What is Tai Chi Chuan?
Tai Chi Chuan is an internal martial art that has been practiced in China for centuries for self-defense, as an exercise, and as a means of improving the flow of internal energy within the body. Because of Tai Chi's emphasis on correct form and feeling each movement, it is practiced very slowly and gently. Tai Chi promotes strength, stamina, and flexibility, while tempering the joints of practitioners. Because the whole body moves as one, Tai Chi cultivates the link between mind and body, enhancing balance and coordination. Tai Chi Practitioners develop confidence with their ease of movement, sense of relaxation, flexibility, well-being, increased stamina and improved health.
Are there other internal martial arts?
The three major Chinese internal martial arts are Tai Chi Chuan (Supreme Ultimate Boxing), Hsing-I Chuan (Mind Body Boxing) and Bagua Chang (Eight Trigram Palm). Beginning students are taught Tai Chi Chuan which serves as the foundation for either Hsing-I or Bagua.
What are the benefits of Tai Chi?
The Tai Chi Chuan style we teach is the 64 Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi system and is characterized by slow flowing movements and shifts of balance that strengthens the legs while conditioning the tendons and ligaments of the ankles, knees, and hips, increasing their range of motion and making them more resilient, and less prone to injury. The upper torso develops a lower center of gravity allowing the body to let go of stress often carried in the shoulders and neck area, and thereby reduces the tension in the stomach and intestinal area. Tai Chi Chuan is a physical exercise and a moving meditation that focuses the mind, while conditioning the body.
Practicing Tai Chi Chuan on a consistent basis can provide the following benefits: increased oxygen uptake and utilization (more efficient breathing), reduced blood pressure, slower declines in cardiovascular power, increased bone density, increased strength and range of motion of joints, greater leg strength, knee strength, and flexibility, reduced levels of stress hormones during and after practice, improved immune function, and heightened mood states.
How much time do I need to dedicate for Tai Chi practice?
The more time invested practicing Tai Chi Chuan will yield greater benefits. It is recommended that you practice daily. Practicing Tai Chi Chuan should not be something that you have to make yourself do but rather be something that you want and like to do. Tai Chi Chuan should be fun not a chore.
Do I need to buy certain type of clothing?
There are no special requirements for clothing. Participants need not change into separate exercise clothes for the training, but comfortable or loose clothes that will allow for ease of movement are recommended. Good supportive footwear with sufficient grip to prevent slipping should also be utilized.
What is the format of the Tai Chi Chuan class?
Each class begins with a set of “warm-up” exercises and breathing exercises. The main portion of the class involves students practicing their Tai Chi Chuan forms and individual instructions. Each class ends with standing mediation.