T'ai Chi
Yield...Neutralise...Issue...Taiji
The Ancient Art of Taiji
The full name of Taiji is Taijiquan but there are other common spellings such as T'ai Chi.
T'ai or Tai means great, grand or supreme. Ji or Chi means ultimate, infinite or extreme. Quan or Chuan literally means fist.
Taiji is an internal style of Chinese martial art.
The principles of Taiji were formulated 2,500 years ago by Lao Tzu, the founder of Daoism but Taijiquan is said to have been created over 700 years ago by the Daoist sage Chan San-Feng. Taiji has evolved into a set of soft, slow, gentle movements' co-ordinating the mind and breath.
Physical Benefits of Taiji
Initial practice of Taiji consists of learning to relax the body and quieten the mind. However, the movements of Taiji work on many levels, both obvious and hidden.
The whole body is worked with Taiji. Leg muscles become stronger, back muscles are strengthened. Recent medical research has pointed to the following health benefits:
- Improved blood circulation
- Improved flexibility of the joints
- May help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
- Blood pressure is more balanced
- Improvement of posture
- Increased breathing capacity
- Improves balance
- Increased white blood cell count (immune system)
- Improved performance for athletes
Taiji Lineage
I have been practicising Taiji since 1995 following the teaching of Patrick Kelly.
Patrick Kelly was a long time student of Master Huang Xiangxian (Huang Sheng Shuan1910-1992) until Master Huangs death, training with him for 20 years.
Master Huang was a senior student of Zheng Manqian (Cheng Man Ching, 1900-1975).
Professor Cheng Man Ch'ing was a student of the famous Taijiquan Master Yang Chengfu (1883-1936).
Classes in Cumbria...
Classes are taught in a friendly non-competitive atmosphere. Starting with a full body warm up and working through Master Huangs Five Loosening Exercises, before moving on to practice the 37 Step Short Form, Pushing Hands and supplementary exercises.
Please contact me for further details of classes or click on 'Additional Pages' on the left hand side of this page.