What is Taichi 42 Step Form?

The taichi 42 step form is a combination of different Chinese martial arts which was developed by grandmaster Li De Yin in collaboration with the Chinese Sports Committee in the year 1989. The movements from taichi 42 step form were derived from Yang, Wu, Chen and Sun Taijiquan principles combined with the standard Wushu. The taichi 42 step form is amazing to watch in competitions or demonstrations however it is recommended to stick with traditional taichi exercises if aiming for health benefits.

What are the Taichi 42 Step Form Movements?

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Introduction to Chen Taiji

Chen Taiji is the oldest and parent form of the five traditional family styles (Chen style 1580-1660, Yang style 1799-1872, Wu or Wu/Hao style 1812-1880, Wu style 1870-1942 and Sun style 1861-1932). Today although there are different forms of  taiji exercises which were developed by different martial artists and gurus, all of these were derived from the principles of the oldest and original chen taiji.

Chen taiji practice is famous for its health benefits, mind relaxation, honing of internal and external martial arts skills,  and athletic purposes. Chen taiji’s teacher incorporates movements that emphasizes one or more of these benefits during training. Chen taiji exercises promote in balancing the flow of qi in our body, philosophers identify qi as the most important element in maintaining a strong and healthy mind and body.

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Origin of Qi Gong Exercises

Qi Gong Exercises already existed in Chinese traditional medicine, philosophy and martial arts for more than 5000 years ago. When the Qi (chi), which is a term for energy flow, life force, and force of energy, is imbalanced it will cause alterations physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Qi gong exercises (pronounced as chee gong) helps in balancing the qi in the body by aligning the breathing patterns with movements and integration of meditation. Before, many terms were given to qi gong exercises such as xing-qi (promoting the qi circulation), dao-yin (guiding the energy flow), fu-qi (taking qi), tui-na (exhaling and inhaling), zuo-chan (sitting meditation), jing-zuo (sitting still) and yang-shen (nourishing the spirit). Until finally in 1953 Liu Gui-zheng published “Practice on Qigong Therapy” where qi gong exercises derived its name and remain as it is known today.

 Training Methods of Qi Gong Exercises

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Step By Step Tai Chi

When undertaking the task of learning Tai Chi it seems so simple at first glance, but then the realization sets in – this is hard work, and boy oh boy does it ever take focus and understanding. Understanding of the basic moves, understanding of the concept, goals and objectives. The best way to start is finding some books on the subject and start reading up on it.  Here are a couple of basic books about Tai Chi that you will enjoy reading and find beneficial on your journey to learn Tai Chi.

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Through Tai Chi meditation, you will get the mental gains of eliminating the stress in your inner core. Also, you can get physical exercise with the movements involved in the art. Tai Chi is the same as yoga in terms of its controlled movements. This control is due to the precise use of muscles in your torso, legs, arms and almost every body part. When done properly, Tai Chi can provide you inner peace and physical sanctity.

Tai Chi meditation is also known as movement meditation and this require you to move your inner self or chi throughout your body in order to reach out and get rid of stress. This is performed by continuous movement of the body, which should be slow but continuous. While practicing this, your mind is entirely focused on your movements that are in control and in perfect alignment with each other.

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In the past, tai chi was taught exclusively by the Shaolin monks inside temples and monasteries, or by masters whose students went to their homes to train. These days, there are a lot of ways to learn tai chi steps. With the advent of technology, you don’t even have to leave home to learn tai chi, although it is said that there is still nothing better than learning tai chi steps first hand from a qualified instructor. If you want to learn tai chi but still can’t figure out how to start, you may want to explore the following options.

First, check out a tai chi martial arts studio. Studios and schools will have courses cut out for you, depending on whether you want to learn tai chi as a self-defense, or as a form of relaxation, or to help you treat some medical conditions. You can also observe how the classes are being conducted so you get a feel of it and decide if this is how you want to learn tai chi. If you think you don’t have much time for learning tai chi, you will also be surprised to learn that some studios offer tai chi classes during lunch breaks, especially for busy, working people like you.

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Tai chi has been recognized the world over as an alternative physical activity that causes the body to relax and the mind to focus. It basically involves performing a series of movements and positions in a gentle and flowing manner, as though the practitioner is dancing to a slow, fluid and seamless music. It is said that doing tai chi helps promote the body’s strength and flexibility, the mind’s ability to concentrate, and overall health.

Tai chi comes in different styles, depending on the family that developed the style. Under each style, there are also many different tai chi forms. The tai chi forms typically differ according to which of the thirteen tai chi principles they emphasize. But all forms, and tai chi in general, are meant to hasten and promote the flow of life force or energy—referred to in ancient Chinese as Chi—into the body. Even modern medicine encourages people to do tai chi, which has had success in treating certain medical conditions including muscle pains and arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, headaches, and Parkinson’s disease, among others.

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Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese discipline with a holistic approach, that trains both the mind and body to be strong. It gained attention from the public because, it is now an alternative form of exercise, specially to those with health conditions. The philosophy that Tai Chi imparts to those who wish to learn it, is to evoke wisdom from the movement of the natural elements.

Tai Chi moves are characteristically slow and circular, as if you are holding a fragile object around you. The slow movements let your body flow in a manner that the placement of limbs are all well balanced, almost like a dance. Basic moves teaches hand movements and stances that make the body feel more relaxed. Constant breathing and keeping an element of nature in your mind would help you to execute Tai Chi moves like a pro. Masters of this art will teach you to banish your worries through mental images of nature’s elements, as you depict the moves found in nature. You will learn moves such as grasping the swallow’s tail or patting the horse and more.

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Gone are the days that Tai Chi is used to fight against other people, although it can still be used for self-defense. Tai Chi movements are renowned for its slow and graceful forms. The philosophy behind the Tai Chi movements, is to have a peaceful and harmonious relationship with each other and with nature. Therefore, the forms in Tai Chi depict things you will find in nature; animals in their natural environment, the flow of water streams, the resilient quality of trees. Grasping the swallow’s tail, crane opening its wings, are some of the names of basic Tai Chi moves. These are not mere exercises, but also a celebration of life, of how wonderful it is to be part of the world.

People get caught up in a fast paced world, and they often choose fast-paced, repetitive exercises that leave them empty and tired at the end of the day. Give yourself a chance to learn Tai Chi, because it is an alternative form of exercise that also diminishes the anxieties and stress of the modern world. Tai Chi gives you a state of mind that enables you to ponder about your existence, and to equip you in setting your priorities in life without sacrificing your happiness. Remember the root of Tai Chi is that of the inter-connectivity of all the things in this world.

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Some people get daunted when they hear Tai Chi, as it usually evokes pugilistic notions as seen in martial arts movies. That is not the entire truth of learning Tai Chi. Even if it is one of the deadly forms of martial arts, it strongly advocates the culture of non-violence, following the concept of Yin and Yang. This age old discipline from China imparts wisdom for the practitioner, while it nurtures the strength of the body. Nowadays, several schools have been set up by Tai Chi masters, all over the country. They offer different sets of classes, depending on the purpose of the student. Whether you would want to be a Tai Chi expert or just use the exercises for your health, you will learn the basics of this art.

Tai Chi for beginners, introduces you to the philosophy behind the forms used. Find wisdom while training your body, as you would understand terms such as Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang, roughly translated as “light and dark”, represents the balance found in nature. Movements used depict those of animals and natural elements. You would have to picture yourself to be still as a mountain, and then move like a river. Lessons of Tai Chi for beginners, familiarizes you to the effectivity of tuning your thoughts to nature.

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Tai Chi is a traditional form of martial arts from China, that has evolved today as a form of health regiment. These days, Chinese or Asians are not the only ones who could train and benefit from it. Americans have been made aware of the multiple advantages of Tai Chi for the health. It has been praised as an effective exercise routine that strengthens the body, physically, emotionally and psychologically; a total holistic approach indeed. To learn Tai Chi is a decision to improve your well being, as it calms the mind and gives you boundless energy to deal with the rigors of life.

Do not worry if there is no Tai Chi school near your residence or in your town. You could still learn Tai Chi in the comfort of your home and be guided by a real Tai Chi master. Search the internet for any available Tai Chi video lessons that you can view for free. You will be amazed to discover that you would get several search results for Tai Chi; from websites, books, blogs and of course instructional videos.

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Everyone knows the health benefits of proper exercise. However, some workout methods are not right for everybody. Swimming, for example, is a great way to get into shape, but you may not have access to a pool. Running, weightlifting, or rock-climbing are also good for certain people, but others could get seriously injured. Say, most people 80 years-old, or confined to a wheelchair, are probably not best suited for rock-climbing.

Health care professional have identified Tai Chi as an light-exertion workout that is suitable for even such as the elderly and physical therapy patients. It is very uncommon for people performing Tai Chi exercises to fall or be injured due to its soft and precise motions of the body.

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The art of Tai Chi Chuan requires the use of several weapons. Students of the art often use a Chang, a spear, or a staff. There is also the large single-edge broadsword known as the Tao, which is similar to a cutlass or a Saracen scimatar. The Chien, a straight double-edge sword, is also used in Tai Chi. Of these three weapons, the Tai Chi sword is believed by may practitioners to be the most dangerous. Since it’s so lightweight and speedy it can be used for deft flourishes; its lengthy blade allows for a long reach but doesn’t compromise the user’s strength; and the flexible blade often confuses opponents into thinking it isn’t as lethal as it truly is.

Wushu, or Tai Chi Sword Art, has been a guarded secret throughout the history of Tai Chi. Most students are taught the Tao or the Chang, but instruction in Chien is rarely offered. That’s because this special form of sword art is the most powerful element of Tai Chi. But in modern times, teachers will let their students study Tai Chi Sword skills after they have mastered the basic forms of standard Tai Chi. The need for this skill has decreased over time. And yet Tai Chi masters believe that there are indeed instances now when the need for such a form of self-defense occurs; usually, the only weapons readily available are umbrellas and canes. These masters emphasize that if the circumstances ever call for it, skilled Tai Chi Sword practitioners could be invaluable. Tai Chi Sword Art is all about the form and use of the weapon, not the sword itself.

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Tai Chi Exercises Benefit Arthritis

Exercise is a good way to control arthritis, next to a proper diet. The opinions of almost every medical experts focus on preventing arthritis through a natural way: practicing Tai Chi. Further it’s concluded that the Tai Chi exercises suitable for arthritis are the ones that improve the muscular strenght, flexibility and fitness. Indeed, it’s one of the programs that is most effective in the medical scene.

Since Tai Chi exercises have emerged during ancient china, it has proven numerous things. It is proven by scientific studies that Tai Chi isn’t only an exercise form for daily use, but it’s also a treatment or people who are in need of medical help outside and in. Many benefits are implored by Tai Chi besides the flexibility improvement and the maintaining of your fitness.

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