Taiji
Taijiquan (or short “Taiji”, sometimes also written in its old form “Tai Chi Chuan”) is an internal Martial Art (as “Quan” literally translated means fist, thus “boxing”) from China, nowadays mostly used for its health benefits. It dates back about 400 years ago and became publicly accessable only recently.
It is based on the principles of Yin and Yang, which are themselves rooted in the philosophy of Daoism (next to Confucianism and Buddhism). Its characteristics are slow and gentle movements, alternated by quick explosive ones, finding balance, grounding and ultimately connection to the Dao, the universe.
The practice consists of standing meditation and the so-called form, similar to a Japanese Kata. It is a choreography that constitutes the main part of the practice and helps balancing the body-mind, develop body awareness and mindfulness, as well as strengthening the internal energy.
You learn to use your body in a natural way, without forcing or resisting. The practice doesn’t look and feel very spectactular sometimes, that’s because Taiji is a very deep art, and one needs to go beyond its surface to see its beauty. Something which requires patience, stillness and endurance.
My primary background is Chen style Taiji, whereas I start teaching beginners the standardized Peking form of Yang style (24 movements). There are many other teachers and schools available in Amsterdam and I here-by want to promote them as well, so everyone can find what suits them best.
