Is Tai Chi Chuan Permissible?

[Philflipsnor]

In my interest in taking a Tai Chi class, two questions come to mind. (See the quotes below.) First, does Tai Chi have any similarity to reiki? And second, are there typically any religious matters associated with the practice of Tai Chi Chuan?

Q: Is the practice of reiki morally wrong? A relative is starting to become involved and I am concerned for her.

A: Reiki is not a Christian religious practice. It is from Japanese Buddhism and involves non-Christian religious principles (e.g., moving around one’s life energy or ki-the ki in reiki). The practice of reiki is not consonant with Catholic spirituality.

Q: Is it okay for Catholics to use yoga as part of an exercise program? What about in physical education for children?

A: Two factors are relevant here: First, it depends on whether the yoga is being presented in a manner that is free of religious elements-i.e., purely as a system of physical exercise. If it is coupled with elements of Hindu spirituality (e.g., talk about moving kundalini, or energy, around your body), it is not appropriate for Catholics to use it as part of their exercise routine.

Children are not mature in their thinking, and while an adult who is firm in his faith might be able to go to an “iffy” yoga exercise class without danger of being attracted to Hindu spirituality, a child well might not. If a child is being put in danger of being attracted to Hindu spirituality-either now or in the future-by the program, then it is not appropriate.

Which would naturally lead to the question: is the practice of Tai Chi Chuan morally permissible?

 

[VetA]

In my interest in taking a Tai Chi class, two questions come to mind. (See the quotes below.) First, does Tai Chi have any similarity to reiki? And second, are there typically any religious matters associated with the practice of Tai Chi Chuan?

Which would naturally lead to the question: is the practice of Tai Chi Chuan morally permissible?

i think as long as you dont do the prayers they do and you only do it to like get fit or stay active it would be alright, but so much as it is a good idea IMO no it is not because it makes you more willing to listen to what they have to say, meaning if they present a not Christian idea you’ll be more inclined to believe what they are saying is true because you have been numbed to their beliefs and have started to trust them

 

[Bookcat]

I would be very cautious …and look into this further…for it may be something one should avoid…at least due to the teachings etc on the “energy” which may be likely…but I am not expert on this…perhaps call CA apologist…

 

[InLight247]

As far as I know, Tai Chi Chuan has nothing to do with any religion or worship. It is purely an exercise from thousand years ago that helps the body to have better blood and energy circulation. This energy is not any energy from without but from within, the natural energy of our own body.

But I am no expert in this area. I know Yoga and Chi Koung are bad. Many gestures of Yoga rooted from movement of worshiping Hindu god. And Chi Koung in the advanced stage could be involved in many dark power. As for Tai Chi Chuan, I have not heard any negative things yet. Many Chinese use Tai Chi Chuan as their daily exercise.

Again, this is simply my own observation. I won’t do it for exercise. Walking is just fine.

 

[Ahimsa]

As far as I know, Tai Chi Chuan has nothing to do with any religion or worship.

Actually, “chi” idea is a dominant idea in Chinese religions, like Taoism. “Chi” simply refers to the energy of the body and mind. You increase your “chi” every time you pray or meditate, or exercise, do anything that increases your overall health and well-being.

 

[InLight247]

Actually, “chi” idea is a dominant idea in Chinese religions, like Taoism. “Chi” simply refers to the energy of the body and mind. You increase your “chi” every time you pray or meditate, or exercise, do anything that increases your overall health and well-being.

Actually Tai Chi Chuan in Chinese is 太極拳 . The middle word is 極 (summit or extreme point), not **氣 **(chi, or energy). The English translation use the spelling of chi, actually, it should be gi.

太極 (Tai Chi) has no meaning of energy. The third word 拳 means fist.

 

[Ahimsa]

Actually Tai Chi Chuan in Chinese is 太極拳 . The middle word is 極 (summit or extreme point), not **氣 **(chi, or energy). The English translation use the spelling of chi, actually, it should be gi.

太極 (Tai Chi) has no meaning of energy. The third word 拳 means fist.

Yes, the “chi” in “Tai Chi” is not the energy “chi/qi”, but Tai Chi Chuan certainly cultivates chi/qi.

Besides that, “Tai Chi”, or “Taiji”, is connected to Yin Yang symbolism.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

I think it’s a really effective and enjoyable form of gentle exercise. However, you will have to be careful that the instructor isn’t bringing in religious concepts that aren’t Christian. It might not be possible to find such an instructor where you live. It might be possible to find a CD to learn from.

The class I took had people in it who bought into the eastern religious aspect of Tai Chi, or at least they felt they were channeling energy that came from outside themselves.

So how strong are you in your faith? What kind of person is teaching the class? Are you perhaps opening yourself to the influence of a spirit that is not the Holy Spirit? I’d suggest caution. If you begin a class and find out that something’s not right you may have to quit it after only a few sessions and lose your money. But that’s preferable to remaining.

Using the same guidelines that are listed above for yoga would be wise.

 

[InLight247]

太極拳have many different styles, such as Chen style, Chang style, Young style, etc…
Most of them are associated with dancing. I have not heard any of them associate with religious concept. 太極拳 is part of Chinese culture where I originally came from. Often in the celebration of Chinese lunar new year, someone will perform 太極拳 or 太極劍(sword) as entertainment. No religion will allow its worship to be used as entertainment. I am not promoting it, as I said, personally I will not use it as my exercise. But growing up in the Chinese society, I have never heard 太極拳 has anything to do with religion. If you tell a Chinese who does 太極拳 that there is evil power of certain religion ties to it, he probably will give you a blank look and say “huh?”

 

[Claire_from_DE]

But definitely some of the non-Chinese people who teach it believe that the energy they are using isn’t the natural energy of the human body but is coming from some spirit outside themselves. Those teachers may actually be in touch with spirits that Christians would not want to become involved with!

 

[InLight247]

But definitely some of the non-Chinese people who teach it believe that the energy they are using isn’t the natural energy of the human body but is coming from some spirit outside themselves. Those teachers may actually be in touch with spirits that Christians would not want to become involved with!

That could be. It definitely should be avoided if that’s the case.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

太極拳have many different styles, such as Chen style, Chang style, Young style, etc…
Most of them are associated with dancing. I have not heard any of them associate with religious concept. 太極拳 is part of Chinese culture where I originally came from. Often in the celebration of Chinese lunar new year, someone will perform 太極拳 or 太極劍(sword) as entertainment. No religion will allow its worship to be used as entertainment. I am not promoting it, as I said, personally I will not use it as my exercise. But growing up in the Chinese society, I have never heard 太極拳 has anything to do with religion. If you tell a Chinese who does 太極拳 that there is evil power of certain religion ties to it, he probably will give you a blank look and say “huh?”

This is slightly off-topic but what are your thoughts on Tai Chi as a fighting style? I’m seriously thinking of practicing martial arts some time in the near future (probably after I graduate). You see I occasionally read up on certain styles and heard that Tai Chi can also be for self-defense. Is there any info you can provide about that?

 

[InLight247]

This is slightly off-topic but what are your thoughts on Tai Chi as a fighting style? I’m seriously thinking of practicing martial arts some time in the near future (probably after I graduate). You see I occasionally read up on certain styles and heard that Tai Chi can also be for self-defense. Is there any info you can provide about that?

I have never studied Tai Chi myself. I know advanced Tai Chi could be used for self-defense, but that is a long way to go, you have to be really advanced to apply it as self- defense. People mostly use Tai Chi as an exercise. Sorry I cannot provide more information.

 

[Shin]

But definitely some of the non-Chinese people who teach it believe that the energy they are using isn’t the natural energy of the human body but is coming from some spirit outside themselves. Those teachers may actually be in touch with spirits that Christians would not want to become involved with!

Energy channeling or manipulation, whether from without or within, whatever the source – it is a red flag. Or, one might rather say, a large red stop sign.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I have never studied Tai Chi myself. I know advanced Tai Chi could be used for self-defense, but that is a long way to go, you have to be really advanced to apply it as self- defense. People mostly use Tai Chi as an exercise. Sorry I cannot provide more information.

Advanced you say? Actually, that’s already interesting info. Thanks!

Energy channeling or manipulation, whether from without or within, whatever the source – it is a red flag. Or, one might rather say, a large red stop sign.

I guess we should stop using electricity then. That’s energy manipulation too you know (along with thermal energy, fuel-powered energy).

 

[itrytofight]

Guess I’d take a class with a Chinese born instructor rather than a foriegn one then, that or take a completely different martial art class.

 

[LDNCatholic]

This is slightly off-topic but what are your thoughts on Tai Chi as a fighting style? I’m seriously thinking of practicing martial arts some time in the near future (probably after I graduate). You see I occasionally read up on certain styles and heard that Tai Chi can also be for self-defense. Is there any info you can provide about that?

For self defence you’d be much better off with judo or kickboxing (from a reputable instructor) or one of the Filipino arts (again-reputable instructor and little mysticism).

Or some mix of those.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

For self defence you’d be much better off with judo or kickboxing (from a reputable instructor) or one of the Filipino arts (again-reputable instructor and little mysticism).

Or some mix of those.

Yeah but I hear that combat Tai Chi is similar to Aikido, poor offense but deadly defense and counters.

However, with regards to my own country’s martial arts, they’re actually at the top in what I want to take up. If only the university didn’t disband the previous Arnis/Eskrima/Kali club that I saw during my 2nd year here… TwT

Following that is Ninjutsu but the chances of me finding a school for that here are veeeeery slim. XD

 

[LDNCatholic]

Yeah but I hear that combat Tai Chi is similar to Aikido, poor offense but deadly defense and counters.

However, with regards to my own country’s martial arts, they’re actually at the top in what I want to take up. If only the university didn’t disband the previous Arnis/Eskrima/Kali club that I saw during my 2nd year here… TwT

Following that is Ninjutsu but the chances of me finding a school for that here are veeeeery slim. XD

Tai Chi can be similar to Aikido.

My personal opinion is that neither martial art is sufficient for self defence for a number of reasons. For example:

The compliant way the techniques are practiced
The lack of knowledge on the part of the instructors (in general) when it comes to actual fighting.

The problem is that the techniques are rarely tested against a live opponent and therefore inefficient techniques have been left in (or even added) because for the most part instructors refuse to put them to the test against a resisting opponent.

Filipino Martial Arts are your best bet for self defence capabilities. Maybe add to the unarmed side with some Judo or Muay Thai if you can find it. I don’t know the state of foreign arts in the Philippines though so it’s just a suggestion.

 

[Moscati]

My Baptist fundamentalist grandma who strongly objected to my practicing yoga to increase flexibility was completely fine with Tai Chi and took classes in it herself.

Like others have said, check a class out and see how it’s presented. At most larger gyms, it’s a completely non-religious thing–they don’t want to alienate people who feel uncomfortable with that. Smaller, independent studios might be more “weird”.