Re: Tango and Martial Arts

[Leda Elliott <lellio@YAHOO.COM>]

If you try to understand the true essence of martial
arts, it is not about physical assault on a person. It
is about mastering the self at the highest physical,
mental and spiritual level.

Tai Chi, a form of Chinese martial arts is probably
the most common form which people find analogous with
Tango.  The reason being is that Tai Chi is very
circular, relaxed and calm, and at the highest level
of taichi there is intent, energy and focus.

When practicing taichi with a partner(often called
pushing hands), one learns to listen very carefully to
the partner through the body, as in Tango.

One learns to move "sticky" with the partner.  Sticky
means to stay attached, and to not separate
physically, mentally and even spiritually with your
partner.  This is very true also in Tango.

All this is discussion at a very high level of both
Tai Chi and Tango.  In both arts, martial arts and the
art of dance, it is important first to master your
self physically(balance, alignment, posture,
flexibility, fluidity...etc), before moving onto
higher levels of mental and spiritual mastery.

=====
Leda Elliott
http://www.wushu-leda.com

Group Lessons in Wushu (Taichi/shaolin)
85 W. Newton ST.
Wed 5:30-7:30
Contact Leda for private training
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