The Shamanic Origins of Tai Chi
continuedThe Ka-ren belong to the Thai linguistic group whose origins lie in southwest China, possibly Yunnan or Szechwan. In the twelfth century the Mongols drove whole populations in China southwards. The social upheaval this caused helped to bring to an end to the fabled empires of Pagan and Angkor. The Thai tribes that had been displaced southwards initially settled in the wilderness hill country that bounded these two empires, but when Mongol incursions and civil wars finally destroyed the kingdoms, the Thai came down from the hills and established their own kingdom on the ruins. But not all the tribes came down from the hills. While their cousins went on to found the Thai kingdom, others chose instead to remain in the uplands, living a lifestyle little changed over time. Could the practices of the Ka-ren Shaman be a time capsule of an archaic Chinese martial arts system as it existed a thousand years ago? If so, would this mean that the connection between martial arts and Shamanism was closer and much older than we thought?
While there are several similarities between the origins of martial arts systems and the Shamanic tradition of the Vision Quest, it does not imply that practicing Tai Chi is a form of spirit possession. What it does is suggest is that some of China's most ancient traditions may be the source, inspiration, or template from which the more refined disciplines, such as Tai Chi, evolved.
While there are several similarities between the origins of martial arts systems and the Shamanic tradition of the Vision Quest, it does not imply that practicing Tai Chi is a form of spirit possession. What it does is suggest is that some of China's most ancient traditions may be the source, inspiration, or template from which the more refined disciplines, such as Tai Chi, evolved.
So the next time you go out and practice your Snake Creeps Down and Crane Opens Wings in the moonlight, know that not only are you continuing a millennia-old tradition of martial arts, but a tradition that quite possibly goes back through the mists of prehistory to the dawn of mankind itself.
Stefan Verstappen is a writer and martial arts practitioner who has lived and traveled throughout the Far East. His articles have appeared in Black Belt and Inside Kung Fu magazines. He is also author of the book, The Thirty-Six Strategies of Ancient China, published by China Books & Periodicals. You can read all 36 ancient proverbs on-line at: www.chinastrategies.com
Another article by Stefan Verstappen featured in Jade Dragon Online can be found in our archives: The Way of the Shadows: Martial Arts Training for the Blind Warrior
