  Pierre Huot leading a unique Tai Chi class in the water! Aquataiji by Pierre Huot Disclaimer: The views and opinions of the author expressed therein do not necessarily reflect those of the HunyuanTaiji Academy, the Hunyuantaiji Academy Main site or Ottawa site. Most people think of taiji as a land-based discipline only. But it can be done in water just as well... and with added benefits. I have been doing it for over 5 years now, 2 years on my own and 3 teaching it. I have developed my own approach and program. This is an on-going growing process. All I teach fits in perfectly with what Master Joseph Chen teaches. My students meditate, do solo and 2-person silk-reeling, practise self massages, learn healing sounds, and explore walking. After at least 2 years of this, they will be ready to begin form: I teach the Hunyuan 24, as this is the best system for water. After 5 years, they could begin the Practical Method's Yilu, and weapon-training (a melon-size rubber ball). What is key in water is to be grounded and yet mobile. It takes time to reach this level. Fundamentally, there is no difference with being grounded on land. It is simply we are so used to moving on land where the surrounding air does not offer any challenge. Water is heavier and more active. So you can see here what water offers: feedback that tells the truth, nothing but the truth, like a mirror or an honest teacher would do. It will relax you more, help you generate more energy and realize that, although it could be cold, you are not cold yourself. Doing taiji in water is like going back in time to when you were in your mother's womb and giving yourself the chance of clearing up past issues our evolved adult brains or nervous systems cannot do because these issues pre-date their growth. Holding the tree posture is so easy in water; any beginner can do it for an hour like a breeze in their first lesson, not so on land. Students have reported increased energy and improved self-awareness from practising taiji, meditation, and massage in the water. I saw one student propelled out of the water because of the power of her own energy. Another one who was born without nerve impulse in one of her legs felt it for the first time after only a few weeks. In the water we can communicate through the water itself, which sends messages without words, yet we understand them and act accordingly. After a while you may go underwater like some of my students and myself do: I say we do hippopotamus taiji. We are mostly water. In water we learn to unite the internal and the external better. As you move it, it will move you. Water will do your taiji, yet you will do it too. All who have done aquataiji after a few months get very, very heavy and often sink down to the bottom of the pool. So if this has triggered your curiosity, you can join us at the Jack Purcell Community Centre in Ottawa. We meet every Sunday evening at 7:30 for an hour. Registration is through the City of Ottawa. |
