Tai Chi (also written as taiji)

Tai Chi has a variety of meanings to different people.

In recent times people have started to learn the 'Tai Chi form' as an exercise purely for health benefits. The Tai Chi form that we study consists of a series of 37 postures and the process of moving from one posture to another. These processes involve transferring the bodyweight from one leg to the other in a dynamic, yet gentle flowing sequence, which has the following benefits:

• Provides regulated cardiovascular exercise
• Teaches correct posture, body alignment and balance
• Increases strength in the legs and lower body
• Increases flexibility and suppleness of the joints
• Relaxes the physical tension stored in the shoulders and upper body
• Releases mental tension

Tai Chi has been described as 'moving meditation' and ' swimming on dry land.' Having practiced Tai Chi myself, I would also describe it as 'an advanced user manual for your body,' as just like a baby learning to walk you will discover new abilities from within.

Our Tuesday class is designed for people who are interested in learning Tai Chi solely for health benefits.

At the next level Tai Chi has is a highly effective internal martial art. Tai Chi Chuan (also written as taiji quan or taijiquan) means 'Supreme Ultimate Fist.' The principles used in Tai Chi have been adopted by many well known martial artists: Bruce Lee's 'one inch punch' is a good example of Tai Chi 'fa-jing' (explosive energy). A Tai Chi martial artist will also learn to use the opponents energy to his advantage. Such skills are only mastered with years of training. In the short term, Tai Chi martial arts training will provide not only the health benefits outlined above, but also some practical training in self defence, a keen awareness of where your own personal space is and a good level of personal self confidence.

Our Thursday class is designed for people who are interested in learning Tai Chi for martial arts and weapons training.

On a higher level Tai Chi has its roots connected with Taoist and Chinese philosophy. While not everyone will be interested in these aspects, there are very many interesting books and articles to be discovered which may teach you to look at life in a different and more harmonious way. For some people Tai Chi is a regular form of de-stressing exercise and for others it is a journey of self cultivation.

Cheng Man-Ch'ing (1902 - 1975)

Cheng Man-Ch'ing was a master of the 'five excellences', who taught art and poetry at both Beijing and Shanghai Universities. When in his 20's he is believed to have contracted tuberculosis and was not expected to live long. His doctor recommended that he took up Tai Chi as a health remedy, and after continued practice he returned to good health.

In 1932 he became a student of Master Yang Cheng-Fu, with whom he studied for seven years.

Unlike many previous Masters, who did not wish to pass their knowledge outside of China, Cheng Man-Ch'ing believed that Tai Chi was so be beneficial that it should be taught to the Western World. In an effort to make life easier for his students, he developed the shorter 37 posture form to eliminate some of the repetitions of the Yang style long form.

Cheng Man-Ch'ing taught in Taiwan and the United States and is the author of several leading books on the subject of Tai Chi.

Some quotes from Cheng Man-Ch'ing

"Tai Chi Chuan, the great ultimate, strengthens the weak, raises the sick, invigorates the debilitated, and encourages the timid" Cheng Man Ching (1947)

"Use the mind to direct the chi and the chi to mobilise the body." Cheng Man Ching (1947)

"The issuing energy starts in the root travels through the ankle, up to the knee, turned by the waist and manifested through the fingers. Cheng Man Ching (1947)

"Sink the chi raise ching shen (spirit). The classics state that the head must feel that it is suspended from the ceiling by a fine silk thread," Cheng Man Ching (1947)

"All must stay connected; if one part of the body moves all parts must move.
If one part of the body is still all parts must be still." Cheng Man Ching (1947)

"Stay sung (relax). When practicing the form you must keep relaxed. In time you will find that it will become part of your physical and mental state." Cheng Man Ching (1947)

Wikipedia - Further information about Cheng Man-Ch'ing

British Council of Chinese Martial Arts

Tai Chi Union

Wikipedia - Cheng Man-Ch'ing

Wikipedia - Tai Chi Chuan

Wikipedia - Qi Gong

Information on Cheng Man-Ch'ing

Mind and Body Management