Tai Chi Chih is a Westernized version of the Chinese Tai Chi Chuan, consisting of 19 soft movements that balance the body’s “chi” to reduce stress and improve immunity. The movements are subtle and flexible, and can be performed in any order. Unlike Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Chi Chih is not meant to build muscle or teach quick defensive tactics.
Tai Chi Chih branched out in the early 1970s as a Westernized version of the centuries-old Chinese Tai Chi Chuan or Taiji Quan. This flowing series of 19 movements created by American Justin Stone originates from a unique and stable pose. Practitioners and some studios are reputed to perform them regularly to reduce stress, improve immunity, and impart energy by balancing the body’s “chi,” the Chinese way of referring to the divine “air” or “breath” within.
Standing in a simple central stance, feet comfortably apart, the 19 movements involve soft, symbolic movements of the feet and hands, as opposed to Tai Chi Chuan, which has much deeper flexions and more pronounced movements. Although standing is preferred, the bed or chair can also accommodate variations of the movements. Learning the moves takes practice, many enroll in a class with an instructor to guide them. Others turn to online illustrated tutorials.
The names of the poses reflect the movements that are carried out. According to a video tutorial on the website of creator Justin Stone, who certifies Tai Chi Chih teachers, smoothness is of the utmost importance when performing the movements. Chi is evoked through slow and even progressions that focus on what Stone calls “effortless effort.” Unlike other forms in which the movements are snakelike, with slow and fast swooping, exaggerated or alternating movements, Tai Chi Chih, according to Stone, is subtle and flexible in posture.
The first move is a simple rocking motion, performed for any number of repetitions, then slightly bent knees and a bird’s flapping motion. Again, this flapping movement is performed for as long as the practitioner wishes. The rest of the movements, in order, are named: Around the plate and a subtle variation; bass drum; Daughter on top of the mountain; Daughter in the valley; Take the ball to the side; Push pull; pulling power; Pulling Taffy, in four variations; Light in the temple; Cheerful breath; passing clouds; Six Healing Sounds; and finally a Cosmic Awareness Pose. Each move can be performed a set number of times in sequence or in any order, as long as it feels right.
While Tai Chi Chuan has several sets of moves that are somewhat similar to Tai Chi Chih, it has others in its 108-move arsenal that teach quick defensive tactics or build muscle. Another name for the above style is “Supreme Ultimate Fist”, and practicing it can be considered exercise. However, Tai Chi Chih is said to energize the performer, not waste it, and implies a low-key approach.
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