Tai Chi or Qigong or simplefied Tai Chi

[Anonymous]

Hi there, I am new to this forum. I want to learn either TaiChi or Qigong or simplefied Tai Chi but I don’t really know what. I started taking classes a month ago, but there are two aspects I don’t like: the first is that it leads to a form were two hours daily practise is required and I just don’t have these two hours! All we did in the class were basically warm up excersises. My aim is to dedicate half an hour every morning. The second aspect was that it was too much martial arts for me and I have problems to bow in front of a sword wooden or real.
My interest is mainly in the chi aspect and of course nice aesthetic movements (I would never ever go in a gymn)
I am 55 and fit and very flexible and I like ballet dancing.
What would you recommend? Which style? Is it Taichi or Qigong? Is simplefied Tai Chi all I need?

[Anonymous]

I can’t edit … I found this video and the movemnt quite nice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Up2Mnq7JSM (of course the music plays a part)

[Anonymous]

Hello Angelika, Best wishes in your search, and stepping into this subject

I don’t think you are alone in thinking that 2hrs ‘daily’ is jumping-in, no “toe-in the water”.. especially if you don’t have a taste, ie as you say, all you did is warm-up, and other aspects that didn’t click. (There are other possibilities, and aspects available– info sources mentioned below.. free available, even if takes a while to get through.)

Once one has a practice that gives what you seek, enriches you, you ‘might’ want to go deeper (~longer time).. -but I’d recommend starting with 15mins a day (or even a couple of 5min session- in terms of doing)– the idea being, sustainability… -or- Can you keep up the practice-time (amt of time, but also when and where, etc), long-term.. (vs flash in the pan, or little burst and then “Ugh- no more of this…” )

In terms of a short-form of TaiChi chuan, one can do such a form in 5mins or up to 12mins… with internal-engagements (vs “warm-up” although does the same purpose- and “turns-on” your system).. and working on new “Components” (see below) each practice session: with breaks in between- the prior can be done, in a sustainable way, within a 30min practice session (or less, to get started)..

—imagine “focused” aware-present practice-time as a drop of water, into a big jar.. slowly builds up, but over time, gradually, water accumulates~ ie the skill, and peace, and flow-presence.)

---

By “components” Bruce teaches as “stuff that goes on ‘inside’ that powers a movement” that isn’t seen (thus it relates to breathing, but more-so turning-twisting, or circles, or “Opening&Closing” (KaiHe), lengthening (in&out), going Sung (relaxing, and “root”).. all these terms may not be known.. but the key is that they can be played with a bit (during practice, as well as in the back of you mind, walking about- during the day), and they sort of layer within a movement (like a form).

_whether that movement-form is a TaiChi chuan form, or a chigung form.. is like a vessel/bottle/wallet that has contents put in it

(most chigung forms are simpler, and repeated, cyclically.. which is not as “interesting” to some people.. but allows for deeper refinements of each movement- and less details to try and recall)
(while others might prefer a longer-set, like TaiChi, because they prefer to not repeat moves, but have a long-story of movements, that establishes flow… -of course a bit longer to learn and work through, and less time on each movement..)

so preference, (like buffet sampling, ie try different versions which do you prefer, could you see doing each day?) -something that works this, is either way, if you learn a few “components” and work those qualities, then whether they are inserted in a longer-form of moves (a longer- med, or short, TaiChi form..), or perhaps a single movement repeated (see “Circling Hands”)…
or some ChiGung forms are in-between (~medium amt of moves).. (but are not martial, and often not stepping,
~feet are in place, while arms reach and hips turn and bend..
vs a form that steps and walks while.. (in terms of room-size of space- required, and you mention martial being of less interest).

* quick note on the martial aspects of movements, it is a quick way to understand, and recall, how the body is structured…. ex, if imagine lifting something with your palm held over your shoulder- pushing up, and standing on one leg- either one– that thought of lifting-pushing up connects palm-arm-torso-leg… (if just saw a position, that looks the same, one could stand that way,and yet not have that connection.. -or- if imagine same position, but upper hands fingers poke-pushing something up there, that changes all the connections… ) I hope that makes sense?
============
One issue that gets some people, is whether they want to go to a physical class- nearby where they live, and thus it is limited by what classes are available nearby (there might be some near that you don’t know about.. or perhaps one a bit further away).. but if you either learn “components” (as above) then you can learn in a class, and just (secretly insert those in the movements shown.. or even just practice on your own (if your goal wasn’t to be in a group–

(You could always begin a study group.. if you have info-material, to chat and practice together if desired, or go to a group every few moments (or longer between), such as some might practice on their own, and travel to a seminar- perhaps once a year….

so depends on what you are looking for, and how you learn.. something that could take time, but if available (and I’d recommend) -and not-cost (ie free, except your time, and need a computer and internet), is the info on this site (not only some of the forum posts in older- all these forum categories, and each goes back a few yrs.. some are quick comments, but some might be value.. but even more-so the articles via the top of the page (Qigong, TaiChi, Bagua, etc.).. has a couple of pages each… might give some seeds.. -but…

The biggest (if you don’t know about this already): on YT
( http://www.youtube.com/user/energyartsvideos )
-hopefully that link works, and is available to you..

(many vids.. but if you search “components” and tai chi, or TaiChi, and espec “Circling Hands” (info on this site for a program- it is described there, but it is roughly shown on the YouTube vids), or Roll the ball (look below on this webpage in “blog posts” – I’d recommend skimming each of those- on blog, and YT, “Tai Chi tips”…)

Just as a couple of examples- (many more- and other vids are different ways of explaining, and different topics)
3mins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwjNwShY8EE

---

6mins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5KoWI_lIEI
4mins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5GSlQyPAuY
20 mins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsf-GbvQcDw

---

Going through this info could take a bit, but spread it out/ pace your self.. and just read/watch a bit, and then stand and try it (or as I did/do, can feel the movement “inside” as you sit and watch/listen.. struggle to understand what it means ~try, and then a bit more.. just realize you don’t need it all, or even a lot, just pick a few that interest you (and that you ‘get’ when you try it), and that can start to assemble your practice….
Something that you mention, which could be a start— the smoothness isn’t just a coordination of learned movements, but how the body (arms, but also legs, and into torso, all linked) is working (and these “components” the “Tai Chi tips” are likely new aspects of moving that haven’t been felt before)..

** the discovery process can start- just don’t feel lost or overwhelmed.. and be looking around & “gaining experience you have felt- in you” you may then go further (just from more info here, or perhaps a purchase.. or even other info.. but I’d recommend, any “other system/teacher” keep to that same standard- of these “components” and the criteria you are interested in (and not just best-first available).
=========
I hope this helps, check back and let us all know how you are finding it… (or if any of the above wasn’t clear).. I find this subject of great value and I searched a while before I found this website (and I still search, for the time I’ve studied this system), my opinion, this is the standard of the ‘type-level’ of info (although there are other systems out there that some prefer,… but in the above- YT and forum, and blog post-references, and articles on this website.. quite a bit to access

-If you aren’t into the reading-study mode as much, perhaps read through the descriptions in the ‘store’ on this website.. (whether you purchase or not, just seeing how the programs are described might give info)

-or even check..? ‘Instructors’ listing (on top right of this webpage)
(not just “signup’ or even a private.. but more so just a drop-in or questions- see how they describe or explain-even a single comment can be like treasure- answering a question you didn’t know to ask…
http://www.energyarts.com/energy-arts-instructor-community

—-
Luck

[Anonymous]

Hi Toakua, thanks for the long reply! I think it helps. Maybe I should watch a bit more youtube and then decide to what I relate more. I definitively son’t want to hop around with a wooden sword but I am very attracted to the dance like flowing movements.

[Anonymous]

Hi Angeliika,

Go Qigong.

Many of my friends and students have gravitated towards
Shibashi.

Google:
Shibashi Qigong master Wing Cheung

Set 1 takes 24 minutes.
It’s simple.
It’s beautiful.
No martial arts.
No memorization.
No theory.
Will not strain knees.

Do it in the morning.

Think: where do I want to be in 10 years?
Using a walker?
Hunched?
In a nursing home?

The Taijichuan Yang Style Short 24 Form
may only take 5 and a half minutes to perform
but it can take a year to learn before you can do it on your own.

Best regards,

Bob

[Anonymous]

Thanks, yes I want to be able to do things independantly. HOwever there are some other TaiChi classes offered here. I’ll have a look at your version of Quigong. The other problem with the Tai chi class I tried was that the fitness level of most participants was way lower than mine.
In ten years time I want to be able explore a bit more of this chi energy etc. and of course reamin healthy flexible and fit.
I am simply attracted to chinese medicine and the ideas.

[Anonymous]

Maybe I should ask different: what affects does Qigong has vs Thai Chi?

[Anonymous]

To simplify what my opinion is the main-primary point: whether one is looking for a class to go to, or you are planning to self-study.

If the First- then it depends what classes are taught locally, if it isn’t taught, then – unless you move.. – you can’t take that class (note: often there are many more than are easily found, a session taught within the space of a gym, or school, with little-advertising.. a session in a park, or even in the teacher’s home-yard.. whatever.. (contacts, introduction).

Anyway, if you find what is avail-local, keep looking, and determine if that is your interest (as even if something looks good to you… but “When the student is ready, the teacher.. ” etc.. and if you earnestly begin to study and practice and embody this “art” can lead you… (so who knows.. but the flash in the pan, interest that fades, vs once you “catch the bug”.

If on the other hand you are open to self-study, then you don’t “need” to find a local class- thus not as limited.. (then includes even if you find a class you can only travel to once a month or so- sort of local, but a long journey (car/bus/train)….. )… thus (like the last point in above) can result in a teacher “appearing” locally.

but this idea- either the social support of a group, or solo-grind it out (eat bitter).. two approaches, and thus paths.. (example being ballet- practiced in a large group-class, vs solo hours- especially if you have your own room, perhaps in your home… -different type of experience?)

luck

[Anonymous]

Meanwhile I found a local course and I like the approach that the course stands for otself, it is Tai Chi, but the teacher knows both. It is a gentle approach Tai Chi for health.

[Author]

Posts