Once yoga rolled its way from incense-rich, noveau-hippie basements into chic studios on some of the most expensive city avenues, it seemed only a matter of time before tai chi — yoga's Asian cousin — followed closely behind. Years went by and the transition never happened. Although tai chi has all the health benefits of yoga plus the additional benefit of martial-arts discipline, it never caught on with the Pilates and spinning set. When you consider the beautiful names for some of the classic tai chi movements — hands moving in clouds, parting the wild horse's mane, catching the sparrow's tail, fair lady works the shuttles — it's a wonder the rich tradition didn't catch on with Westerners.
Reasons may have to do with the fact that many older people can be seen doing tai chi in parks in warm weather, and the Ever Youthful set doesn't want to be associated with "getting old." This is a total misconception, for the venerable exercise, a blend of an ancient Chinese yoga and temple martial arts, is as strenuous as you want to make it.
Tai chi affords a studied break in the hectic civilization we live in. As students learn various "forms" (as the styles of tai chi are called), they begin a step toward moving meditation that affords exercise and focused awareness. However, because it is often hard to find a good studio, especially in small towns, some good books will help students find their way. A book is never a substitute for a living, breathing tai chi master, but it will instruct a student in the philosophy of the art and give neophytes ideas of how to search for a school. Most of all, it will explain the tai chi mindset, which is quite similar to that of yoga. Tai chi (or tai chi chuan, meaning "infinite ultimate hand (or fist)" — and a definition of that would take pages — is an extension of Taoism, a contemplative religion that is reminiscent of Buddhism.
Article comments
1 - drunkenbear
Maybe the reason that taichi has never reached the same heights of popularity of yoga is that it requires a different mindset, a much longer term approach...
2 - Lynn Voedisch
I would definitely question that. The mindset it exactly the same, and would have addressed it, had there been room. Many tai chi practicitioners are also Zen Buddhists. As for long-term, many of my friends have been doing tai chi for 20-25 years, and have gone on to learn the various forms from bagwan, to Chen, to Yang short and long then graduated to shaolin kung fu or tai chi staff or tai chi sword. That's a lot of dedication. I don't know anyone who's practiced yoga that long. I'm sure there are, but, with all due respect, I think your argument makes little sense in light of the commitment that I have seen. I am not saying that one discipline is better than the other. I'm only saying that they involve equal types of dedication. Peace, Lynn