ARTICLES

Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan)

Chi is the intrinsic, vital energy that maintains our lives. Tai Chi Chuan is a style of internal martial art concerned with developing this internal energy. Usually translated as "The Grand Ultimate Boxing" it can be thought of as a physical, mental and spiritual discipline.

The Tai Chi form consists of slow continuous, flowing movements with unhurried breathing done with calm concentration and is often called meditation in motion. The correct practice of Tai Chi Chuan integrates mind, body and spirit and can develop the body as a whole without exhaustion. The body becomes more supple and it's movements gain poise and grace. Clear thinking and concentration are improved. The practitioner becomes more relaxed, tolerant and generally happier. Disorders caused by anxiety and nervous tension can be greatly alleviated.

Each posture has practical self defence applications. Achieving correct posture and structure give the movements focus and meaning co-ordinating mind and body so that as a martial art, Tai Chi Chuan does not rely on muscular strength but achieves the apparent paradox of effortlessness and tremendous power.

There are several schools of Tai Chi Chuan - Chen, Yang, Sun, Wu - each with their own characteristic forms. The guiding principles remain the same.

In this course we will be working with the "Simplified Tai Chi Chuan Form" or "24 Step Tai Chi Chuan", based on the Yang style. The course will consist of the essential points of practice, conditioning and preparation for the 24 Step form as a solo and group form. Basic meditations and awareness of Chi, basic self massage and a knowledge of acupoints will also be taught, as well as basic self defence application principles developed through "pushing hands".

Classes will be taken by fully insured, BICMA qualified and BGA Level 5 Gymnastics Coach, Krishnaa Chaudhari. Krishnaa has been involved in sport for many years achieving a high standard in swimming in her youth. She studied yoga in India for eight years and has been training in Northern Shaolin Kung Fu since 1988. In 1989 she commenced Tai Chi, training the Yang style 108 Posture Form and Lohan Chi Kung. 1993/4 she studied 24 Step Form with Dr Li Shao Xiong from Beijing, and Dr Cao Huen also from Beijing with whom she demonstrated at the Victoria and Albert Museum and in Birmingham's Chinese New Year Celebrations. Since 1995 Krishnaa has been studying the Chen style Tai Chi Chuan including sword, Dayan Chi Kung (Wild Goose) and martial Chi Kung with Michael Tse. Krishnaa has also been teaching Chin Woo Wushu since 1992 to children in schools, and also adults. A high point of her martial art career was her 1995 visit to China. Krishnaa "loves Tai Chi Chuan because of it's balance - between Ying and Yang, hard and soft, internal and external, slow and fast, rough and smooth - It calms you down, helps you find the very centre of your being and prepares you to face any situatuion.

Tai Chi Chuan can be studied by anyone, irrespective of age or ability.. Every individual will benefit from it's study, gaining the necessary ability and health to complete their path in life to the fullest.

1. Chin Woo Wushu
2. The Story of Fork Yuen Kap (Huo Yuen Jar)
3. Chin Woo Basic Form
4. Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan)
5. San Shou - Chinese Kick Boxing
6. Adult Gymnastics
7. Why is Martial Arts Easier for Some people and not Others?
8. Running for Beginners.
9. Malaysia Tours
10. Want to become a British Stuntperson?