Tai Chi Quan

For those of you who do not know much about the ancient Chinese martial art referred to as Tai Chi Quan, it is often described as meditation in motion, an internal martial art, a philosophy of life centered around humility, discipline, and the natural Chi energy that is present in the universe and every living organism.

Tai Chi’s slow under-water like movements are martial, artistic, and meditative. They will challenge both your mind and body, your sense of direction, and when practiced regularly will have immediately felt and long-term health benefits. The more controlled the movement and the slower it is, the more difficult it is physically. Tai Chi is low-impact, gentle, and spiritual martial art. The beginner starts by learning basic 24 form (a sequence of 24 movements) without weapons and may later advance to Tai Chi with weapons or wish to learn a fan Tai Chi form. Tai Chi has tremendous benefits, the low-impact yet challenging work-out is excellent for many. From persons with anxiety or high blood-pressure to pregnant women.

Traditionally, Tai Chi was practiced by Chinese people in the parks and the out-door spaces of China. An image of Purple Bamboo Park in Beijing floods my mind when I think of Tai Chi Quan and recall my last visit there. The photo captures the rich and ancient culture this marital art was born from and is very much embedded in.

Tai Chi has numerous health and well-being benefits. It is not only a physical and mental practice but also a spiritual one, encompassing the body, mind, and the spiritual/energetic dimensions. I believe we are spiritual beings in psychical bodies on this life’s journey and Tai Chi honors that.

If I have learned anything from my teacher, Shoa Nian Bates, it is that no matter how advanced or proficient you become at the forms there is always another level to master (physically, mentally, & spiritually). Tai Chi is first and for most an art form. It is both structured and creative, external & internal, ying and yang. Every movement has a martial application in which if practiced with that intention would be effective for self-defense. However, in modern times, most of us practice Tai Chi for health, peace of mind, and well-being and the focus is not on self-defense. From my humble perspective, Tai Chi is a very practical and enjoyable self-development practice that I would love to share with you!

I will leave you with my favorite martial art quote from the book 365 Tao: Daily Meditations: Ming Dao-Deng

 “​To be a good martial artist requires discipline, courage, and perseverance.
A martial artist’s ultimate opponent is one’s own self. There is a wide array of demons to be conquered: fear, laziness, ignorance, selfishness, egotism, and many others.
Talk of overpowering other people is inconsequential. The true nature of victory is to actually overcome one’s own defects. It takes ferocity and determination to overcome the demons within ourselves. Only by this can you become a good martial artist.”

Benefits include but are not limited to:

 Stress reduction & relaxation

Helping to improve memory & concentration

Improving energy levels

Improving mental clarity & mood

Increasing flexibility

Toning and shaping the body

Increasing range of motion and controlled movement

Grounding and strengthening the lower body

Improving balance and coordination

About Rawan

Rawan Al Husseini is an Arabic speaking Inclusion and Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (also known as a Recreational Therapist) from Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia. She helps enable individuals develop their over-all health and well-being and enjoy an improved quality of life. She runs inclusive summer camps for children and work-place inclusion programs for young adults with disabilities. Rawan volunteers with Fred Donaldson, Noraini Mahmood, and Soumaya El Azem in the refugee camps of Lebanon yearly and has been practicing the martial art of Tai Chi Quan since 2009.

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