FOUR SEASONS TAI CHI CHUAN
AUSTIN, TX
512-971-3229
E-MAIL: fourseasonstaichi@gmail.com
WHAT
IS TAI CHI?
Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art attributed
to the Daoist monk Chang San-feng (est. 1279 -1386). But unlike the "hard"
martial arts like Karate or Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi is a sequence of slow, relaxed
movements designed to enhance a person's balance, coordination and flexibility.
Tai Chi strengthens the natural connections between the body's muscular system,
breath and circulation. Practiced for centuries, Tai Chi Chuan cultivates
chi, the Daoist term for the inner energy that compels life. Millions of men
and women all over the world (of all ages) practice Tai Chi daily as a form
of gentle, meditative, stress-reducing exercise. Traditional Chinese belief
says that chi or "life energy" is found within and around all living
things. Tai Chi Chuan heals the body by guiding chi to all the organs through
slow and repetitive movements.
WHAT WILL I LEARN WHEN I TAKE YOUR TAI CHI CLASS?
At Four Seasons School Of Tai Chi Chuan we teach the 108-movement solo hand form of the Wu family; a form of Ne Gung (also known as Chi Kung) called Eight Pieces of Brocade; a two-man form known as Push Hands; and for advanced students, weapons forms such as double edge sword, saber, and spear. We begin each class with stretching exercises and Chi Kung meditation. Each class begins with an abbreviated version of Eight Pieces of Brocade for warm-up, followed by the teaching movements of the solo form. The form is divided into 3 sections. Each section is taught in round-robin fashion so that no matter when someone starts they can learn the complete section by continuing to come to class. All students are urged to follow through 3 rounds of classes for the section they are working on before moving on to the next section. Advancement is self paced and I do not promote rushing anything. Balance, posture and breathing, adding on and refining movements are emphasized. We also practice pushing-hands, and learn self-defense applications of the movements.
IS IT HARD TO LEARN?
Tai Chi is as easy or hard to learn as your
goals. Through daily practice the whole sequence of movements can be
learned in about 6 months. After that, your time and effort will
determine your progress in this art. Tai Chi has endless depth to challenge
you for life.
ISN'T TAI CHI ONLY FOR THE YOUNG AND ATHLETIC?
Not at all. Because Tai Chi emphasizes relaxation, balance
and internal strength instead of athletic ability, age is no barrier to learning
and practicing Tai Chi. In fact, some of the most respected Tai Chi masters
are well into their seventies and beyond!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAI
CHI?
Among the benefits of Tai Chi that have been documented
by medical doctors in China and the U.S. are: improved balance; lowering high
blood pressure; improved breathing; strengthened internal organs, muscles
and joints; improved symptoms of menopause; and better posture and fewer lower
back problems. Tai Chi also improves concentration and focus. Many
people begin to experience health benefits almost immediately.
WHAT DOES THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY SAY ABOUT TAI CHI?
Studies
by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), launched in 1990:
Two studies, one by Steven L Wolf, PhD, and the other by Leslie Wolfson, MD,
and colleagues, found that Tai Chi was effective in improving balance and
strength among older people. Older people taking part in a 15 week Tai Chi
program reduced their risk of falling by 47.5%.
Tai
Chi and Health, Peter Uhlmann MD, British Columbia Medical Journal, May 1997
"Mind
and Body:Tai Chi", Food
& Fitness Advisor, Cornell University Medical College, The Center For
Women's Healthcare, November 1998:
Wolfson
L, Whipple R, Derby C, Judge J, King M, Amerman P, Schmidt L . Smyers D. Balance
and strength training in older adults: intervention gains and Chi maintenance.
J Am Geriatric Soc. 1996;44:498-506. CIT. IDS: PMID: 8617896 UI: 96208899
