Tai chi
Tai chi teaches the student
about life.
The student must carry the tai chi with him every second.
During the exercises, the mind, soul, breath, balance, co-ordination,
and various parts of the body are combined
to work simultaneously and spontaneously during each movement.
In other words, the total person is acting totally here and now.
When the class is over, the tai chi does not stop.
(John Lash)
Tai chi chuan
Tai chi chuan is a Chinese martial art, a style of
internal kung fu.
It was developed hundreds of years ago and draws upon
taoist observations, Chinese traditional
medicine, biomechanics, physics and combat.
13 patterns of movement are used to express power.
To practice the art skilfully, it is necessary to learn the tai chi principles.
The art relies upon gravity, softness, balance, rhythm and timing rather than
speed or brute strength.
Students must cultivate an unusual kind of power.
What does tai chi involve?
A tai chi class teaches many things:
exercises to improve strength, balance, relaxation (qigong)
learning a complex sequence of movements (form)
meditation training
optimal body use
partnered drills
What is chuan?
The word 'chuan' indicates combat.
A complete understanding of tai chi chuan requires expert knowledge of
self defence (kung
fu).
5 styles
There are 5 recognised styles of tai chi chuan:
Yang
Chen
Sun
Wu
Hao
Classical Yang
style
The Yang style was created by Yang Lu-chan.
Yang Lu-chan rose to fame in China by teaching his tai chi chuan to the Manchu
Emperor's elite palace guards.
Our school practices the Yang
Cheng Fu style of tai chi chuan.
It is a classical approach; with health and combat considered as part of the
same art.
Modern Yang
style
The modern versions of the Yang style are simplified.
Cheng Man Ching created his own short form.
In 1956, China created 24 step tai chi: a sport/exercise routine entirely devoid of
kung fu.
We do not practice these approaches.
Form
Form is a sequence designed to train your body how to move a certain way.
It contains fluid patterns of movement known as 'postures'.
Every posture has at least 7 kung fu applications.
Healthy exercise
Students are taught how to exercise their body in a safe, controlled manner
without the risk of injury.
Gentle exercises build muscle slowly, increase flexibility and mobility.
The results are tangible and will affect your daily
life.
Refinement of character
In traditional Chinese
culture, tai chi was seen as a means for refining character.
It enabled the individual to balance all aspects of their being.
The challenge of learning tai chi removes conflict, macho urges and
aggression.
A student learns how to move in a graceful, balanced, harmonious way and
maintain composure at all times.
Spiritual component
Tai chi practice possesses a spiritual component.
This may be enhanced through studying taoism and
zen, along with meditating,
and practicing qigong, the form and application.
An earnest student of tai chi becomes calmer, more harmonious.
They have a sense of deep connection with all things.
People seek to move in accord with events, rather than against.
Traditional
teaching method
Drop-in/casual tai chi classes are a modern invention.
They deny a student the opportunity to gain an in-depth, comprehensive
understanding of the art.
We teach in the traditional manner: students join the school and then work through the
syllabus.
Page created 11 January 1993