The older generation practice Tai Chi Chuan as the sun rises in Shenzhen, China. Groups of older folk practicing the ancient art is not an uncommon sight in Chinese parks during the early morning hours. Watching the exercises, the slow and fluid movements, is visual poetry.
Tai Chi Chuan (太極拳) has a convoluted history. Trying to trace the roots of the martial art are as difficult as finding the proverbial needle in a haystack. The practice can be traced to the breathing exercises of monks in the 2nd century BCE. Many believe Chang San-feng, a 15th century monk, invented the exercises, then a martial art.
Tai Chi Chuan is said to have physical and mental benefits. People have reported that it boosts their stamina, energy, and agility. The exercises also give a sense of well-being. Because the slow, focused movements, Tai Chi Chuan can also help to relieve stress.
Excellent DOF.
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Thanks, Craig.
Oh, I love this shot. The teal wall in the background, and the focus on the first guy’s torso and face. Really great energy to this.
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I love the light in this area, sort of dappled. I’m going to head back there after my holidays.
I’ve been tempted to try this but do you have to be old?
I don’t think so. I’m sure there’s plenty in HK.
Just taking the time out to relax the mind and body for a few minutes everyday is something that more people could incorporate into their lives. I find even just watching group tai-chi to be relaxing.
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So true.
On one of my routes to work in the morning, I go past the plaza of our civic center. People are out in a grove of trees doing these exercises often. I, too, love the slow, almost hypnotic grace of their flowing movements.
Some day, I want to grow up to be one of these people.
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Cheers, Ben. One day, for me too.
I’ve been looking for tai chi instruction for ages, and can’t find it anywhere. ;-(
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I hope you have better luck in the future. You could always move here…
I have been taking taijiquan (Chen style) for the past two years, with a taiji master from the Henan province and I can tell you that not only do I enjoy doing it each day, but also feel better.
There are two styles of taijiquan, Chen and Yang. Yang is associated with the older generation where the movements are slower, while Chen is has more explosive movements.
It’s not easy to learn and takes years of practice, as there is more to it than just the movements, though getting the movements correct is also difficult when done correctly. It’s also a mind set, and you should get someone who knows the history and the philsophy behind it.
Tina: Thanks for the info. I’m going to look into some martial arts training once the summer is over. Now that I’m in fairly good shape I want to see what I can learn.