One of the stark differences between the Taoist form that I practice and other forms of tai chi chuan concerns up and down movements. I learned that down/up, sit/stand were essential to lengthening the spine and achieving the health benefits of tai chi. Every other form I am familiar with insists on the opposite: not letting the body rise, staying level.
I’ve played with it both ways. I know I am missing something. But what?
About Me
- Joel Gottlieb
- Retired to Taos in 2000 accompanied by multiple sclerosis.2009 became a paraplegic after a spinal cord injury. Gratefully married to Linda Harrison Gottlieb, a collage and assemblage artist. Image of recent work: Field Guide to Rotifers
2 comments:
Isn't that the point, to discover what we're missing? Which only leads to more questing. I for one hope I never find "it." And how's the Rebif going? I've been on Rebif for about a year and a half, and I have no idea if it's doing it's job, or I'm just in remission.
Well, from my perspective (I've been practicing Taoist Tai Chi for about 2 years now) I would say that the other forms have a stronger connection to the martial arts roots of tai chi.
Don't get me wrong, I think from the little I've seen that the Taoist form has many martial arts applications, if you wish to think about it that way. However, it was created by Master Moy to emphasize health and wellness, not combat.
Hence the difference. Keeping the body low, center of gravity low, is very important in a fight. Much harder to knock you down. But there's a lot to be gained by stretching out, the constant expansion and contraction of the hips, chest and spine that the Taoist form exhibits.
Just my $0.02!
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