Tai Chi Ch'uan
Ancient Chinese Art of Self Defense, Longevity, and Well Being
The origins of this art are ancient and
distinctly Chinese. Often called an "internal" art, Tai Chi aims to
cultivate
the body's innate energy. Tai Chi practitioners believe that continued
dedication to their art results in much more
than the ability to defend oneself in times of conflict. The student of Tai Chi
benefits from increased longevity,
flexibility, improved circulation, and heightened mental awareness. Through
continued focus, the elegant and
flowing movements of Tai Chi can be channeled into an unparalleled strategy of
self defense. Tai Chi Chuan
cultivates the body's natural posture and thus strengthens the legs, trunk, and
arms. The exercise of "push hands"
develops the student's awareness of chi and is considered essential for proper
coordination and flow. Tai Chi
is like many of the Japanese "Do" forms in that it has implicit
philosophical underpinnings. In ancient Chinese
manuscripts like the Tao Te Ching, sages extoll the virtues of pliability and
suppleness. Their body is linked as a whole and electrified by a feeling of intense awareness. Tai Chi is practiced in China by
men and women of all ages.
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