| TAI CHI is based on chinese martial arts
( kung fu, long fist ) chinese medicine ( chi, meridians ) and chinese philosophy ( tao te ching , taoism ). It is the
slowest of the arts between Aikido, Tai Chi, and Yoga, both in movement and growth. It is also the deadliest.
While ki or chi seems to have a random growth in aikido, it is much more structured and emphasized in tai chi. Regarding
tai chi, Leon Pollack remarks, "When I was first exposed to tai chi thirty years ago, I hated it. It was so slow and boring.
Today, it is my greatest nourishment and source of my well being." The primary teaching vehicle is the practice of form
coupled with chi warm-up exercises. Tai chi has no fighting techniques, only methods for learning how to relax with proper
structure. The focus is on body changing methodolgy. In a sense, tai chi cannot be taught but only experienced and then
discussed.
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