How to differentiate traditional Tai Chi training from modern day Tai Chi exercises?

Tai Chi is possibly the most misrepresented martial art these days. Some won’t even think it’s a martial art but an exercise for health only.

Jing Ling Tai Chi Academy is set to promote traditional Tai Chi training. While modern day Tai Chi exercise promotes certain health benefit aspects, we believe the traditional Tai Chi training method is a proven, complete system which will have far better impact on one’s body and mind. It takes longer to learn, requires perseverance but will reward you accordingly.

So what is the difference between the traditional Tai Chi training and modern day Tai Chi exercise?

1. The theory that your training system is based upon?The traditional Tai Chi training follows a certain principle developed over hundreds of years ago by many proven masters. See our Classic writing section for some of those principles Jing Ling Tai Chi strictly adhere to.Modern day Tai Chi exercise in this respect is questionable.
2. The movements – which leads to which?Based on the above mentioned principles, traditional Tai Chi practice is led by the body (Foot, leg, and waist) and lastly showed via hand. Modern Tai Chi and some of the competition Tai Chi practitioners often does the opposite. While it looks good, it is far less practical in martial application.
3.  Martial applicationTraditional Tai Chi focuses on both forms and Martial application such as Push Hands and sparing. Health-oriented modern Tai Chi often completely neglects the training for Martial application, thus losing the real essence of Tai Chi.