What is Tai Chi Chuan?

Tai Chi is a Chinese art for health, meditation, and self defense which dates back thousands of years. The movements are graceful, the tempo is slow and the benefits are great. It is the only form of movement exercise in which a person should not use outward strength or force in their movements. Improvement depends on inner awareness not outer strength or force in their movements. Tai Chi develops both the mind and body. It embodies a philosophy that not only promotes health, but also can be applied to every aspect of daily life.

An important principle of Tai Chi is central equilibrium or dynamic stability. By not using any more energy than is absolutely necessary, a state of relaxation is achieved and proper posture maintained. People who practice this learn to exert a minimum amount of effort to perform a task that my have caused a greater energy expenditure at a previous time. Tai Chi may teach an individual how to conserve energy, dynamic relaxation, along with possible physiological benefits of lower blood pressure and stress reduction.

Tai Chi enhances ones good health through slow rhythmic, circular movements. It concentrates the mind and calms the emotions; it regulates blood circulation; it mobilizes all joints, ligaments, and muscles, and makes one alert and energetic.

In short, the constant practice of Tai Chi increases the repertory capacity, stimulates and stabilizes the nervous system and improves the function of all the organs in the body.

Tai Chi stresses dynamic relaxation and good posture, increasing benefits and reducing stress by adding mental exercise to the inherent physical movement. Often referred to as “moving meditation”, Tai Chi achieves relaxation through systematic motion.

It should be stated that many martial artists study Tai Chi to enhance their particular style. Many practitioners have found the dynamic relaxation and kinetic awareness that Tai Chi teaches very beneficial. Even masters of other martial arts such as Master Nakayama and Master Kanazawa, both students of modern Japanese Shotokan Karate, Master Gichin Funakoshi have found Tai Chi beneficial especially when the practitioner reaches middle age.

As you study with me, I hope to develop your Tamashii, which means spirit so that you can be the best in all walks of life.