Get into great shape with Tai Chi

THE SEARCH for the 'golden fleece of physical fitness' is on. Life has become stressful not only for executives in high pressure jobs, but for everyone whether they are doctors, lawyers, teachers, professionals, students or housewives. The physical and mental tensions that invade our working spheres have denied us emotional balance too, and we find inter-personal relationships coming apart at the seams or fraying away. In such a situation, the one way out is to explore a holistic approach. There are many options that we can choose from - western or eastern. While the western school of physical fitness lays emphasis on straining the body through energetic movements like aerobics, work-outs at the gymnasium, jogging, brisk walking etc., the eastern school believes in slow movements like Yoga, Tai Chi etc.

At the Fu Sheng Yuan Tai Chi Academy (Shyam's Park View, 5/7, Jayammal Street, Shenoy Nagar,(Phone - 6263479/6604211/6447741 which conducts classes at Kilpauk, Kotturpuram and Gopalapuram, students of Tai Chi are put through the paces of this ancient Chinese Martial Art form, which is deceptively slow with relaxed flowing movements, by Master George Thomas, the only authorised instructor in India, directly trained by Grand Master Fu Sheng Yuan, at first in Australia and later, in China.

The origin of Tai Chi dates back to the late Ming Dynasty, and is a combination of physical exercise, breathing techniques and meditation. The term Tai Chi Chuan has various interpretations - Supreme Ultimate Fist, Great Life Force, Soft Continuous Fist etc. The philosophy of this art dwells on the premise that flowing water never stagnates. The continuous flowing movements ensure that the muscles and joints are relaxed, while incorporating the principles of balance and harmony. "The entire gamut of 85 postures that make up the Tai Chi pattern, are an interplay of the two vital energies - Yin, the passive, and Yang, the active," explains Si Fu George (the term used for the Master). "Therein lies the uniqueness of this art form because while practising Tai Chi you would perspire, but the exercise does not result in an increased pulse rate or exhaustion. At the end of a session of Tai Chi one feels energetic. The combination of the movements and meditation ensures robust physical health and calmness of the mind." In ancient China, Tai Chi was used for hunting and as a defence technique in combat. But the softer technique taught and practised by Master George Thomas has therapeutical and spiritual value, coinciding with the Zen philosophy of 'being one with the present moment.'

This exercise form has captured the imagination of Chennai-ites, many of whom belong to the corporate world, and are at the age of their peak performance. Besides giving a boost to the energy, it helps recoup from certain stress-related ailments as well. Captain Chakrapani, who heads the Sanmar Shipping Corporation, claims that he was beginning to feel the physical rigor mortis that sets in when one reaches the top rungs of the ladder where physical demands of the workplace are replaced with the stress of keeping the ship afloat. "After trying several options, which failed to keep me committed, I was introduced to Tai Chi. It seemed easy at first sight, and I had a go at it. Gradually I realised that it needed great concentration and discipline. But I seemed to enjoy it. I now feel a sense of well-being that comes from believing that I am still physically fit. I have now introduced my colleagues to this exercise form, and they too seem to have gained immensely from it in terms of enhanced capacity to tackle stress and a sense of physical well-being." For Mala, who is an art director in an advertising firm, Tai Chi has improved her agility and mobility, and as I could gauge, she looks youthful too. As for Rose, who is an instructor in aeronautical engineering, Tai Chi has become a passion that suits him well for he appears like Jackie Chan as well.

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