Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi Chuan is a
unique system of health and self-defense
that is considered one of the treasures of Chinese culture. Derived
from the
philosophy of Taoism, the exercises were designed to develop internal
harmony
(between body and mind), and external harmony (between the individual
and the
Tao, or natural order of the Universe). Originally taught only to
family members,
today Tai Chi is practiced throughout the world by both young and old.
Health.
Tai chi
cultivates chi (or qi)— the
body's intrinsic energy or "life
force." Chi is the foundation of
acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as it is critical for a
person's
health. Cultivating and storing chi
in the body, revitalizes all the bodyÕs organs and systems. Tai Chi develops
flexibility,
strengthens joints and muscles and promotes the integration of body,
mind and
spirit. As a result students enjoy a higher quality of life on many
levels.
Self-Defense.
Tai Chi
Chuan has the most sophisticated fighting theory of all the martial
arts. Its
approach is non-aggressive, yet in full-contact confrontation or combat
it is
more effective than the better known "hard"
styles. This is because its source
of strength lies in the development of internal power rather than
muscular
strength. A Tai Chi student understands how only four ounces of
strength is
needed to deal with an opposing force of 1,000 pounds.
Training
There are four core disciplines (The Yang
Short and Long Form, Eternal
Spring, Taoist
Meditation, and Nei Kung)
and then there is advanced-level training (Push-Hands,
Fighting
applications, and wepaons).
For more detailed information, see Master
Chu's Tai
Chi Chuan Principles & Practice.
Tai Chi Classes
Self-paced instruction in the slow-moving solo exercise Tai Chi Short
Form. Coming twice a week, it takes approximately six months to learn
the complete sequence of movements with corrections and proper
breathing. Once learned, the Short Form takes between ten and fifteen
minutes to gently go through. Pre-requisite: none.
Classes, offered six days a week, are on-going and can be joined at any
time.
Continuous
Form, Saturdays 10:30 AM
Open to students who has learned the short form. Repeats the form at
varied speeds and stances several times, non-stop for one hour. The
class meets once a week on Saturday. Free of charge.
Pre-requisite: Tai Chi Short Form.
Tai Chi Form Improvement (Special
Class)
It is recommended that this course be taken six months after completion
of the Tai Chi Short Form. In-depth instruction is given into the
meaning and subtleties of each movement. Students are taught how to
develop a more refined form--by linking movements smoothly, for
example. Pre-requisite: Tai Chi Short Form.
Ten-week course.
Tai Chi Long Form (Special
Class)
The complete classical Yang style, the foundation for the entire Tai
Chi system. The Long Form includes many powerful fighting technqiues
which are missing in the abbreivated sequence. This course should be
considered required study for all serious Tai Chi students. Once
learned, the complete Long Form takes about forty minutes to practice
slowly. Pre-requisites: Tai Chi Short Form, Tai Chi
Form Improvement. Twelve-week course.
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