There is no beginning, there is no end
Taijiquan – symbols and allegories
By Harriet Devlin
Gerda Geddes was one of the first Europeans to learn Taijiquan and bring it to Europe. She developed an interpretation of the Yang Style form that describes a journey from birth to death. Her daughter Harriet Devlin is continuing her tradition; here she provides an abridged version of this interpretation that chiefly references the names of the individual moves.
The three traditional pillars of health in Taijiquan
By Jan Silberstorff
The martial art of Taijiquan is practised by millions of people, however frequently not as a martial art but instead to benefit health, for personal development or as an attractive type of movement. So do different forms exist that correspond to these various goals? Jan Silberstorff says not and explains how the different areas of focus are interconnected and create a synergy. Taijiquan is by essence a holistic practice and always involves the harmonisation of yin and yang. On this basis it brings together very diverse people in a special way.
Fascia and our arts
Models for understanding Taijiquan and Qigong (Part 1)
By Christian Auerbach
In recent decades, research into the myofascial system has repeatedly led to fascinating insights into the significance and functions of the various types of connective tissue in our body. These provide Western explanations for the postural and movement goals included in Qigong and Taijiquan. Christian Auerbach first provides an overview of current knowledge regarding the fascia and what keeps them elastic and what causes them to become stiff. This leads him to conclude that Taijiquan and Qigong are excellent methods for training fascia, whereby specific aspects such as body perception, coordination and balance should be taken into account. In the second part of his article, published in the next edition, he examines how the trained interaction of fascial structures, muscles and bones in a relaxed body can lead to the »elastic power« Jin.
Colourful – open – warm-hearted
Looking back at 40 years of life in a Taijiquan school
By Cornelia Gruber
For Cornelia Gruber, Taijiquan was always more than a pure martial and movement art; she also puts great value on the aspect of the heart, through which we open ourselves to our surroundings and connect with others. In line with this she has guided the life of her school with heart and soul, with shared ventures and projects, and she has also promoted connection and exchange throughout Europe. Here she provides insights into the life of her Taiji school, which she sees as a big family.
Regaining health patiently, step by step
Qigong for the elderly
By Lie Foen Tjoeng
Many people of a more advanced age, or who have movement limitations caused by other factors, may have difficulties with standard moving Qigong exercises. This may be because they no longer have sufficient strength in their legs to stand for longer periods, their balance is impaired or their movement coordination has declined. Luckily these skills can still be trained at an older age and Qigong exercises can be adjusted accordingly. Lie Foen Tjoeng explains how affected persons can gradually improve their vertical stability and their coordination and in doing so progress from easier to more demanding variants of exercises.
Chi Ku – »Eating bitter«
How Taijiquan or Qigong training can become a lastingly effective training
By Dietlind Zimmermann
Although our life arts are characterised by softness and lightness, the learning process is usually not only gentle and effortless. Indeed, some traditions even work intentionally with extreme physical effort in order to bring about changes in the practitioner’s organism. But »eating bitter« can also mean simply continuing to practice in difficult phases and not giving up. Dietlind Zimmermann explains why it is important to find the degree of »bitterness« that is productive for you as an individual. Particularly in the case of chronic tension patterns caused by trauma, patience and caution are needed in order to effect a lasting change.