In an interview with Martina Paszti, Judith Bättig talks about her introduction to Taiji, the intensive training in small groups, about letting go and the fun factor in her courses.

How did you come across Taiji?

I lived in Singapore for a few years where for the first time I saw Taiji and Qigong being performed. In Asia, both are considered health exercises. For a lot of locals, they form part of a daily ritual and one can often observe large groups practicing in parks and public areas. In that part of the world, Taiji and Qigong are quasi “public sports”.

And since when have you been practicing Taiji?

Since 2004. The smooth and flowing movements and the resulting inner serenity and concentration have been fascinating me to this day.

What caught your interest first, Taiji or Shiatsu?

Shiatsu was first. At the time, I was working in the financial industry and had a rather hectic job. At one point, I was developing health problems, and I subsequently discovered Shiatsu therapy. The therapy had a very positive effect, which encouraged me to take up and complete a 3-year training.

Since when have you been practicing Shiatsu?

Since 2001.

To what extent is a Taiji lesson different in the East compared to one here in the West?

As far as I could observe, in Asia the different forms are mainly taught in a repetitive fashion, without explanations or corrections. It is up to the students to develop the right posture and the correct movements. Students in the West, however, want to understand why a certain movement is performed in a particular way.

What do you want to pass on to participants in your Taiji classes? What do you especially focus on?

On top of learning the movements, it is of great importance to me that my students are able to deepen their understanding of both, the philosophy behind and the principles of Taiji.

How does your Taiji teaching differ from big Taiji schools?

In my practice, there is only room for a maximum of 4 students. This provides for a very intensive training experience, allowing me to respond to the development needs of each student individually.

As a student, what can I expect from your lessons?

A careful introduction into Taiji; learning and comprehending a specific form, e.g. according to Chungliang Al Huang; a new body consciousness; mindfulness; relaxation; improved agility; enhanced body stability and above all, our training should be fun!

Taiji has to do with relaxation; how can you relax standing up?

By letting go, giving up resistance, being mindful and “opening” the lower back. The knees are slightly bent, and by fully dedicating yourself to the effortless movements, you will be able to let go your thoughts.

How do I benefit from Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is one hour of pure relaxation! Feeling one’s body, letting go, shaking off daily stress and finding oneself are all typical effects of a Shiatsu treatment. It is really a journey to yourself.

And how do I benefit from Taiji?

You will experience improved agility and an enhanced body stability. Your ability to concentrate will be strengthened and you will become more mindful. On top, Taiji is relaxation for body and mind.

How often should Taiji be practiced in everyday life?

One lesson per week is better than nothing, but evidently it will take longer to learn a form or to become familiar with the movements in general. Of course, it would be best to practice Taiji every day, even if only for 10 minutes.

How do you practice Taiji yourself in everyday life?

Practicing Taiji in the morning is the best way for me to start the day. But I also practice during the day and in all kinds of situations, e.g. while waiting for the bus, I work on my stability and practice being mindful.

Is Taiji of any benefit to elderly people?

Absolutely. Taiji has no expiration date. Anyone can learn and practice it, even at an advanced age. Taiji helps to stay agile, to strengthen one’s balance and to prevent falls. All of this is essential for people at an advanced age.

How difficult is it to learn Taiji?

It’s not difficult, but it takes time to fully grasp the concept and to learn the unfamiliar movements. Yet, soon you will feel the relaxation resulting from these soothing movements.

What would you tell a beginner before he/she starts learning Taiji?

The willingness and commitment to engage in the adventure called Taiji for a prolonged period of time is essential. It is an ongoing process, requiring patience and perseverance.

How do Taiji and Shiatsu differ / what do they have in common?

Both methods have been developed in Asia and both, Taiji and Shiatsu focus on letting go and total relaxation. Shiatsu tends to have a focus on existing health problems. It is a healing method whereby the client is comfortably dressed, lying on a futon. This very pleasant finger pressure massage provides for the Qi (energy) to again flow freely.

Taiji, on the other hand, is a preventive method to keep body and mind healthy and flexible. The client stands upright or walks while performing the movements.

There are countless forms in Taiji. Is it important to master several of these forms?

In my opinion, one form is enough for practicing Taiji. With time, one’s understanding of the movements will deepen. Letting go and relaxing becomes steadily easier, and your ability to concentrate as well as your body consciousness will improve.

Do you ever get bored of practicing the same form time and again?

Not really. Even I continue to discover new aspects, and the experience is constantly deepening.

What is the difference between Taiji and Qigong?

Qigong are health exercises based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. The flow of Qi in the meridians and organs is positively influenced and stimulated. Qigong tends to be easier to learn, as the sequences are usually short.

Taiji, on the other hand, is rooted in martial arts. It consists of coordinated and set movement sequences. Once you master a form, you are beginning to concentrate on the inner processes in order to generate energy and elastic power. The common goal between the two is to keep the body healthy, flexible and supple.

Do you also offer Qigong lessons in your classes?

Yes, I like teaching the Eight Brocades. They are easy to learn and very relaxing.

Taiji is constantly changing and has always evolved. How has your own Taiji changed?

I completed my training with Hans-Peter Sibler and Marianne Vögeli, who founded and ran the first Taiji and Qigong school in Switzerland. Meanwhile, I have evolved and today my focus lies more on the traditional forms, i.e. those that have a somewhat stronger link to the original self-defense roots. For years, I have been attending the classes of Urs Handschin whose school is called “Taiji Works”. Furthermore, I regularly join advanced trainings by Tony Ward and Lars Kränzler.

What do you enjoy most when you are teaching?

Discovering and experimenting together. The small and big moments of success, when my students’ posture and balance get better and better, or when a movement suddenly becomes clear and “hits home”.

Have you ever wanted to stop Taiji?

Almost. Some years ago, I had surgery on my foot (a ligament had been torn), forcing me to pause for a few months. Afterwards, I had the impression that I had forgotten everything; on top my foot no longer felt as flexible as it used to. I was quite frustrated and thought that I was no longer able to execute the movements in a proper fashion.

And why did you stay with Taiji?

Noticing that my body, and especially my foot, was becoming ever stiffer and less flexible, I decided to restart and to adapt my Taiji to the new situation. It is always possible to practice Taiji when adapted to the individual capabilities of the body. Ultimately, Taiji is all about crossing boundaries and overcoming resistance.