Tai chi, also known as tai chi chuan, is a martial art focusing on slow, flowing movements of the body. Because of the gentle and meditative nature of tai chi, it is believed to help with stress, pain, hypertension and a variety of other health problems. Tai chi, however, should not replace a physician's care and you should consult your doctor before attempting any level of tai chi. This is particularly important if you have joint, bone or heart problems or if you are pregnant.
Level 1: Basic Movements and Stances
Most tai chi students and even teachers fall into Level 1, which is comprised of the fundamental body movements and stances, such as postures, of tai chi. Many tai chi stances are named after animals or other elements of nature. Students learn to align different parts of their bodies in the correct ways for each posture. They also learn to move from one stance to the next in a smooth, continuous manner.
Level 2: Prolonged Study
Students who move on to Level 2 have studied tai chi for a minimum of five years and have practiced it for at least a decade. Despite the intense amount of study necessary to reach Level 2, these students are considered junior students.
Level 3: Intensive Study with a Level 4 Master
Students who move on to Level 3 of tai chi have, in addition to fulfilling all the Level 2 requirements, study with a tai chi master for a minimum of a decade. A tai chi master is someone who has achieved a Level 4 standing. Students at this level take tai chi lessons multiple times per week.
Level 4: Tai Chi Master
A student at Level 4 has achieved specialized, intense knowledge in selected areas of tai chi. As a holder of this knowledge, the Level 4 student is a tai chi master. Just as Level 3 students study directly with a tai chi master, tai chi masters study directly with tai chi lineage holders. A tai chi lineage holder is someone who has achieved a Level 5 standing.
Level 5: Lineage Holder
Certain Level 4 students are selected to move on to Level 5 and receive the entire set of a particular tai chi's teachings rather than being a master in only certain areas. The teacher, a current lineage holder, passes along all of his or her knowledge to the new lineage holder. As there are multiple kinds, or schools, of tai chi, lineage holders from different schools will possess different sets of knowledge and skills.
Member Comments