ORIGINS

Tai Chi Chuan is one of several “internal family” Chinese martial arts. “Family” refers to the fact that these arts were often only taught secretly to members of a particular family or clan. “Internal” refers to the training methods and the means of power generation.

The origin of Tai Chi is shrouded in myth and legend. It has been variously attributed to an ancient general, or to a sage, Zhang San-Fang, observing a hostile encounter between a crane and a sna

ke. The snake, by means of supple, coiling movements, frustrated the crane’s attempt at an easy meal.

It is known that Tai Chi is officially listed as a martial arts style in an imperial document dated to the 13th century C.E. We also know that traditional Chinese medicine practitioners often prescribed various exercises and breathing techniques in the treatment of disease more than a thousand years before that.

Eventually the Tai Chi master, Yang Cheng-Fu (1883-1936) decided the art was too valuable for the health of the Chinese people to keep secret any longer.He began to emphasize the health developing aspects of the art and openly taught anyone who came to him. Today Yang style Tai Chi is the most widely practiced form of Tai Chi worldwide.

CLASS

There are five major styles of Tai Chi, each  known by their clan or founder’s name. They are the Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao, and Sun, styles. The Tai Chi program is based predominately on the Yang style, which was established in the late 18th century by the master Yang Lu-Chan. Your instructor is a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor. You will learn:

• The Tai Chi for Arthritis form (Sun)
• Tai Chi for Back Pain form (Sun)
• An Introductory 6 Posture form (Yang)
• The Beijing Standard 24 Posture form (Yang)
• The Yang Short Form (Yang Style)
• Qi Gong (energy work).

 

BENEFITS

Throughout history, Tai Chi has been claimed to achieve nearly miraculous health results for those who practice it. Modern medical science has begun to examine Tai Chi health claims. Various studies have shown that Tai Chi can

• improve balance
• increase flexibility
• improve joint function
• improve aerobic condition
• reduce stress

The Arthritis Associations in the US, UK, and Australia now recognize certain styles of Tai Chi as a safe effective exercise program for those with arthritis. Diabetes foundations in several countries accept Tai Chi as safe and effective exercise for persons with Diabetes. Your physician may recommend Tai Chi if you are recovering from an injury or certain other conditions. Ask your health care provider about Tai Chi.

Athletes of every caliber and sport can benefit from the mental and physical disciplines in Tai Chi. The art is considered by some experts to be the pinnacle development in Chinese martial arts and it’s lessons are applicable to any athletic endeavor. The art improves body awareness, teaches the development of power from the feet up, and promotes a positive, alert, calm mental state that is beneficial to any competitor (and in the stresses of daily life).

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Your instructor is certified to teach the Tai Chi for Arthritis program, and is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer. He has over 30 years experience in various martial arts disciplines with black belt rankings in Karate and Ju Jitsu.

yield yourself and follow the external forces."

From a Treatise by Master Wong Chung-Yua (ca. 1600 C.E.)