TAI CHI
Why you should learn Taijiquan
Taiji is a good method for reducing daily stress because it is based on meditation & tranquility, balance, and relaxation of the body. It is better than other meditation methods because it is more dynamic; health is the result of the mind, but not without the body.
Instead of selective engagement of muscles or violent efforts, Taijiquan consists of slow, continuous, and calibrated movements that are carefully executed. So it is suitable for people of all ages and degrees of health to practice.
Taiji is a great method to relax joints and postural muscles, stiff from daily situations. A correct posture and the ability to relax and strengthen the core muscles (those muscles engaged in everyday activities) will give more balance, and strength and will increase the wide range of movements' ability. Taiji helps the oxygenation of the body and stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph.
Studies and trials published in scientific journals have illustrated therapeutic and preventive efficacy:
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Reduce Stress and anxiety
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Calm the central nervous system
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Lower high blood pressure and heart rate
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Reduce the pain of arthritis, rheumatism, fibromyalgia
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Help with weight loss
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Positive effects on arthritis condition
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Boost the immune system
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Reduce the risk of falls
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Speed heart attack recovery rate
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Increase breathing capacity
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Reduce asthma and allergy reactions
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Slow the aging process
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Help with gastric problems
Yang Taijiquan (楊式太極拳)
Taijiquan (太極拳) is translated as shadow boxing. Tai chi is a system of exercise for health, meditation, and effective self-defense. It was borne from Daoist principles. The Yin and Yang symbol represents the Taiji principle: each side not only pushes into and dominates the other, but also yields and is dominated by the other. The two are in continuous movement, keep changing into each other, and also are complementary, not absolute.
The Yang style is named after its creator, Yang Luchan. In the 1800s, legend has it that Yang Luchan derived the style from another called the Chen style. When Yang was a boy, he worked at the home of Chen ChangXing. Being a servant, he could not participate in classes, so he spied on secret training and later trained in what he saw during the night. After being discovered, Yang was brought to face his master for punishment. Master Chen asked Yang to show him what he could do. After doing so, Master Chen decided to take Yang as his student instead of punishing him. Yang Luchan modified the style by eliminating more difficult techniques and rendering movements straighter. Today, the Yang style is practiced more widely than the Chen Style because it is easier to learn.
Yang Luchan is said to have only passed the art down to his sons: Yang Banhou and Yang Jianhou. Of his two sons, Yang Jianhou became known for his dynamic style. It was Yang Jianhou's son, Yang Chengfu, who taught others who were outside of the Yang family what we refer to as the Long Form, composed of 108 postures. It is this style that our students learn, with slow, smooth movements that are characteristic of the Yang Style in the classical practice. Shortened and simplified versions of his form exist.
As a martial art, Taiji is based on yielding to, neutralizing, and using Yang attacks and the strength of the opponent to defeat the opponent.
