Tai chi chuan
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)
What does tai chi chuan involve?
A tai chi chuan class teaches many things:
exercises to improve strength, balance, relaxation (qigong)
learning a complex sequence of movements (form)
a system of self defence (kung fu)
meditation training
optimal body use
partnered drills
Students who have no interest in the martial curriculum can attend lessons as a health-only student.
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: an 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 self defence applications.
We teach two tai chi chuan forms:
Yang Cheng Fu
- teaches you how to move in a tai chi chuan way
Pao chui
- teaches you how to use tai chi chuan against tai chi chuan
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 chuan 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 chuan 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 chuan 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 chuan 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