When we try to determine the proper way to practice our Taijiquan, we must first discover what our relationship, and intended relationship with the art is. Taijiquan (T’ai Chi Ch’uan’ as written in the Wade-Giles romanization of Chinese characters) as far as we know was conceived as a martial art that utilizes some of the philosophical components of Taoism. Specifically the concept of yin and yang, which have literal translations of shadow of the mountain, and sunlight on the mountain. Yin and Yang interact together, creating the movement and the balance of the universe. This cosmology is known as taiji, and can be translated as the great absolute. ch’uan’ is translated as fist, or boxing.
For some of us, there is an idealized attraction to the martial arts, and the skill that would allow us to defend ourselves in hand-to-hand combat. To learn the art to this extent however, takes a large amount of work, practicing with specific methods. As we consider our expectations of T’ai Chi, we must be completely honest with ourselves. While the techniques and references may be interesting, the work needed for a martial artist is relentless and most do not have the time, or willingness to extend to it. Many of us however are also attracted to the art due to its meditative and health aspects, and these particular aspects are important to focus on regardless of our interest in self-defense. Considering that without our health and a clear mind, our boxing would never be able to reach its full apex of skill, I would place the highest importance on the meditative and health discipline. Looking at the classic T’ai Chi Ch’uan Ching, we see that in the original notes it states: “This classic was left by the patriarch Chang San-feng of Wu Mountain. He desired the whole world to attain longevity, and not only martial techniques.”
Please keep in mind that I am not suggesting that the non-martial artist should completely ignore all reference to martial arts. The writings and instructions concerning yin and yang, soft and hard, though in reference to boxing, can be applied to many interactions in our everyday lives, as well as the balancing of our mental outlook, and our health. However, as we are studying and practicing, it will be important for us to tease out what it is we are looking for. In this way, we can focus on what we need to complete our own form.