T'ai chi ch'uan
The style of t'ai chi we train in is a short form of Yang style. See our Video demo. It consists of 47 moves, based on the short form developed by Cheng Man-Ch'ing (Zheng Manqing) with additional moves brought in from the long Yang form by Dr. Chi Chiang-Tao, a close student of Cheng.
This short form of Yang style t'ai chi is excellent for maintaining health and mobility and can be practised by people of all ages. It increases clarity of mind and helps to co-ordinate mind and body. Gradually the person who practises on a regular basis becomes more in tune with his or her own energies. A greater depth and quality of life are experienced.
This short form of Yang style t'ai chi is excellent for maintaining health and mobility and can be practised by people of all ages. It increases clarity of mind and helps to co-ordinate mind and body. Gradually the person who practises on a regular basis becomes more in tune with his or her own energies. A greater depth and quality of life are experienced.
Origins
T'ai chi ch'uan, or simply t'ai chi (sometimes written as 'taiji'), is an increasingly popular form of exercise. In fact, it is much more than just exercise but it is the form, or sequence of moves, that has made it so well known today. There are various forms or styles, some more vigorous than others, but all stem from a combination of chi-generating exercises and martial arts that were practised by Chinese Zen Buddhist monks both for defence and for the benefits of discipline and exercise.
Legend
Legend has it that in about the thirteenth century, a Taoist priest, Chang San-feng, had a repeated dream about a snake and a crane fighting over a morsel of food. Neither creature could overcome the other - the crane would side-step and gracefully sweep its wings in defence of a move by the snake and the snake would recoil at every lunge by the crane with its beak. So impressed was he by the beauty and grace of this contest, Chang began the first form of t'ai chi. Whether that legend is true or not, certainly t'ai chi is centuries old. It is also an art that is alive and so is constantly evolving.
Scientific studies
Scientific studies have proved beyond any doubt that there are immense benefits from practising t'ai chi and its related disciplines of chi kung in terms of health, recovery from illness and strengthening of the immune system. It enhances the health of all the organs and systems of the body, improves the balance and increases the co-ordination of mind and body. As practice is continued, much more subtle benefits can be obtained as mind and body become much more closely aligned and we become more conscious of the movement of chi (subtle energy) in our bodies.
Gradual learning
T'ai chi is learned gradually and needs to be practised regularly for the benefits to be realised. About ten minutes once or twice a day at home should bring excellent results but learning the moves, and indeed some practice, is best done in a group. Each of our sessions starts with some gentle chi kung moves and then we learn and practise, in a very gentle way, a Yang style short form of t'ai chi, sometimes known as the Cheng Man Ch'ing form, with the variation by Dr. Chi Chiang-Tao.
Fancy giving it a go?
If you would like to come and try learning some t'ai chi, we would be delighted to see you. Please contact us to let us know when you would like to attend.
Legend
Legend has it that in about the thirteenth century, a Taoist priest, Chang San-feng, had a repeated dream about a snake and a crane fighting over a morsel of food. Neither creature could overcome the other - the crane would side-step and gracefully sweep its wings in defence of a move by the snake and the snake would recoil at every lunge by the crane with its beak. So impressed was he by the beauty and grace of this contest, Chang began the first form of t'ai chi. Whether that legend is true or not, certainly t'ai chi is centuries old. It is also an art that is alive and so is constantly evolving.
Scientific studies
Scientific studies have proved beyond any doubt that there are immense benefits from practising t'ai chi and its related disciplines of chi kung in terms of health, recovery from illness and strengthening of the immune system. It enhances the health of all the organs and systems of the body, improves the balance and increases the co-ordination of mind and body. As practice is continued, much more subtle benefits can be obtained as mind and body become much more closely aligned and we become more conscious of the movement of chi (subtle energy) in our bodies.
Gradual learning
T'ai chi is learned gradually and needs to be practised regularly for the benefits to be realised. About ten minutes once or twice a day at home should bring excellent results but learning the moves, and indeed some practice, is best done in a group. Each of our sessions starts with some gentle chi kung moves and then we learn and practise, in a very gentle way, a Yang style short form of t'ai chi, sometimes known as the Cheng Man Ch'ing form, with the variation by Dr. Chi Chiang-Tao.
Fancy giving it a go?
If you would like to come and try learning some t'ai chi, we would be delighted to see you. Please contact us to let us know when you would like to attend.