Tàijí quán 太极拳 Shadowboxing is an ancient Chinese slow-moving exercise that can be an ideal way for anyone to stay fit. It is very popular in China and has widely spread worldwide as a part of Chinese Gōngfū 功夫 Kungfu.
What does Tàijí quán 太极拳 mean?
Tàijí quán 太极拳 is based on the Chinese Philosophy of Tàijí 太极. Tài 太 means ‘supreme’, jí 极 means ‘ultimate’. Tàijí 太极 principles are used to describe a balanced, calm, and healthy way of life. The character quán 拳 means “fist,” which makes sense since we only need our hands to do this exercise.
Usually, Tàijí quán 太极拳 is a slow exercise and an internal Chinese martial art practised for defence training, health benefits, and meditation. Tàijí quán 太极拳 has practitioners worldwide. Its popularity worldwide may be because it is good for your health.
There are both traditional and new ways to do Tàijí quán 太极拳. There are many different stories about the origin of Tàijí quán 太极拳. The most well-known is that Zhang Sanfeng, who lived during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), made Tàijí quán 太极拳 after seeing a crane and a snake fight.
When you do Tàijí quán 太极拳, you move slowly and gracefully. Since it doesn’t require any special gear, clothes, shoes etc., it can be done anyplace.
Ultimately, Tàijí quán 太极拳 is a way to exercise the body and the mind through a series of gentle, flowing poses that look like a dance when done together. It is easy to learn, so even a child could be a master at it.
How to do Tàijí quán 太极拳 Shadowboxing?
As we have already pointed out, the goal of doing Tàijí quán 太极拳 is to improve our spiritual and mental health, bringing us closer to balance and improving our lives. This exercise has a meditative side that can help bring calm and happiness to your life. To move, you don’t have to use a lot of force.
The focus in Tàijí quán 太极拳 is on coordinating the body, adjusting your breath, and letting your muscles relax.
Most Tàijí quán 太极拳 practices include a warm-up with simple movements, like shoulder circles, turning the head from side to side, or rocking back and forth. This is done to help you loosen up your muscles and joints and pay attention to your breath and body.
The practice of Tàijí quán 太极拳 includes many different movements. Depending on the style, you have to move more or less.
Qìgōng 气功 Qigong is an important aspect of Tàijí quán 太极拳. Qìgōng 气功 is known as ‘breath work’ or ‘energy work’ and involves slow, gentle breathing, sometimes done with movement. The goal is to quiet the mind and get the energy moving in the body.
Many people today don’t get enough exercise regularly. Tàijí quán 太极拳 can be a great way to get the training you need and help you lead a balanced, calm, and healthy life.
Learn more about Tàijí quán 太极拳 at the Chinese Summer Camp 2022
We at LC Chinese School are hosting a Summer Camp Program, tailored and designed to the needs of young students. With the LC Chinese School, Summer Camp Program students will study the language for 2 hours a day Monday to Friday, followed by a 1.5-hour Fun Class. One of the subjects in the Fun Class is Tàijí quán 太极拳. Here we will teach you the basics of Tàijí quán 太极拳, as well as explain what role Tàijí quán 太极拳 plays in China.
The LC Chinese School Summer Camp Program is open for children from 7 to 17 years of age
The program’s goal is to assist them in learning the language so that they can communicate in Chinese in everyday situations. In the program we emphasize language development through the study of grammar and vocabulary, as well as engaging in fun activities. You can read more about the Summer Camp 2022 here.
Do you want to learn more Mandarin Chinese or know someone who wants to?
If you want to learn Mandarin Chinese, feel free to REGISTER FOR A TRIAL CLASS HERE or send me an email (Chen Huimin): huimin@laerkinesisk.no.
We offer private lessons and group classes at all levels, HSK 1-6, children, adults, and business. All Mandarin Chinese classes are offered either in classrooms or online.
Do you know anyone who wants to learn Chinese? We will give you 500 US dollars as a bonus as a part of our program “Refer a friend – get $ 500” if your friend or others you introduce to us start taking Chinese classes at our school. Register here if this is interesting for you!
