What IS the' Quan (Chuan)' of T'aiJiQuan (Tai Chi Chuan)?
TaiJiQuan (Tai Chi Chuan) translates directly into Grand Ultimate Fist. This title carries with it tons of connotative and inferred philosophical meanings as well as some very direct, evidential, information about the art. In the title, The Grand Ultimate that’s being mentioned refers to everything from structural aspects of old Chinese homes to Spiritual Enlightenment practices. It’s incredibly broad in it’s scope, and the Gand Ultimate as it’s pursued in TaiJiQuan (Tai Chi Chuan) practice here at Black Mountain Spirit will be described in further detail later.
The Quan (Chuan) part of the title literally means “Fist” and points at the fact that TaiJiQuan (Tai Chi Chuan) is a style of fisticuffs, or boxing. TaiJiQuan (Tai Chi Chuan) practice as a martial art is set against the backdrop of Taoism, a philosophy specific to Classical Chinese thought. So the ‘Grand Ultimate’ of Grand Ultimate Fist in this case refers to the nature of the practice from a Taoist Philosophical perspective of health and spiritual development-attainment, not only a creative descriptor for their specific style of combative training. But this backdrop is also responsible for China’s Internal Martial Arts (NeiGongFu) practice being imbued with such a depth of meditative awareness, QiGong (Energy Skills) practice, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
“TAIJI“ vs “TAIJIQUAN”
An unspoken ‘slang’ amongst Kung Fu practitioners has been developed because of the aforementioned separation of those practicing TaiJiQuan (Tai Chi Chuan) for health and wellness, and those who maintain the full, classical art as it’s been practiced traditionally: “TaiJi” people are people who are only interested in the health benefits, and to no specific degree of – or aimed at – one, or many, of it’s physical or mental theraputic rewards. On the other end of the spectrum are the “Quan” (Chuan) people, the ‘boxing’ people, of which the senior instructor of Black Mountain Spirit is one such instructor. All instructors of “TaiJiQuan” are persons whose skills sets should be comprised of the medical, martial, and spiritual practices, and whose goals are (or at least should be) quite high in terms of personal development of the mind, the body, and the spirit. The most obvious difference between the two schools of thought-practice are the martial skills development found in one, and only alluded to, in another. (It should be said here that in any place where a title for the art is required, I will always use the full title of TaiJiQuan, but in many other places for the sake of brevity I typically abbreviate TaiJiQuan into “TaiJi” – clearly breaking the ‘rules’ stated above. Once a conversation begins with me, it becomes obvious that I’m clearly of the Quan (Chuan) camp and all questions are quickly dispelled 😉 )
TaiJiQuan (Tai Chi Chuan) is an incredibly effective martial art. It’s comprised of Chin Na (joint-locking) Shuai Jiao (Grapple-Throwing), and overt striking with the limbs (punches, kicks, chops, palms, knees, elbows, shoulder strokes, etc), as well as attacks of the nerves or pressure points and vital accu-points. All of these methods are incorporated into the art, applied back and forth as needed seamlessly in accordance with the principles of Yin and Yang, so it’s usage for the purpose of self-defense is more than adequate.
There are some benefits to the practice of TaiJi (Tai Chi) that are specifically geared towards enhancing one’s state of being, they are
The Benefits of TaiJiQuan (Tai Chi Chuan) for those looking to find a Complete Martial Art for the purposes of Self-Defense
Stress Reduction – when the chips are down and someone’s trying to harsh your mellow, the ability to stay calm and centered in the midst of the emotional storm swirling around you allows you to move thoughtfully, appropriately, in accordance with your training. Not let everything ‘fly out the window’ succumbing to blind panic.
Absolute Confidence – you’ve blocked/dodged/dealt with that same “1-2” punch WHO KNOWS how many times in practice, so when the time comes to do it for real you’re body’s already taking out their ability to breath, maintain balance, and getting rid of them all in one single movement. And after he’s gotten up the 3rd time, your relaxed state of mind simply oversees & monitors your body doing it to them again for the 4th time.
Increased Flexibility, Strength, Speed, Hand-Eye Coordination, Overall Endurance, Balance, Core strength, etc – because no matter how cerebral or spiritual your practice might be, when it comes to fighting and having to use your physical capabilities to defend yourself, one thing’s for certain: knowing ‘what’ to do and ‘how’ to do it is absolutely useless without the ability to actually DO It.