Interpretation of Chinese hand-to-hand fighting systems and therapeutic exercises from the perspective of the INNOAGON methodology

Abstract: The traditional Chinese aerobic fitness exercise tai chi, is a form of low to moderate intensity physical activity. Tai chi is a good example of both therapeutic exercise and a form of preparation for gentle hand-to-hand combat (especially as safe self-defence, also from the perspective of a potential aggressor) . In Chinese society, these forms of exercise are the primary means of preventive health, active lifestyle and, in a sense, conventional physiotherapy or even rehabilitation. Many schools of tai chi based on the same theoretical principles of exercise are still emerging in China. There are currently six main schools of tai chi and the mainstream is based on the styles; Chen, Yang, Sun, Hao, Wu and He. As a result of evolutionary, practice-based changes linked to traditional oriental medicine, the ai chi method has been popularised. Its core element is part of rehabilitation in water as a 'physical-mental' treatment. Combining the advantages of tai chi and hydropathy, ai tai chi has complementary advantages in terms of sensory stimulation (such as the ability to maintain balance, sense of movement, development of strength, proprioception etc.) and mental development resulting from the valuable practice of eastern hand-to-hand combat, which is generally recognised as kung fu (alternatively wu shu).Similar modifications of these systems of hand-to-hand combat and healing exercises are part of the methodological concept of INNOAGON (an acronym for innovative agonology). Its basic method is a complementary approach, with the main aim of strengthening all dimensions of health and survival from the micro to the macro scale. For many decades tai chi has been gaining popularity around the world, but has moved significantly away from its roots. Today, tai chi exercises seem to have lost the sense of martial training and are rather seen as three strands parallel to each other: sport, health and spiritual (i.e. related to mental health). It is precisely the philosophy of health characteristic of Chinese culture combined with the various styles of traditional kung-fu hand-to-hand combat that is a very important alternative to the pathologies of neo-gladiatorism. It comes close to fulfilling the social mission of INNOAGON, as does Japanese budo. These systems, in a sense, refer to the Greek philosophy of kalos kagatos. The methodological potential of INNOAGON makes intercultural dialogue over time (from the past, through the present towards the future), supported by a repeatedly verified practice with great health and personal security values, an important way of balancing the negative effects of the increasingly strong human coupling with the attractions of modern digital technology.

Keywords: tai chi, ai chi, kung fu, neogladiatorships, physical activity

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005292

Cite this paper:

​