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| Tai Chi and the Martial Arts | | I would never have thought to include Tai Chi and Taoism in the book, had it not been for the fact that my wife and I have undertaken a study of Tai Chi. Taoism and Tai Chi don’t readily spring to mind as “religions” in the same sense as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, or Christianity, and yet they strongly affect the life and attitudes of perhaps a billion people. In a broader sense we can loosely consider all of the martial arts, as well as related philosophies, in with Taoism and Tai Chi. | | Taoism’s lack of identity as a religion is due in part to the fact that many practitioners consider it to be a philosophy instead. People from all faiths are attracted to it, and it is seen as something compatible with any or no religion. You never hear of Taoists fighting anyone over religious beliefs or sectarian concerns. In a real sense you can study Tai Chi or Taoism, and accept them wholeheartedly, and at the same time be a devout Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Jew, Baha’i, Wiccan, or Atheist. They can also be considered as religions for those so inclined. | | My wife’s chiropractor recommended Tai Chi to her for health reasons. I had a long time interest in the Martial arts, so studying Tai Chi together was a “win win” for both of us. It is the first hobby we really have shared in a long time. I recommend it highly for anyone interested. | | The thing that first got me to thinking about Tai Chi’s “position” against hitting children was, in part, the martial arts creed that we recite in class before every lesson. It reads: | | “I intend to use what I learn in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and others, and to never be abusive or offensive.” | | For those who know a little bit about the ultra slow movements in Tai Chi, and who are still laughing at the thought of a beginning Tai Chi student getting in a fight, and getting punched in the face 25 times while he is swinging once, please bear in mind that this Dojo also teaches Karate and Aikido. Tai Chi is a martial art, and can be taught and learned in that way, but most students today are drawn to it for meditation, relaxation, exercise, and as a hobby or art form. Many Tai Chi students are also students of Karate, Aikido, or some other martial arts, but some Tai Chi by itself. |
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