Tai Chi (internal marital arts) vs. Dancing

Lately I have reached some “eureka” moments when practicing Tai Chi, Self Defence and Qigong. Most would say practicing internal marital arts have nothing to do with dancing, but I say it is not true. Sometimes like dancing, we all get nervous, worrying how well we looked in front of others, and thinking what step happens next. Like internal marital arts, I could not know every possible moves the other person will try to do, and scared to get hurt.

When Jiho demonstrated the “circle walking” yesterday, I picked a few things which I could relate to dancing:

1. Graceful smooth movement that is coming within the core “inside” and staying upright while relaxing your upper body (Concave “curl” the tummy, so the spine is relaxed)

2. Listen to your heart, soul and mind (Imagine what it could be, rather than seeing what it is – what it is sometimes may not be what truly lies..)

3. Be thankful and graceful what you have (Appreciation and Compassion) – Do not ever be angry at yourself or others. No hatred. Respect and give courtesy to others. Practicing marital arts is a way of learning about yourself and others. Some learned the marital arts and not use it wisely (i.e. hurting others) while others honour this arts by feeling it, imagining it and most of all, truly practice with the mind as a learner, not as a way to have fun or fight others. Equally,  dancing is the same – learning about yourself and others. You can not be the best dancer nor can you dance with the best dancers in the world. But learning how to dance with someone who are beginners, intermediate and advance dancers, you learn about yourself and others – how much you can stay focus, truly give yourself the moment dancing with your dance partner for who he/she is, not what he is good at or not good at. It’s the same for marital arts. You don’t do it for the sake of doing it, you do it for the stake to learn about yourself and others. Imperfection is not flaw, but it is a way to find yourself as well as understand others.

4. Be proud of who you are, not what you do. Don’t be over-confident as some people truly wants to show off their moves, and put down others who are not so good. Be acceptance. Be true to yourself and others. Be respectful to yourself and others. Love yourself as much as you love others.

To sum it up, internal marital arts are like dancing in some ways, as it’s about learning about yourself and others. Feel it. Focus. Never be disappointed, not even when you fall down. Achieve equilibrium. Respect. Be passionate and loving.

I must say if we follow these simple principles, we could be a better internal marital artist as well as a great dancer. It’s the heart that matters. Both demonstrates (in this aspect) well.

- Written by Shirley, 2010