Tai Chi

  Of the many schools of Tai Chi (also known as T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Taijiquan, or Taiji)Yang style Tai Chi is the most popular and widely practiced in the world today. It is considered an "internal martial art" or "soft style" although today it is practiced primarily for health rather than for combat. Tai Chi philosophy is based around the Tai chi or "Yin Yang" symbol as it is more commonly known. Literally translating to "grand ultimate" it represents the balance and harmony of the opposing forces, Yin and Yang.

  Yang style Tai chi was founded by Yang Lu-chan who was born at the turn of the 19th century. After learning Tai chi from a member of the Chen family, Yang became a legendary master-teacher called Yang the Invincible. His expression of Tai-Chi, known as Yang Style, was so effective that he was hired by the Chinese Imperial family to teach Tai Chi to the imperial guards. He held this position until his death in 1872. It was Yang's grandson, Yang Cheng Fu, who was largely responsible for the popularization of the Yang style. He removed all of the fast energetic movements from the form and created the slow, steady expansive style that is commonly seen today.

  Tai Chi training involves stance and footwork (both static and moving), basic hand and foot techniques, push hands (for sensitivity training) and Chi Kung (qigong) training, as well as martial application of the form at a more advanced level.

Benefits from Tai Chi training include:

• Improved flexibility and joint mobility
• Improved posture and structural alignment through lengthening of the spine
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved breathing and circulation
• Improved balance and coordination
• Improved focus and awareness