Only the soft overcomes

the hard,

by yielding,

bringing it to peace.
Even where there is no space,
that which has no substance enters in.

Dao De Jing, Chapter 43

Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan)

Taiji, as it is practiced in the west today, can perhaps best be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined.

In ancient China, Taijiquan was originally developed as a means of self defense. However, Taiji was found to quickly provide the practitioner with a much improved state of mind, excellent health, and general overall feeling of well being. Taijiquan is now practiced throughout the world, by students of all ages and health conditions.

By focusing on proper breathing techniques and the utilization of the intrinsic musculature of the body, one is able to gently strengthen his or her muscles, bones, joints, and tendons. Simultaneously, the circulatory, respiratory, lymphatic, and immune systems are all fortified.

Many practitioners report a significant reduction in personal stress and fatigue, as well as increased energy and circulation, greater flexibility in joints and muscles, improvement in digestion, and the relief from chronic back pain and headaches.

Taijiquan consists of a series of slow motion meditative movements that unite and strengthen body, mind and spirit. Learning a series of postural movements in sequence is only the external beginning of this intricate art of exploring the self.

Proper breathing technique for each postural movement, and training the mind to attune to the active energy pathways (meridians) inside the body are necessary aspects to giving full long-lasting results.

Health benefits taiji include:

• Lowering blood pressure

• Improving immune function

• Increasing lung capacity

• Improving mobility and range of joint motion

• Relieving arthritis symptoms

• Augmenting overall sense of well-being

Push Hands

For many practitioners the focus in practicing taiji is not, first and foremost, martial, but as a meditative exercise for the body. For others the martial aspects of taiji are of considerable interest.

A two-person exercise called “push-hands” can develop martial and intuitive skills. Push hands allows us to be sensitive to and responsive of another person's energy. It is also an opportunity to employ some of the martial aspects of taiji in a kind of slow-tempo combat. The emphasis in taiji is on being able to channel potentially destructive energy (in the form of a kick or a punch) in a manner that will dissipate the energy or send it in a direction where it is no longer a danger.

Our Class

In our class, we will practice a Yang Family short form. While the initial focus will be to learn this form in particular, there will be instruction on both elementary and advanced techniques with ongoing study as a goal.

Tajiquan Curriculum