History of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan)
"In motion it separates, in Stillness it fuses together"
Considered a pearl of Chinese culture, Taiji (pronounced "tai-jee") denotes an ancient Chinese philosophy based on the natural law of harmony and balance. It consists of the idea of "Yin" and "Yang", two opposite and interacting forces that is said to reflect all forms and characteristics existing in the universe. These two forces are always in a flux of balancing each other. When they are balanced, the goal of Taiji is achieved.
The word "Taiji" means "Grand Ultimate". Many practitioners and non-practitioners often mistake it for the meaning of "energy". Taiji is far more than just energy. It is a natural law that governs life and the constant flux of natural changes. Through correct practice, one can increase their level of understanding of nature, enhance one's vital energy or "chi"(qi) for good health and to strengthen their body. It can also help a person to remain calm and relaxed through stressful situations.
According to the written commentaries of China, Taijiquan was created by Chen Wang Ting (1600-1680), a ninth generation descendant of the Chen Clan in the 17th century, in Chen Village (Chenjiagou), in Wenxian County, in the province of Henan, China.
Historically, Chen Style Taijiquan was developed as a fighting system. Chen Wang Ting created several sets of Taijiquan routines in which some are slow and some are fast. Using the concept of Yin and Yang, which underlies the two opposite and complementary forces of nature as the basis for the art, Chen embodied the martial effectiveness of the Chen family and the wisdom of the ancient health methods into a comprehensive system of exercises.
The Chen Clan relied on their martial arts skill not only for survival but also for their livelihood as bodyguards and escorts. Using the skill of "four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds" is truly a profound art of the skilled Taiji practitioner. The philosophy of using Taiji as a form of combat stems from the theory of using softness to overcome hardness and by 'borrowing' the opponent's strength against them.
For generations, the Taijiquan skills have been handed down through the family lineage and remained a closely guarded secret known only within the Chen family. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that Taijiquan was first taught to an outsider named Yang Lu Shan (1799-1871) by the 14th generation Chen family master, Chen Changxing (1771-1853). Yang's grandson, Yang Cheng Fu later popularized the art by simplifying and eliminating the fast and difficult movements to create the Yang Style Taijiquan of which many other styles of Taijiquan followed.
Apart from its martial values, this time-tested art has been credited for its many health benefits. It can gently exercise the body, loosen up the joints in the body and de-stress the mind. It has also been described as an art of meditation in motion. Regardless of your race, culture or religion, Taijiquan can be practiced for health, longevity, self-defense, mental freshness and or spiritual growth.
Today, four 19th generation masters of the Chen Village are spreading this art throughout the world. They are known as the "Four Warriors" of Chen Style Taijiquan (Si Da Jing Kang). They are Grandmasters Zhu Tian Chai, Chen Xiao Wang, Chen Zheng Lei and Wang Xian.
Our Taiji Health and Self Defense Programs
Our Taiji Program is divided into beginner and intermediate levels so that the student gets more individual attention according to their skill levels. Students will learn the traditional Chen Style Taiji Quan (Taijiquan) from the famous Chen Village (Chenjiagou).
This traditional art which was passed down from Grandmaster Zhu Tiancai (19th Generation) to Shifu Kam Lee (20th Generation), teaches the original method of training for the students to achieve proficiency in both the health and martial aspects of the art.
Geared for students who are serious about learning what Taiji was intended for, we promise you will be pleasantly surprised at the effectiveness of this powerful art.
Students will learn the method of harmonizing their body’s vital energies while practicing the Traditional Taiji form. Qigong for balance, correct breathing and mental focus is also emphasized in our curriculum. Push-hands, Sticky-hands, Joint-locks and Combat applications are also shown in this curriculum in addition to the health benefits that students can enjoy.
Benefits
Many who practice Taijiquan find that it offers a variety of "quality life benefits". This slow, graceful exercise which can be practiced by anyone young or old can help to:
• Improve concentration
• Increase sense of well-being
• Increase vital energy
• Improve body posture
• Increase blood circulation
• Fight stress
• Prevent osteoporosis
• Reduce hypertension
• Strengthen muscles and tendons
• Control weight
• Rejuvenate youthfulness
Fitness, Natural muscle tone, Movement harmony and co-ordination, Cardio benefit, Learning the original way of Tai Chi training, Learn traditional discipline and culture, How energy in the meridians circulate in the body, Increased vital energy, Unleash the body’s inner potential, Reduce stress, Knowing your own body, opening up the mind to understanding. Learn the principle of Yin and Yang and what it really means. How to use your body’s energy efficiently for health or martial arts. Increasing inner strength.
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Grandmaster
Zhu Tiancai
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