What Is Taichi
Taichi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, is a traditional Chinese martial art that combines slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and mental focus. At SJF Kung Fu School, we teach Taichi as a complete system for developing body, mind, and spirit. Our school is led by Master Shen Jiangfei, who grew up in a martial arts family and has dedicated decades to preserving authentic teachings. Unlike commercial schools that simplify or water down the art, we maintain the full traditional forms and philosophies passed down through generations. Our international students from Germany, the UK, the United States, and many other countries have experienced the depth of our training firsthand. Breath is the bridge between body and mind. In Taichi, everything begins with the breath. Your movement follows your breath. Your energy follows your movement. Your mind follows your energy. Breath is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Without proper breathing, your Taichi practice is incomplete.
Why Breathing Matters in Taichi
Breath calms your nervous system. Deep, slow breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This is your "rest and digest" system. It counteracts the stress response and promotes relaxation, healing, and recovery.
Breath fuels your movement. Movement requires energy. Breath provides oxygen, which fuels your muscles and your brain. When you coordinate your breath with your movement, you move more efficiently and with less fatigue.
Breath directs your Qi. In traditional Chinese understanding, breath and Qi are connected. Your breath draws Qi into your body and circulates it. Proper breathing is essential for energy cultivation.
Breath sharpens your focus. Counting breaths or coordinating breath with movement anchors your attention. When your mind wanders, you bring it back to your breath. This trains your concentration.
The Basic Breathing Technique
Start by relaxing your body. Before you can breathe correctly, you need to release tension. Relax your shoulders, your jaw, your chest, and your abdomen. Tension restricts your breath.
Breathe into your lower abdomen. Most people breathe shallowly into their chest. Taichi breathing is abdominal breathing. When you inhale, your lower abdomen expands. When you exhale, it contracts.
Inhale and exhale through your nose. In Taichi, breathing is generally through the nose. The nose warms, filters, and humidifies the air. Mouth breathing is less efficient and less calming.
Make your breath slow, deep, and regular. Aim for about 4 to 6 breaths per minute, though this varies with movement. The key is that your breath is calm, smooth, and controlled, never forced.
Coordinating Breath with Movement
Inhalation generally accompanies preparation. When you are preparing to move, lifting your arms, or opening your body, you inhale. The inhalation draws energy in and creates space for movement.
Exhalation generally accompanies action. When you are striking, pushing, closing your body, or sinking your weight, you exhale. The exhalation releases power and grounds your energy.
The transition points are important. In Taichi, you are never moving or breathing randomly. The movement and breath are coordinated through every transition. This creates a seamless flow.
Listen to your body's natural rhythm. While there are general rules, the exact coordination is something you learn through practice. Your body has its own rhythm. With practice, you learn to follow it.
Breathing and Relaxation
Relaxation begins with the breath. When you take a deep, slow breath, your muscles relax. This is a physiological reflex. You can use your breath to release tension anywhere in your body.
Exhalation releases tension. Many students find that a long, slow exhalation helps them release more deeply. As you exhale, imagine releasing tension from your muscles, your joints, and your mind.
Inhalation brings in fresh energy. As you inhale, imagine drawing in fresh energy and vitality. This renews your body and mind. The cycle of releasing and drawing is central to Taichi practice.
You can practice breath relaxation anywhere. Even without movement, you can use Taichi breathing to relax. This is a tool you can use in meetings, on the train, or before bed.
Breathing and Energy Cultivation
Breath nourishes your Qi. In Chinese medicine, Qi is nourished by breath. The deep abdominal breathing of Taichi draws Qi into your body. This is why breathing is so important in energy cultivation.
Your breath circulates your Qi. Once Qi is drawn into your body, it must be circulated. Your movement circulates Qi. The coordination of breath and movement creates a complete energy cultivation system.
Focused breathing stores Qi in your Dantian. Your Dantian is your energy center. By directing your breath to your lower abdomen, you can store Qi there. This builds your energy reserve.
Your breath is a tool for healing. By directing your breath and attention to a specific part of your body, you can increase Qi flow and promote healing. This is a form of self-healing.
Common Breathing Mistakes
Holding your breath is common. Many new students unconsciously hold their breath during movement. This creates tension and reduces effectiveness. Exhaling is just as important as inhaling, and neither should be held.
Breathing too shallowly is common. Shallow chest breathing does not provide enough oxygen and does not activate the relaxation response. Always aim for deep abdominal breathing.
Forcing your breath is counterproductive. Your breath should be smooth and natural, never forced. Forcing your breath creates tension. If you feel strained, back off and breathe more gently.
Rushing your breath breaks the rhythm. Taichi is slow and patient. Your breath should be slow and patient too. Rushing your breath breaks the connection between breath and movement.
Advanced Breathing Techniques
Reverse breathing is a more advanced practice. In reverse breathing, the abdomen contracts on the inhale and expands on the exhale. This is used for specific energy cultivation and martial applications. It is taught only to advanced students.
Breath retention is used in some practices. Holding your breath briefly at the top of the inhalation or bottom of the exhalation can increase energy and focus. This should only be done with guidance.
Different breath qualities support different intentions. A soft, gentle breath supports relaxation. A focused, powerful breath supports martial applications. You learn to vary your breath according to your intention.
Your breathing should be a living practice. Breathing is not a fixed technique. It evolves with your practice. Over time, your breathing becomes more refined, more powerful, and more integrated.
How Breath Changes Over Time
Your breath becomes naturally deeper. With practice, deep abdominal breathing becomes your default. You breathe this way even when you are not practicing. Your body becomes more efficient at breathing.
Your breath becomes slower and calmer. Your resting breath rate decreases. You breathe more slowly and more calmly. This is a sign of a healthy nervous system and a calm mind.
Your breath becomes more sensitive. You become more aware of your breath. You notice how it changes with different emotions, different activities, and different times of day. This awareness supports your health.
Your breath becomes integrated into your life. Breath is no longer something you think about only during practice. It becomes a constant companion, a tool you use throughout your day.
SJF Kung Fu School Start Your Journey Here
Start your Taichi journey at SJF Kung Fu Schooltoday. We are a professional Chinese Kung Fu training center in China, open to students from all over the world. We have successfully trained students from Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Austria, the United States, Libya, the Philippines, and many other countries. If you have ever wanted to learn real Chinese martial arts in an authentic environment, this is your chance. Choose the course duration that fits your life. We offer programs lasting one week, one month, three months, six months, or longer. Whether you have a short holiday or a whole year to dedicate, we have an option that works for you. You can also choose to learn other arts like Qigong, Zhan Zhuang, San Da, Qin Na, or Shaolin Quan alongside your Taichi training.
Experience the best of Chinese culture and nature. At SJF, you get more than just martial arts training. You get cultural immersion, breathtaking natural scenery, expert instruction, and a supportive community. The combination of serious practice and beautiful surroundings creates a truly unique and transformative experience.
Take the first step today. Contact us to learn more about our courses, pricing, and accommodation. We will help you choose the program that best fits your needs and goals. Your Taichi journey begins here---all you need to do is reach out and start.
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