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
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