Vu S. Thai
My first encounter with Tai Chi Chuan was during my early teens, when I watched my father performing these seemingly weak, slow, and dancelike movements, as I was punching and kicking with gusto through my Tae Kwon Do forms. During those years, I had a hard time understanding the dichotomy: a highly educated, intellectual, and logical thinking man wasting his time practicing some useless things that only the old Chinese ladies would care for.
Fast forward 30 years, long after my father passed away, I found myself searching for the same Sifu whom had taught him Tai Chi Chuan. For the next 7 years, I trained at Tai Chi Mantis Institute in Walnut Creek, under the watchful eyes of Sifu Wong Lam Ling - my dad's teacher (Dad must be laughing at me, wherever he is). It was not for the faint of heart! Sifu Wong taught us the no nonsense, tough, traditional way of Tai Chi Chuan practice, and I am forever grateful for his honest approach to teaching and his high expectations of his students. During the first few years, I was constantly sore from head to toe. And yet, inexplicably it was invigorating
somehow. Through soreness I discovered certain muscles, tendons, and other elements I did not even know existed. I am now much more aware and in tune with my own body than when I was practicing Tae Kwon Do in my youth. As a beginner, I don't rely on Tai Chi Chuan for self defense, but in my case, it does complement other so called external martial arts that I have practiced.
Many have sworn by the health benefits of practicing Tai Chi Chuan. Research has shown how it improves balance and restores a sense of well being, especially in the elderly. I am relatively young and have no known health issues; but I have noticed that I don't get tired as easily, haven't caught a cold or flu during the past 9 winters of practice, and can tolerate more extreme weather.
Daily practice has also improved my mental and emotional health. One can't help but become more calm and focused, and more at peace with oneself after a period of slow, relaxed, introspective physical movement. It is like an antidote to the modern day hustle and bustle - the antithesis to TikTok and the likes, if you will. Family and friends have mentioned to me now and then that I am much easier to get along with these days.
The pandemic hit and Tai Chi Mantis Institute had to stop giving in-class lessons almost three years ago. Sifu has occasionally texted me, offering words of encouragement and checking if I had any questions with my practice. I can't imagine having a more caring instructor! (Thank you, Sifu.) To this day, I continue my daily practice at home, while keenly aware of my lack of progress. Maybe it is my way to connect with my deceased father, or to search for deeper meaning in life, or for self expression and self understanding. Or perhaps it is my way of coping
with midlife crisis. One thing is for certain: a day is incomplete without half an hour of those seemingly weak, slow and dancelike movements early in the morning.
Now, my teenage son looks at me like I am an idiot as I practice my Tai Chi Chuan routine, while he pumps iron with gusto and steals glances at his own reflection in the mirror. I hope, as he grows older, he can extract some value in watching me practice, as I did from watching my own father.