Taijiquan
We teach Yang-style Taijiquan (Tai Chi), as standardized by the Chinese National Sports Committee. Taijiquan roughly translates as "Supreme Ultimate Fist/Boxing." It is one of the 3 major internal martial arts of China (as differentiated from those of Shaolin lineage, which are designated as external). An internal martial art trains from the inside out, seeking to regulate the mind, will, breath, and qi (ch'i) to let the body follow. External arts rely on rigorous physical training of the body in order to develop the mind, will, breath, and qi.
Taijiquan seeks harmony with the universe, the "Supreme Ultimate." It has often been called moving meditation. Taijiquan is performed slowly, in continuous motion, with circular and never-ending energy. The key elements are relaxation, mindfulness, and suppleness. The health benefits of Taijiquan are spectacular, and well-documented. It is an excellent exercise—mentally, physically, and spiritually—for people of all ages and abilities. Taijiquan is especially accessible and beneficial for older persons, and those with no history of physical fitness training.
However, Taijiquan is also a fighting art of great renown in Chinese history. It is known as the "Queen of Chinese martial arts." Taijiquan is largely neglected as a martial art today because it takes longer than other martial arts to reach a level of skill where it can be effectively used for self-defense. At Wu Xing Chinese Martial Arts, we honor Taijiquan as the martial art it is, not asking that it be learned as a martial art, but that it be understood as such.
We practice and teach the 24-movement short set/form, the 88-movement long set/form, the old 48-movement combined set/form; and the 32-movement Tai Ji Sword set/form. We also practice and teach allied qigong forms to enhance training and promote health.
Competence in Taijiquan is recognized with certification at five levels: practitioner, senior practitioner, assistant instructor, associate instructor, and (master) instructor. Our Taijiquan teachings descend from Master Liang Jiebing, who learned throughout childhood and youth, culminating in training at a government training center in Guandong, China, in the early 1960s.
Moving Meditation
Taijiquan is often called "moving meditation." By focusing attention on the coordination of mind intent, physical movement, and breathing, we can quiet noisy or chaotic thoughts.
Would you like to try Taijiquan before committing to a regular class? Schedule a workshop with Hannah for yourself or for a group to learn basic techniques and become acquainted with the art.