About Chen Tai Chi:
Tai Chi is a set of exercise routines in which the positions and movements are derived from the martial arts. The purpose of the Tai Chi is to calm the mind, increase muscle tone and flexibility, and to increase the balance and coordination of the body. There are several forms of Tai Chi, with the Chen Family sets being one of the oldest and simplest. There are 32 positions and movements in the Chen routine, but only nine of those are taught in the beginners' program.
Traditionally, Tai Chi and the closely related Chi Kung are practiced outdoors near trees. The routines are low-impact, and can be adjusted to suit people in a wide range of ages and physical conditions. They can help senior citizens regain joint flexibility, and martial arts students increase their balance and control. You drive by a park in the morning, and you see a group that appears to be doing Kung Fu in slow motion, or slow dancing with imaginary partners. Tai Chi!
David Carradine's Tai Chi Workout for Beginners:
1. Introduction (3 min.): Short intro by David Carradine, with martial arts instructor Arnold Tayam and the three students- Karen Holden, Karlee Holden, and Mike Marshall - who will be demonstrating all of the Tai Chi moves. Instructor Tayam and the students are wearing simple workout gear, while David Carradine arrives barefoot in gold silk pajamas.
Note to Manly Men: Carradine's attire is a
traditional set of Tai Chi clothing. And the exercises are traditionally done barefoot. You will not yell at the TV screen: "Hey, Dave! Somebody get you out of bed to do this video?" You will not do that, because it would be juvenile. And manly men, of course, are proper adults who eschew such childish things. You are watching this video to learn Tai Chi. Remember that, guys. There will be a test later.
2. Opening the Gates (8 min.): Stretching exercises for the neck, arms, shoulders, and ankles. These warm-up exercises are widely used in a lot of fitness routines, and will likely be familiar to most of the viewers. Oddly, the changing background makes it look like the instructors and students are standing on Aladdin's magic carpet as it zooms across various bits of terrain. (This video not recommended for those subject to attacks of vertigo.)
Note to Manly Men: Even though the students are standing toward the back edge of the "carpet", they are not in danger of falling off. And you are not supposed to be watching the background. You are supposed to be learning the exercise moves. Don't make me tell you this again.
3. Specific Health (20 min.): Each of the nine Tai Chi moves is demonstrated slowly and from different angles. You will learn to do moves called
Cloud Hands, Heaven Horse Turns Its Head, and
Green Dragon Whips Its Tail., among others. The other moves in the Chen set, like
Buddha's Warrior Pounds Mortar, Lazy About Tying Coat, and the ever popular
Golden Chicken Stands on One Leg are more advanced and are not included in this video. Sorry.
Note to Manly Men: The background images are often run in super-fast mode to get the effect of moving clouds and changing light. Those cows in the field are not on Speed - they just look hyperactive because the film is playing fast. You will pretend not to notice. You will not make adolescent comments.
4. Stillness (7 min.): Carradine explains the physical and mental effects attributed to each of the Tai Chi moves.
5. Linkage (8 min.): The nine movements are put together in one smooth exercise routine. At first, the set is demonstrated very slowly, then a second time a bit faster, with the instructors emphasizing how the body shifts balance, and what muscles are used to control each move. The object is to move from one position to another in a smooth fashion.
6. Coil and Flow (7 min.): Finally, the routine is done "at speed" as it would be done in a Tai Chi class.
Why This Video?
Some of the Tai Chi videos for beginners do not clearly demonstrate the separate positions and moves before showing the full routine, and they move too fast. A true beginner can be left confused. This video is tailored for the true beginner, and is much easier to follow. Of the videos I have seen, this is the one I would recommend to anyone with no knowledge of the Tai Chi forms.
Both Carradine and Arnold Tayam are experienced martial arts instructors, rather than fitness gurus. So you Manly Men don't have to say: "I'm going to the basement to do an exercise video." You can say: "I'll be in the basement learning moves from a couple of Kung Fu experts."
Note to Womanly Women and Elderly Geezers: Tai Chi is an excellent exercise for muscle tone and balance, regardless of gender or age. The usual disclaimers apply: "Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine." Because it is low impact and can be adjusted for various fitness levels, Tai Chi is often recommended for those with mild arthritis and joint pain. (That's why you see people doing Tai Chi in those prescription medicine ads.)
NOTE: You can wear any loose, comfortable clothing to do Tai Chi. If you must have the authentic Tai Chi pajamas, you can find them at:
Gaiam.
If you absolutely must have a set like David Carradine's in gold (or silver, or navy), you can purchase them here:
http://store.yahoo.com/winghopfung/taichiuniform.html
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Thanks to
Hawgwyld,
Joubert, and
Char.mike for sponsoring this write-off. You can see the complete list of entries at:
http://www.angelfire.com/mb2/mypageontheweb/page9.html
