Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan)
Tai Ji Quan is a form of Martial Art. A Dao (Tao) priest started it around 1300 AD as Qi Quan. Its roots are Martial Arts but it is never aggressive.
Tai Ji Quan is the Mandarin spelling and Tai Chi Chuan is the Cantonese spelling. Tai Ji is the philosophical term. Tai Ji Quan is the full correct name for Tai Ji.
Tai Ji Quan is meditation in motion. It is done slowly, smoothly, continuously, rhythmically, and evenly in definite sequence, flowing like running water. "Running water never stagnates, moving hinges never rust"
Tai Ji Quan is a mental, physical, and spiritual exercise that develops the flow of Qi (life energy), improves yin-yang (soft - firm) balance, promotes concentration and focus of the mind.
Benefits of Tai Ji Quan
Decreases stress
Lowers the blood pressure
Improves balance
Strengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Improves body awareness
Improves breathing
There are five major styles of Tai Ji Quan - Yang, Sun, Chen, Wu, and Hao.
Tai Ji Quan for health
You will learn the following in each level.
Beginning level
1. One type of walking
2. Basic stretching
3. Two still forms of meditation
4. Twelve postures and forms - Yang style
5. 24 postures and forms - Yang style
6. 35 postures and forms - Sun style
Intermediate level
1. Eight stances
2. Three types of walking - cat, turtle, and bird.
3. Training to improve concentration and focus
4. Learn and practice reverse breathing
5. Techniques to improve stretching, relaxing and movement of your body.
6. 48 postures and forms (China's National Competition Form)
7. 42 postures and forms (International Competition Form)
8. 32 sword
9. 42 sword
Advanced level
Long form study and training in one of the following:
Chen style
Sun style
Yang style
Wu style
Pushing Hands
Weapons - Broad Sword, Fans, Spears, Scabbard and other weapons.
Tai Qi Gong (Chi Kung) Meditation including
Still forms
Sitting forms
Standing forms
Lying Forms
Moving forms
Tai Qi Gong (Chi Kung) breathing exercises including
Breathing
Natural Breathing
Reverse Breathing
Tai Ji Quan as a Martial Art
In the class you learn the applications of the forms for self-defense.
Still Forms - Single hand and Double hands
Moving free forms
Pushing hands