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What is Tai Chi? Lao Tzu (sixth century B.C.) is believed to have been a Chinese philosopher and the
reputed author of the Tao te ching, the principal text of Taoist thought. He is considered the father of Chinese Taoism. It
can be said that Tai Chi is the physical manifestation of toaist principles, softness overcoming hardness. Tai Chi is an ancient
exercise with movements that originate from martial art practice. There are different styles of Tai Chi. Chen, Yang, Wu and
Sun style are perhaps the most well known. We practice the Yang Short Form as taught by Master Huang Sheng-Shyan.
The Yang style was developed by the famous Master Yang Lu-Chan. His son Yang Chien-Hou
and grandson Yang Cheng-Fu also became highly respected masters. Yang Cheng-Fu's most famous student
was Cheng Man-Ching. Cheng Man-Ching was responsible for creating the Yang Short Form, arguably the most
popular Tai chi form practiced today. A former Kung Fu student
of mine, Paul Turner, introduced me to an Australian Tai Chi teacher, Glenn Blythe in 2002. Glenn showed
me that there was much more to Tai Chi than I had thought. "Soften and relax the body, sink and become rooted, let go,
use the mind to guide the energy." My practice was no longer just a sequence of flowing movements.With prolonged practice
Tai Chi can also be an effective and formidable martial art. Glenn's method continues to influence my training in Tai
Chi Chuan and also in my Kung Fu. Glenn has a deep and rare understanding of the internal workings of Tai Chi. In 2004, I
travelled to Australia and trained intensively. Glenn teaches full time in Brisbane and regularly travels to the UK to give
workshops. He is the most senior student of Wee Kee-Jin. While studying the Internals of martial art, I have
also met London Tai Chi instructor, Dave Wright. Dave Wright comes from the same Tai Chi Chuan lineage as
Glenn Blythe, but is a senior student of Patrick Kelly. Tai Chi Chuan is a gentle art of health for people of all ages and health conditions. Tai Chi is a form of meditation
and gentle exercise. It has many distinct advantages over other types of exercise. Many exercise programs focus on certain
muscles or muscle groups. Tai chi, on the other hand, benefits all parts of the body, not just the musculoskeletal system.
A study conducted at the Medical Academy of Shanghai and Bellevue Hospital in New York City has shown that Tai Chi Chuan stimulates
the central nervous system, tones the body, relieves stress and lowers blood pressure. It also enhances digestion, and the
circulation of blood. Importantly tai chi's rhythmic movements and deep gentle breathing massage the internal organs and
improve their functionality.
Benefits: - Increased suppleness,
agility and strength.
- Increased levels of concentration
- Improved posture, coordination and balance
- Relaxation, calmness and freedom from stress.
- Strengthening
of the internal functions of the body, such as the immune system, metabolic functions and cardiovascular system.
Recommended reading: Yang Family Secret Transmissions, by Douglas Wile. T'ai Chi
Ch'uan Ta Wan, by Chen Wei-Ming. Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu. The Art of Peace, by Morihei Ueshiba. Taijiquan Wu wei, by
Wee Kee-Jin.
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