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
philosophy of Taoism, the exercises were designed to develop internal
(between body and mind), and external harmony (between the individual
Tao, or natural order of the Universe). Originally taught only to
today Tai Chi is practiced throughout the world by both young and old.
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
health. Cultivating and storing chi
in the body, revitalizes all the bodyÕs organs and systems. Tai Chi develops
strengthens joints and muscles and promotes the integration of body,
spirit. As a result students enjoy a higher quality of life on many
Chuan has the most sophisticated fighting theory of all the martial
approach is non-aggressive, yet in full-contact confrontation or combat
more effective than the better known "hard"
styles. This is because its source
of strength lies in the development of internal power rather than
strength. A Tai Chi student understands how only four ounces of
needed to deal with an opposing force of 1,000 pounds.
There are four core disciplines (The Yang
Short and Long Form, Eternal
Meditation, and Nei Kung)
and then there is advanced-level training (Push-Hands,
applications, and weapons).
For more detailed information, see Master
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 seven days a week, are on-going and can be joined at any
Introduction to Tai Chi Workshop
Occasional workshops on the art and science of tai chi. In these workshops, participants will be instructed in the tai chi principles and how to start learning tai chi correctly. Particpants will also learn the first few exercises of Eternal Spring as a way to begin to condition the body for tai chi practice. The next Introduction to Tai Chi will be: February 23rd, from 2:30-4 pm. After that, the workshop will be repeated May 18th and September 14th.
Open to students who has learned the short form. Repeats the form at
varied speeds and stances several times, non-stop for one hour.
Pre-requisite: Tai Chi Short Form.
Tai Chi Form Improvement (Special
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.
Tai Chi Long Form (Special
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.
Videos and online courses:
See the introductory workshop here. After watching the introduction series above, try a 30 hour step-by-step class, here.