Q. I've heard some people say that Taiji is a "new age dance" that has nothing to do with martial arts. Is that true?
A. No, and be wary of any instructor who tells you that because such an assertion betrays a shallow understanding of the art. Taiji originated as a Chinese martial art dating back at least to the 16th Century. Taiji needs to be taught and practiced from its martial roots otherwise it will be empty and the benefits obtained will be greatly diminished.
Q. Since Taiji is a martial art, does that mean I have to break boards, engage in sparring, get knocked down, risk injury, etc. to practice and obtain the benefits of Taiji?
A. No. One can obtain the benefits of Taji practice by performing solo Taiji and Qigong movements and gentle partner exercises. One does, however, have to bear in mind the martial principles of rooting, centering, balance, and imind-intent while practicing. Mind-intent means that movements are carried out with a feeling of purpose and strength but the strength of internal energy not muscular force. At Qi Elements we three tracks for studying and practiciing Taiji: a martial track for those who wish to learn Taiji as a martial art; a Taiji-Qigong track for those who wish to learn Taiji and Qigong as primarily healing and meditative arts; and a third track for who just want to come and do the exercises to relax and improve their health.
Q: Is it true that Taiji and Qigong are beneficial for preventing and healing many illnesses?
A: Yes, absolutely. At the 2006 Taste of China seminars in Winchester, VA, Dr. Gloria Yeh of Harvard Medical School pointed out that Western research on the health benefits of Taiji is "growing exponentially." (Of course, the Chinese have known about it for centuries.) More and more students are coming to us on the recommendation of physicians. The best way to find out if research as documented Taiji or Qigong as beneficial for an illness you are concerned about is ask your primary care physician, search the Internet, or seek the aid of the local library. Qi Elements teaches Qigong routines for the health of spine and chest, heart and lungs, kidneys, and the body as a whole, in addition to qigong for prevention of breast cancer and healing of arthritis. If you have questions, call or email us.
Q. If I learn Taiji, will I be able to use it for self-defense?
A. In large part, that depends on you. Learning Taiji to develop self-defense or fighting skill takes longer that some other martial arts, but on the other hand, it will last you longer because it depends less on the qualities of youth (speed and strength) and more on the use of the scientific principles of Taijiquan, including understanding and executing the powers of Yin and Yang.