There was a group of students from the University of Leeds visit the Centre on 8th December 2006 and had a training session with Master Liming Yue, followed by a Tai Chi talk with instructors in the Centre. The talk was related to the benefits of being practice Tai Chi for different aspects. The visiting was arranged by the University of Leeds as part of Students Selected Component Course for medical students.
This was part of the Students Slected Component at the University of Leeds for the medical students superwised by Master Liming Yue and Dr. Yuhong Zhang in Winter 2006. The program is a two week intensive training course and it includes physical body work on Tai Chi Eleven Form, Push Hands and Applications along with paper work - essay on Tai Chi theory. The course finished by an individual presentation and written work on Tai Chi as well.
Followed great success on the SSC course in 2006 the University of Leeds sent another group of 6 students did a five week SSC course in the Tai Chi Centre this year and it started on 29th May 2007 and ended on 26th June 2007. Everybody on the course has finished to learn the whole Tai Chi Eleven Form at the end of the course with a written essay about the benefits of Tai Chi exercises.
For the purpose of letting more people to understand what is the Tai Chi and how does it work on people for the great benefits of health along with the martial arts as well. We have chosen one of the essay written by the student on SSC program in 2006 in the University of Leeds and wish everybody could share the experience. This essay is going to be selected in the future publications as well.
SSC 3.2 – Culture Shock: Part II "Tai Chi For Martial Arts Enthusiasts"
(Written by Harmeet Singh Seehra, web site: www.hseehra.com)
Monday 4 th December 2006
Today I realised that Tai Chi is a life-long dedication to the attainment of body-mind harmony, where there is always more to learn and develop upon. This feels poignant to me, as medicine is similar; it is impossible to know everything in medicine, allowing the opportunity for continual learning and self-development. In Chen Style Tai Chi (Taijiquan), one can perform the same movements slowly and softly to benefit their health, or harder and faster for martial art application. I feel this is an effective way to learn martial arts as it is not necessary to learn new moves, just adapt the way those moves are performed.
Today I practised silk reeling exercises. I found it difficult to combine left and right movements in double hands silk reeling; finding single hand easier. However, by the end I felt I had improved, as I was sweating profusely and felt hot inside and my thighs were shaking! From my reading, I realise this is a positive sign that my internal energy is beginning to flow freely throughout my body, and this fills me with a great feeling of strength and self-improvement. Although coming from a scientific background, the concept of internal energy does not feel alien as I felt a notable difference at the end of the session, thus validating the concept for me.
Numerous references were made to health benefits associated with Tai Chi. I had presumed there would be, but not to the extent that Master Liming and Dr Zhang had described. They mentioned its effects on weight, stress, posture, blood pressure and many more including the prevention of falls in the elderly. I am awestruck that such a simple, efficient exercise can make an immense impact upon ones health. I can anticipate the benefits for the elderly, as Tai Chi would be ideal for osteoarthritic patients; performed at their own comfort level while strengthening the joints and increasing suppleness.
Tuesday 5 th December 2006
Today was a fantastic day! Although I was sore and weak from yesterday, once I began the warm up exercises I felt relaxed and rejuvenated, ready to start the session. Today I learnt three forms of the Chen Style Tai Chi 11 Form, created by Master Liming himself. I feel very privileged to be able to learn from such an accredited practitioner. The forms taught today were Form 2: Lazy About Tying Coat, Form 3: Six Sealing and Four Closing, and Form 4: Single Whip. The picture shown at the left is a picture of myself performing the beginning part of Form 4 at home.
The experience was quite daunting, as there were many movements to learn. However, after numerous practises, I felt confident to perform each form one after the other without prompting. Once I had practised the forms a few more times, I began concentrating on my breathing and this is when I really felt the benefits. I felt as though I was extremely light, although paradoxically I felt incredible strength in my legs (though they were still shaking!).
Wednesday 6 th December 2006
Today, I learnt the first part of 11 Form – Form 1: Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Pounds Mortar. It felt rewarding to integrate this with the three forms learnt yesterday. I was aching a lot less today and, whilst performing the movements, I felt warm inside but cool on the outside from the sweat, which filled me with a deep calming emotion.
As I was practising very close to Master Liming, I could appreciate each individual move. I was fascinated by the sheer concentration with which Master Liming practises Tai Chi. I hope that I too will be able to focus my mind completely on my breathing, movements and form as he does. But, perhaps training the mind is an inherent part of practising Tai Chi.
This evening I practised what I had learnt and everything began to make more sense. I am also developing confidence in performing the four forms. I find it much easier to appreciate the purpose behind each movement when the tempo is increased, although I feel as though I need more time to practise each form, which is why I am starting to practise at home as well as in the class.
Thursday 7 th December 2006
Today I learnt the next five forms, bringing the total to nine. There was a real sense of achievement when the session finished as I realised how quickly I had learnt most of 11 Form.
The application of the movements to martial arts is what stays in my mind more than anything today. Master Liming showed how each movement had a purpose, a reason for being part of 11 Form. Each movement can be performed faster, with more energy release to become a punch, kick or defence manoeuvre. I think this has helped me to understand and appreciate each individual move and to remember each form, because I have discovered that I am able to learn sequences if they are performed fast with their intended use.
I found it hard to execute Form 5: The White Crane Spreads It’s Wings. I think this is because I was not sure where to place my hands and how to shift weight in the transition from Form 4. It is frustrating when I want to successfully execute a form but cannot articulate my movements. I only managed to execute the form once I could appreciate how and why the movements are performed, i.e. the martial art application.
Friday 8 th December 2006
Today was the best day of the SSC to date, where I visited the Chen Style Tai Chi Centre in Manchester . We began by practising the first nine forms and I feel I performed well as I practised a lot yesterday evening.
At lunch, one student told us he had found Tai Chi when he was 35 years old, which has taught me that age does not matter in Tai Chi, and neither does health or fitness level. This makes Tai Chi accessible to all and, therefore, I feel it has a place in medical physiotherapy. Many of the students had degrees in sports sciences and the fact they have accepted Tai Chi must surely be evidence that the martial art is effective at not only a spiritual level, but also a scientific level.
Later, I learnt the final two forms to complete 11 Form. The last form is the same as Form 1, thus I actually learnt Form 10 today: Step Back and Whirl Arms on Both Sides. I found this form very difficult to learn as it involves synchronous movements and a lot of footwork and, when put together, it becomes confusing. I have practised and practised this evening and I feel I can at least complete the form, although it may be rough around the edges.
On a more positive note, today I was able to feel pulsations in my fingertips. I remember Master Liming saying on Tuesday that this was a sign that the circulation is flowing with no blockages. It also means my internal energy is flowing more freely, which makes me feel that Tai Chi is benefiting my health just as well as visiting the gym.
Monday 11 th December 2006
Today Master Liming refined my movements, making sure my stances and posture were correct. I am finding it a struggle to hold the correct postures at the ends of each form, although I am confident in performing 11 Form without prompting.
When Master Liming corrected my posture for Form 4, I was in so much pain! My thighs were burning and I remember thinking, “Keep the position long enough and you’ll feel better.” Although I persevered, I did not feel better immediately but I did grow accustomed to the feeling I was experiencing. I knew this pain meant I was working hard and strengthening my muscles, and this made me persevere even more. I could feel my heart pounding, which I presume could only mean my circulatory system is strengthening also; another health benefit of Tai Chi.
It felt gratifying when I was able to increase the tempo, releasing energy for martial art application.
When talking to Master Liming about practises of Shaolin monks, for example how they sleep, it made me aware that there is little the body cannot achieve if the mind is willing. I could apply this philosophy to my career, being willing to learn and stretch my knowledge because nothing is impossible.
Tuesday 12 th December 2006
Today I practised 11 Form but, this time, Master Liming monitored my stance for each form closely. Unfortunately, for most stances he had to correct my posture several times. I found this disheartening but realise that, although I am able to perform the routine one form after another, if my posture is incorrect the whole purpose of the exercise is negated, as I am not receiving the full health benefit.
Later, I learnt how to perform Push Hands. This involves being ‘sticky’, i.e. where two people are in contact at the wrists and, whenever one moves direction, the other follows. This exercise was interesting and made for a good break from the morning’s intense session. I admire push hands because both partners must be completely in tune with the other’s actions. They must increase their sensitivity, their awareness, in order to remain sticky. This technique would prove beneficial in healthcare because it could improve a patient’s awareness and agility as well as ones hand to eye coordination.
Master Liming also taught me how to perform some self-defence manoeuvres. I found this exercise great fun but also embarrassing because, even though I am quite strong, it was easy for other members of the group to weaken me. However, this proved to me that Tai Chi’s greatest asset is the fact that anyone can practise it, irrespective of strength or age, because it emphasises skill first and foremost, and then strength second. Thus, once again, it can be applied in medical physiotherapy.
Wednesday 13 th December 2006
Today Master Aamir started the session with warm up exercises, but this time I spent longer on each movement. When asked to assume the Tai Chi stance, I thought nothing of it, but after having held the position for the good part of five minutes I was in agony! It has made me realise that, once I feel able to assume certain positions (or particular forms), my development is not over; there will always be ways to strengthen muscles, relax the mind and attain spiritual harmony. In most cases this can be achieved by holding the same positions for longer.
Next, I revised double hand silk reeling and 11 Form. For both exercises we started slow, gradually building up speed. This was exhilarating as performing the forms fast filled me with an incredible surge of adrenaline. The morning’s events have taught me, however, that Tai Chi requires an awful amount of self-discipline, commitment and dedication because one only receives the benefits that are equal to the efforts put in. If I were to simply go through the forms with no effort, I will not receive true health benefits.
I also learnt to place my tongue on the upper palate when breathing to prevent a break in the circulation of my Qi. I found this very interesting and illuminating but also Master Aamir stated that this produces a lot of saliva, which is beneficial for the digestive system; yet another health benefit of this unique art form.
Thursday 14 th December 2006
Today was the final day of the SSC, with the dreaded assessment of silk reeling and 11 Form! I could not believe how nervous I was this morning, as I wanted to perform to the best of my ability. Master Liming told me before my assessment that I should not be nervous as this shows a lack of confidence, and I agree. I found it ironic that I was in a state of panic for an assessment of an art form that should calm me! However, once I practised the movements today I felt prepared for the assessment.
After the assessment, Master Liming read out each person’s result individually. I was very anxious at this point as I was unsure whether I wanted my result to be called out. However, I was amazed to discover that I had received the highest mark in the class (72.5) and I was completely ecstatic! I felt so pleased that all the efforts and hard work I have put in these past two weeks had paid off. The picture shown at the left is a picture of Master Liming Yue presenting me with my certificate as being a qualified Tai Chi 11 Form Practitioner. More interestingly, however, is that although the SSC is finished, I believe my relationship with Tai Chi is only just beginning.
OVERVIEW
I embarked upon this SSC with no true understanding of what Chen Style Tai Chi (Taijiquan) was, but with a keen enthusiasm to learn. My previous, somewhat limited, understanding of the exercise was that it consisted of a series of soft, fluid movements. Although I was not far wrong, there is much more to this sensational art form.
Taijiquan is an amalgam of the Taoist principles of yin and yang, Qigong breathing and martial art application. Yin is the antithesis of yang, the two being the exact opposite of each other and, therefore, maintaining the balance in Taijiquan. The yin yang philosophy is pertinent in all areas of Tai Chi; attracting me to this sensational art because I believe that, in order to reach spiritual harmony, all aspects of ones life must be balanced.
During the course of this SSC, I have come to realise the many health benefits that Tai Chi has to offer, and many of these I have experienced first-hand. The most notable effect for me, personally, is the state of complete mental relaxation and tranquillity I feel when practising Tai Chi, as I would call ‘dynamic meditation.’ My mind becomes completely clear and all my senses awaken to a heightened level of function.
Although it may appear as though Tai Chi is a very gentle art form (and indeed it can be), one is able to really stretch the limits of their physical capabilities, extending beyond the comfort zone. In my own experience, I feel better after working my body hard because I can be assured that I have truly exercised my muscles. In Tai Chi, the same holds true because one only receives those health benefits that directly correlate to the effort and dedication one puts in, which relate back to the yin yang philosophy. In this respect, Tai Chi is a tool to maintain a healthy lifestyle and balance between mental and physical well being but only if one is dedicated and committed to self-development.
I have also come to realise the implications this experience will have on my life; indeed Tai Chi is a life-long commitment to reaching spiritual and physical well-being. Personally, practising Tai Chi has been an effective way to relieve stress. In particular, the meditative nature of Qigong breathing allowed me to lose myself in deep meditation, focussing on my breathing. This would prove extremely beneficial in my future, where the medical profession and stress are heavily intertwined. Furthermore, the relatively small space required to practise 11 Form renders the exercise applicable to most people and circumstances.
With regard to my future practice, I believe the very nature of Tai Chi and its associated health benefits lends itself to playing an integral role in healthcare. In my opinion, the fluent movements of each form and the meditative nature of Qigong breathing make Tai Chi indispensable in medical physiotherapy. For example, exercises such as Push Hands can improve ones hand to eye coordination, thus may prove effective for a patient surviving a stroke. It can also benefit the cardiovascular system, including blood pressure and flow, and also prevent falls in the elderly – a growing problem in today’s society. I would, therefore, certainly continue practising Tai Chi and would refer patients to a qualified Tai Chi Instructor, having now appreciated the significant health benefits this extraordinary art form possesses.
The end of essay, thanks!
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