Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan
We teach the modified Yang Style 108 Long Form of Tai Chi Chuan. Master Pai learned this form directly from one of Yang Cheng Fu's top students, Cheng Man-ch'ing. In 1928 Cheng Man-ch'ing met the well-known master Yang Cheng fu, with whom he began to study Yang style t'ai chi ch'uan, which he did until 1935. We have
two senior instructors in class who teach the form.
Master Pai modified the original 108 movement form, creating a more balanced and effective fighting form. This form along with meditation will help you develop incredible power, bone density and help you become grounded. We teach the Tai Chi form Master Pai modified in the 90's. Master Pai once again modified his Tai Chi form years later. For more information on that form or if you are seeking a higher path to enlightenment, contact us and we will direct you to who we believe are the best for your development.
Push hands with Master Benjamin Wu in Jan 2010 in NYC
Tai Chi for Health Purposes
Tai chi is a mind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art. A person doing tai chi moves his body slowly and gently, while breathing deeply and meditating (tai chi is sometimes called "moving meditation"). Many practitioners believe that tai chi helps the flow throughout the body of a proposed vital energy called qi in traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang.
In tai chi, each movement flows into the next. The entire body is always in motion, with the movements performed gently and at uniform speed. It is considered important to keep the body upright, especially the upper body-many tai chi practitioners use the image of a string that goes from the top of the head into the heavens-and to let the body's weight sink to the soles of the feet.
In addition to movement, two other important elements in tai chi are breathing and meditation. A conscious mental process using certain techniques -- such as focusing attention or maintaining a specific posture -- to suspend the stream of thoughts and relax the body and mind. In tai chi practice, it is considered important to concentrate; put aside distracting thoughts; and breathe in a deep, relaxed, and focused manner. Practitioners believe that this breathing and meditation have many benefits, such as:
Specific Health Purposes
People practice tai chi for various health purposes, such as:
- For benefits from exercise:
- Tai chi is a low-impact form of exercise.
- It is a weight-bearing exercise that can have certain health benefits--for example, to the bones.
- It is an aerobic exercise.
- To improve physical condition, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility.
- To have better balance and a lower risk for falls, especially in elderly people.
- To ease pain and stiffness--for example, from arthritis.
- For health benefits that may be experienced from meditation.
- To improve sleep.
- For overall wellness.
