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Introduction to Tai Chi Chuan
What is Tai Chi Chuan?
Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art based on the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. It develops the use of Yi (the mind) to lead the Qi (life force) in the body. Together with the balance of Yin and Yang, this makes Tai Chi Chuan a healthy form of exercise for mind and body, as well as a powerful martial art. According to legend, Tai Chi Chuan was created by Chan San Feng, an accomplished martial artist who was an expert in external martial arts but became a hermit to further study and improve his skill. Chan San Feng had a breakthrough in his research after he witnessed a snake being attacked by a crane. On the basis of this contest, he realised that skill and yielding could overcome strength and aggression. Having realised this, he developed a new martial art, which is now known as Tai Chi Chuan. Our style of Tai Chi Chuan derives from that of Yang Lu Chan, the founder of the Yang style of Tai Chi Chuan. Yang Lu Chan travelled throughout China demonstrating his techniques, and consequently became known as, “Yang the Ever Victorious”. Tai Chi is practised as a series of relaxed and graceful movements, performed slowly, but with meditative concentration. Originating from China, this fascinating art is rapidly growing in popularity. This introduction is intended to outline some of the reasons why, and to introduce you to our approach.
What are the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan?
With regular practice, the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan may include:
- Develops better balance and coordination
- Improves concentration and increases awareness
- Increases strength and flexibility
- Strengthens muscles and reduces muscular stiffness
- Oxygenates every cell and muscle in your body
- Self massages the internal organs
- Helps regulate the immune systems.
Health Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong
With regular practice, the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan may include:
- Produces better relaxation and calm
- Relief of back pain
- Improves posture both when still and moving
- Assists digestive system and abdominal organs
- Improves circulation
- Reduce high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, headache, diabetes and heart disease
- Produces vitality
Our Approach to Teaching Tai Chi Chuan
We believe that Tai Chi Chuan is very beneficial for health. Without good health, there is little point having good martial arts skill. However, Tai Chi Chuan is also a martial art, and without an understanding of the techniques it is impossible to learn the true art of Tai Chi Chuan. Without the accuracy, timing and understanding of internal movement gained from the marital art training, the health benefits will also not be as great. Therefore, in teaching Tai Chi Chuan, we emphasize accurate technique right from the beginning. Traditional training of this sort is practically non-existent today. Genuine effort, thought and perseverance are required. We believe this is the only way to achieve true mastery. To achieve a high level in Tai Chi Chuan you will need to pay attention in every class and train attentively every day in your own time. As a student, it is important that you follow the instructor’s teachings; otherwise it will be very difficult for you to learn. You must also have confidence in your ability. Everyone can learn Tai Chi Chuan if they persevere.
