Personally, I find it frustrating at times when I try to discuss Tai Chi training with people, and the response I get is, "oh, that is for old people, right?" Well, for sure many older people who are retired, may want to try some exercises, and most of what the world perceives as tai chi is gentle and not as demanding as most forms of external martial arts training. However Chen Tai Chi is a martial art that should earn the respect of the young and athletic types.
Chen Tai Chi forms challenges its practitioners with a myriad of low stance work, and difficult body changes and shifts. It is NOT an easy practice to be able to move through the entire Lao Jia Yi Lu form without breaking a sweat. Later forms incorporate very difficult motions that include jumping 180 degrees and landing in a coordinated and graceful fashion. These forms also include a much more deliberate expression of force and speed in smaller motions requiring difficult body control and exertion.
As i've mentioned many times, Chen Tai Chi is a practical fighting art as well. The younger practitioners I've seen in class do very well and learn quickly. They make rapid gains. Clearly, it should appeal to a younger audience as well, as a mature audience.
Chen Tai Chi is a true fighting system and a martial art for those who would be thinkers and gain possession of true art and skill. I think we need to show more younger students the true potential that can be found and developed with Chen Tai Chi training.
J
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