that lives in diversity finds unity.
Going into sports medicine, just like any other job, requires schooling and licensing to get the education needed to be a fitness trainer in any gyms. There are more than just fitness trainers in a gym. There are personal trainers, group fitness instructors, specialized fitness instructors, and fitness directors. The years of schooling may fluctuate depending on the field decided to go into. The smaller that the gym is it will requires less trainers and instructors. Being a fitness trainer requires a sensible amount knowledge.