Tai-Chi Quan Yang Style with influences of Chen Style, Lee Style, Bagua Quan and Xingiy Quan
What is Tai‑Chi ?
Tai‑Chi consists of numerous, harmoniously designed movements that flow imperceptibly into one‑another to make the Form. These movements are so varied that they bring every part of the body, from the smallest joint to the largest muscle, into play without creating any stress. The continually changing patterns keep one mentally alert and in this way improves ones concentration. Slowness, calmness, evenness, clarity and balance are the five basic qualities required for practising the Form Because Tai‑Chi is practised very slowly{it has been described as a type of moving meditation),the body doesn't become tense or hard and the muscles remain resilient and pliable.
What are the Health Benefits of Tai‑Chi ?
Eastern and Western beliefs about how to achieve a healthy body differ markedly. We in the West tend to think that by building up muscle and exerting ourselves during exercise we develop energy and strength.
The Chinese have a different approach, Tai‑Chi has long been used in the Far East for its healing and therapeutic values and during the last two decades many Westerners have begun to think this way too. If you practise Tai‑Chi with correct posture, the movements place the vertebrae in their natural alignment. This allows the internal organs, which attaches to the backbone, to assume their correct position and prevents them from exerting undue pressure on each other. Every one will benefit from practising Tai‑Chi and numerous disorders can be alleviated. Besides relaxing the mind and body, Tai‑Chi helps digestion, quietens the nervous system, and makes joints loose. It also benefits the heart and blood circulation, and rejuvenates the skin.
Other Aspects of Tai‑Chi.
Besides the form, Tai‑Chi involves various disciplines, including Push Hands, Qi‑Gong{breathing Exercises}, Weapons{broad and straight swords, Walking stick and many more}and application of the movements in self‑defence.
Push Hands
Push Hands is a two‑person form of exercise which helps develop the skills of listening, understanding, neutralising and discharging energies. In other words, students learn to become sensitive to a partners energies and intentions.
Qi‑Gong
Qi‑Gong (breath control is the name given to a multitude of Chinese health skills which have been practised for over 3 000 years. These exercises were designed to develop the ability to move Ki throughout the body and, although they involve every part of the anatomy, they are not difficult to perform.
What is Ki-Power?.
Thousands of years ago, Chinese Taoists developed the knowledge of an eternal power named Chi' that animates everything in the universe. All phenomena are the result of the interplay between Yin & Yang, the continuous natural cycle moving from birth, increasing
through life then decaying and eventually dying. The Chinese explain this as the growth and fading of Chi, therefore, it is the Chi which determines our mental and physical capabilities.
Who Can Do Tai‑Chi?
It is safe for anyone to practise Tai‑Chi throughout his or her lives, without fear of injury. In the East, some masters are still teaching past the age of 80.
Is Tai‑Chi an effective exercise?
Even though Tai‑Chi is slow and gentle it stimulates the flow of energy through the body 'Chi 'is a dynamic force, which is in constant flux, circulating throughout the body along minute pathways called Meridians. Until recently, most Western doctors thought the meridians were only imaginary lines, but a North Korean doctor provided scientific proof of their existence. The practise of Tai‑Chi enhances the flow of energy Chi through these pathways and clears any blockages that may exist. As a result, the internal organs are strengthened and the whole body becomes healthier.
Can Tai‑Chi be used for Self Defence?
Tai‑Chi was developed as a method for promoting good health as well as self-defence; in fact each of its movements has a self‑defence application. However in marked contrast to many 'harder' martial arts. There is no competitiveness, instead a none aggressive, calm relaxed mental attitude is cultivated.
Can one learn Tai‑Chi from a book?
Since Tai‑Chi requires great diligence, patience and perseverance and because of the complexity of the movements, it is extremely difficult to learn from a book. Therefore, you can make far better progress with an experienced teacher. Books however, help you gain knowledge and understanding of the theory and philosophy of Tai‑Chi.
Where did Tai‑Chi originate
The history of Tai‑Chi is mostly vague and surrounded in many myths. Although it originated as a martial art in India in 500bc, the Taoist priest Chang Sanfeng (1279‑1368) is regarded as its founder.
When did Tai‑Chi come to the West?
Prior to the mid 1960s,Tai‑Chi was hardly known outside China. During the communist revolution, some of mainland Chinas masters fled to Taiwan and Hong Kong. One of these, Cheng Man‑Ching, began teaching Tai‑Chi to none Chinese students, as he believed it would benefit the health of the whole world. The system taught by us is based on this Yang style.
Are there different styles of Tai‑Chi ?
The four main schools of Tai‑Chi are: Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun, started by Chen Wang Ting(1597‑1664}, Yang Lu Chuan{1799‑1872},Wu Yu Hsing{1812‑1880) and Sun' Luck Tang {1881‑1932}respectively.