Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan

"Tai Chi" is the name of the philosophy of the interaction between Yin and Yang. "Tai Chi Chuan" (Taijiquan) is the name of the exercise system that we practise. "Chuan" means fist, and so implys that this is a Martial Art. Many people regard Tai Chi as slow relaxed movement for health and wellbeing, but it is a combination of:-
Martial Art Movement
Chinese Culture
Jing Luo System
Meditation

Because the movemments are performed in a slow relaxed manner, they are suitable for everyone. Although Tai Chi originated in China, it is now an International Sport, practised all over the World.

Tai Chi uses relaxation and softness to develop power. Before Tai Chi all Martial Arts relied on strength and the strongest person winning. Tai Chi has endured because it has the additional benefit of maintaining the health. When the body is relaxed the Jing Luo (meridians) can open to allow the Qi to flow. From Qi flowing smoothly you can develop fast movements - from fast movements comes Gong Fu!

For correct Tai Chi you need to "relax and turn the body". When we are young our bodies are very relaxed but as we age we become more stiff. When the body is relaxed we can make circular movements because the Qi is spiraling around the body.

Tai Chi needs "Turn Body" because this turning changes from Yang to Yin. Turning the body creates circles. If the body does not turn correctly the movements become a line instead of a circle.
The circle movement "massages" the internal organs, making the body healthy. Continued practice builds up the Qi.

Only a Master is able to make all of the movement circles. Beginners make a circle and then a line. From big circles we can then create smaller circles until they are so small they become almost internal. This is why everyone looks different. We are all at different levels of ability. Whilst the hands and feet may be the same, it is how we make the circles which seperates the level of the students.

"HUI DUI HAO MIAO JUE"

Learning Tai Chi follows this road:-
1) Learn the Movement (hui)
2) Correct the movement (dui)
3) From familiarity come relaxation (hao)
4) From relaxation comes Gong Fu (miao)
5) Highest level is achieved (jue)

Always breathe naturally. Do not force the breath to fit the postures.

Information from Sue Johnson