Tai Chi Ball Qigong
The original name of Tai Chi ball qigong training is "yin-yang tai chi qiu qigong". Although its name is well-known today, its popularity has been limited due to the secrecy of the training techniques. Tai Chi Ball Qigong Training has been kept secret in each style and only passed on to trusted students. Although the training methods vary from style to style, the main training theory and general goals are the same.
The general training objectives of Tai Chi Ball Qigong Training are:
Basically strengthening the body, especially the spine, back and waist area.
Prepare the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments needed for fighting
Letting your mind lead the Qi
Improving the circulation and emergence of Qi
Increasing fighting power (jin) by strengthening Qi
Generating higher amounts of life energy
History of Tai Chi Ball Qigong
It is not known when and how Tai Chi ball qigong emerged. However, it is logical to assume that when martial artists realized the importance of circular and oval forms in neutralizing incoming hard and direct attacks, they sought ways to train in a circular manner. When they sought an object that would help them develop and achieve this sense of circularity, round objects were naturally adopted. Considering the importance that internal martial arts give to flexibility and circularity compared to external martial arts, the contributions of Tai Chi ball to training are significant.
Internal Martial Arts and External Martial Arts
First, let us trace the origin of the development of internal styles in the history of Chinese martial arts. Extant documents from the period before 500 AD reveal that no distinction was made between internal and external arts. However, internal arts were developed shortly thereafter.
According to historical records, techniques and forms with the same principles as Tai Chi appear to have existed during the Ling dynasty (502-557 AD) and were taught by Han, Gong-yue, Cheng, Ling-xi, and Cheng. Later, in the Tang dynasty (713-905 AD), Xu, Xuan-ping, Li, Dao-zi, and Yin, Li-heng were found to have taught similar fighting techniques.
The Influence of Bodhidarma (Da Mo)
There is one significant event that clearly influenced the change in the training concept of the entire Chinese martial arts community. This change is attributed to the practice of qigong, which was transmitted to the Shaolin Temple by Bodhidarma, an Indian Buddhist monk.
According to one account, Bodhidharma came to the Saholin Monastery, but was not allowed in, and stared at the monastery wall for 9 years without sleeping. Finally, they accepted him into the monastery. Bodhidharma stayed at the Shaolin Monastery for several years and saw that the monks were weak in body and mind. He taught a yoga-based set of exercises to improve their physical and mental development. He created a system of exercises (Shao-lin Chuan) that became the basis for all Qigong and martial arts forms, including Tai Chi Chuan. When he left the monastery, he left behind two manuscripts: the Yi Jin Jing and the Xi Sui Jing. Copies and translations of the Yi Jin Jing, a muscle and tendon-building exercise, have survived to the present day, but the Xi Sui Jing has been lost.
Yi Jin Jing, a qigong work attributed to Bodhidharma by Shaolin Kung Fu sources, taught Shaolin monks how to change or condition their physical bodies from weak to strong, while Xi Sui Jing taught monks how to nourish the brain with qi for enlightenment.
The entire concept is based on the simple theory of using the mind to direct qi to the physical body for manifestation of power or to the brain for spiritual enlightenment. Through Bodhidharma's theory and the practice of muscle/tendon replacement, the Shaolin monks were able to increase their fighting power to a significantly higher level. This increase in power was crucial in combat.
Opposite Paths; Same Destination
Some martial artists believed that since the mind is the foundation of power, concentration and focus should be developed. Power could be generated through mind and Qi techniques. This idea was the beginning of internal styles. Many martial artists also believed that in order to achieve a high level of concentration and focus, one had to practice meditation for many years. In order to survive in a violent society, one had to first learn techniques and then gradually enter the internal side through meditation practice. Therefore, there is a saying in Chinese martial society:
"From the inside out, from the outside in. Although the paths are opposite, the ultimate goal is the same."
All styles sought to increase endurance, a crucial key to survival. After generations of practice, it must be circular and gentle to preserve energy and physical strength.
Tai Chi Ball Qigong Approaches: Internal and External Approaches
There are two approaches to Tai Chi Ball Qigong today. One is from the inside out, the other is from the outside in. The Shaolin Temple on Mount Song focuses on external training; Tai Chi balls are made of either stone or wood. In the Tai Chi Chuan training on Mount Wudang, wooden balls are used for the internal training style.
Tai Chi Balls
Tai Chi Balls come in different sizes and are made of various materials. The size can range from a wooden ball 120 cm in diameter to a ping-pong ball. The largest wooden balls are suspended from the ceiling. The most common size for training is 25 - 30 cm in diameter. The balls can be made of wood or heavy stone such as marble, the heavy balls are used more for physical conditioning.
Wooden balls are preferred for internal martial arts styles because the Qi between the palms is easier to sense and direct with wooden balls than with balls made of stone.
