In today’s age of instant gratification and distraction, a mindful martial art like Tai Chi is more relevant than ever
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system, a sequence of slow, controlled moves. Also known as meditation in motion, Tai Chi encourages the flow of our body’s energy, known as chi. When our chi flow is interrupted or unbalanced, our body becomes fragile and often we fall sick.
The rhythm of movement in Tai Chi is conducive to calming those with monkey minds, as it fosters a chatter-free headspace. And if you’ve ever tried Zen Meditation, you’ll appreciate how challenging it is to truly still the mind so that it is free of either past or future anxieties.
I was lucky enough to try some Tai Chi classes with Master Can from the Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy in the Henan province of China. Shaolin monks are famed for their slick warrior-like moves and peaceful minds. Master Can (photographed above) is young, agile and exudes a fearless and humble aura. He’s also a 34th generation warrior monk and Kung Fu champion who has won several prestigious awards including the National Athlete of China.
He’s also a Tai Chi expert. “Tai Chi balances our ying (feminine energy) and yang (masculine energy) which in turn improves your health,” explains Master Can. The moves encourage you to be the master of your mind and body, rather than the other way around.
“I entered into the mysterious Shaolin Temple, which I had adored for a long time, but real Shaolin life was not as beautiful as I had imagined,” admits Master Can. “There was a small gap psychologically. I thought I would jump on top of buildings, walk on walls, kill a strong ox with one punch, or protect the good and punish the bad as a hero for society. However, the reality was tough and training was often boring. We started with stamina training from 5am, then practised one move until 8pm, for months on end.”
“The Shaolin Basics look simple, but they are not at all,” says Master Can. “You train not only your body, but also your willpower and ability to bear hardships and withstand tough times. You would practice these simple moves repeatedly everyday until your master thinks you are strong enough, then he teaches you high-level Kung Fu.”
Our Tai Chi session takes place on the beach in front of the Burj Al Arab and begins with a meditation. As the sea breeze cools us, five minutes into the meditation and I feel my mind wandering and I realize that I’m dwelling upon something that hasn’t even happened – catastrophizing the future. Master Can persuades us to let our thoughts pass and focus on the present moment. Far easier said than done.
We then practise doing three basic Tai Chi movements including Part the Wild Horse’s Mane on Both Sides. It’s difficult to perfect. It’s all about balance and control, gliding from one posture to the next, rather than lurching around like a baby elephant! By my third lesson, I feel like I’ve made progress – I’m relishing the rhythm of the movement and I’m so engrossed in getting the technique correct, that finally my grasshopper thoughts have dissipated.
Have a beautiful day,
For more info go to www.trainkungfu.com. Master Can is teaching private and group Tai Chi lessons at Talise Spa until April 31. Call 04 366 6818.
