Tai Chi Chuan
Tai
Chi Chuan is a unique system of health and self-defense that originated
in China nearly 1,000 years ago. It has always been valued as one of the
treasures of Chinese culture. Derived from the philosophy of Taoism, the
exercises were designed to develop the optimum degree of harmony between
body and mind, and between the individual and the Tao (the Natural Order
of the Universe). Originally the art was taught only to family members.
Today it is practiced by both young and old in China and throughout the
world.
Health
Only with correct instruction can one
benefit fully from the healing aspects of the art. Tai chi enables students
to cultivate chi (qi)--the intrinsic energy or life force of the body.
The circulation of chi revitalizes the internal organs and all biological
sytems. Acupuncture therapy is also based on the flow of chi. In addition,
practicing the forms develops flexibility and strength of joints and muscles.
As a result, muscles are strengthened in a way that does not sacrifice
flexibility.
As an active meditation, tai chi promotes the integration
of body, mind, and emotions. As a result, the student will find he or
she is better able to deal with internal contradictions and external stress.
Self-Defense
Tai Chi Chuan theory is the most
sophisticated of all the martial arts, and while its spirit is non-aggressive,
in actual full contact competition it is superior to the more well-known
"hard" styles. It is known as an internal system because its source of
strength lies in the development of internal power rather than muscular
strength. Students will learn how, ideally, only four ounces of an individual's
strength is needed in dealing with 1,000 pounds of an opposing force.
As a system of self-defense, Tai Chi Chuan is generally accepted to be
the ultimate and most complete system. From whatever perspective one approaches
Tai Chi Chuan, anyone who studies the art seriously can expect to benefit
greatly--even in unexpected ways. Eventually it becomes a peaceful, graceful,
and creative path.
Training
There are five basic areas of practice
to begin achieving excellence in the art: The Short and Long Form, Push-Hands,
Fighting applications, Taoist
Meditation, and Nei Kung practice.
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.
|
