Embracing diversity of moves in Taijiquan and Qi Gong

Have you also noticed those people in the Tai Chi community who take the art really serious? How they fight over the existence or non-existence of Qi, Fajin etc. Or which style is the most authentic one. Especially on Facebook there seem to be a lot of battle-ready people.

And don’t get me wrong: I take my practice of Taijiquan and Qi Gong very serious. I believe that many more people should practice it. It will be vital to have a lot of serious practitioners to ensure the future of Taijiquan and Qi Gong. However, I have the feeling that some people misinterpret “seriousness” with “only my point of view is right”.

During the last 12 years I have learnt from various teachers. Mostly Yang style teachers, but also some Chen style teachers. ALL of them were able to show me why they do this move like this and that move exactly like that. They could show applications, make tests etc.

And even though I have personal preferences for nearly all moves of the long Yang style form, I love this diversity. I mean I consist of 305 bones and min. 850 muscles and have many years of life with my own body. Obviously my experiences, preferences and current doing of things are different from every practitioners out there!

I am thrilled to think about how many more variations of the beak hand I will learn during the next years. Many more explanations how to get into bow stance. Or the transition from Brush Knee to Pipa, etc. Or even the different explanations of “what is Qi”.

And I am definitely NOT THRILLED when I think about how many more douchebags I will meet online and offline. Who tell me that this leg should be further here and that arm further here because THAT’S THE ONLY CORRECT WAY.

There is no ONE correct way. There is just your way and my way. And when we meet we both have the chance to learn from each other.

I am looking forward to meeting many more practitioners and teachers during the next decades. From all backgrounds and styles. I want to learn from you and maybe I can show you something I’ve learnt. And together we can keep the wonderful Chinese arts of Taijiquan and Qi Gong alive!

Happy Qi!

Angelika