TAI-CHI
Tai-Chi Chuan was established during the Qing dynasty in the 16th century by Chen Wang-Ting of Chen Jia Gou in Henan province. With its origins from Wushu boxing, it absorbed all the famous forms of boxing at the time, especially the 32 movement Chang Quan (Long Boxing) of Qi Ji-Guan, (a famous Chinese general and military strategist) combined with the ancient internal arts such as Daoyin and the concept of the meridians from Traditional Chinese Medicine, the theories of Yin & Yang and WuXing (Five Elements).
The word Tai-Ji (Chi) comes from the Zhou Yi (book of changes). The theory of Tai-Chi is deeply enveloped in the unity of Yin & Yang, its opposition as well as its inter-transformation. Every movement shows the unity of opposites, the integration of movement & stillness, the differentiation of full and empty, the alteration of slow and fast, the interdependence of softness and hardness.
These opposite movements are continuous, linked together and inseparable. The strength of the movement stops, but the mind never breaks off, the movement stops, but the Qi is continuous, Like the silkworm spinning its silk thread.
The earliest form of Tai-Chi is recognised as Chen Style from which other forms developed to include Yang, Wu, woo and Sun styles each with their own characteristics.
Practice of Tai-Chi is growing world-wide as it is becoming recognised to help calm the mind, relax the body and it's beneficial effects on health in general.
A full syllabus ranging from introductory and beginners courses to an advanced levels are offered at the Academy of Eastern Arts.
Forms include the Yang and Chen styles in both free-hand and sword forms as well as combination forms developed for competition which include Yang, Chen, Sun and Wu styles of Tai-Chi.
Following the beginners course, Tui Shou (pushing Hands) is also introduced.
Tui Shou is designed to allow practical martial applications of the hand moves against a training partner in a controlled manner. This gives the practitioner insight into the meanings of the movements and postures. Over a period of time, one develops the sensitivity to anticipate the opponents intention and redirect the attack using the opponents own force as well as directing ones own internal energy.
Total physical relaxation, calm and a focused mind are enhanced through Tui Shou practice. Eight core postures are fundamental to Tui Shou translated from the Tai-Chi form.
These are Ward Off (Peng),
Roll Back (Lu),
Press (Chi) & Push (Ang),
Pull (Tsai),
Split (Lieh),
Elbow (Chou),
Shoulder, (Kao)
At an advanced level, movements are applied spontaneously for combat practice and/or competition.
The following Tai-Chi styles/forms are practised at the Academy:-
Yang style. 8, 16, 24 + 48 (Mixed) forms. (Yang Family Style.)
Yang Taiji Jian 32 (Taiji Sword 32 Form)
Yang Taiji Duilian. (Taiji Pairwork.)
Chen style. Including sword and spear forms. (Chen Family Style.)
Mixed Taiji Quan 42 Form. (Combination Form.)
Mixed Taiji Jian 42 Form. (Combination Sword Form.)
Tuishou. (push hands, stationary and moving.)
For Information on training times/venues/costs, see classes,
Or contact us for further information.