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Tsing Tao Tai Chi
Clear Island Tai-chi
Tai-chi is a Chinese internal Martial Art. Tai-Chi Chuan means "supreme ultimate fist". The "supreme ultimate" is taken from the Tao and the "fist" is to indicate that the Tai-Chi is also a Martial Art which incoporates blocks, kicks and punches. Tai-Chi is intended as a system of exercise that is healthful oriented towards self-improvement. The Tai-Chi exercise massages the internal organs and aids in blood circulation. The "Chi" is the internal energy of the individual that is developed to its best potential.
There is no deity involved in the Tao. It is a system of self-confidence through self-control and self- motivation. Tai-Chi incoporates the elements of balance from the Tao. The yin and yang are the primordial unity of the empty and the full, the hard and the soft, the still and the moving. Tai-Chi is dynamic motion and Wu-Chi is the un-moving. Tai-Chi motion is said to be meditation or poetry in motion. The weight is shifted with balance and equilibrium while Wu-Chi is rooted to the earth.
Breathing is also an important part of Tai-Chi. Natural breathing provides additional "vitality" for the practioner.
This system of physical and mental health has been practiced in China for better than five thousand years. There are many variations of the forms and each teacher adds his interpretation to the forms. The basic movements are similar and provide the same benefits. The names of the various forms in Tai-Chi are very colorful. A few of these are: "Shoot the Tiger", "Carry Tiger to Mountain", "White Crane Unfolds its Wings", "Twin Winds to the Ears", and "Golden Peacock stands on One Leg". These positions are in series, going from one position to the next in a fluid motion. The student learns the names of the positions as they learn the Tai-Chi form.
Conserving energy is another important element. The movement patterns are done in a very relaxed and flowing sequence, conserving energy for the contact of blocks, kicks or strikes in a combat situation. The practice of Tai-Chi is non-combatant, avoiding injuries and over exertion. The student is in control of their participation and progress.
An important factor of Martial Arts is the well timed and balanced application of force. In fact, Tai-Chi at its best is when no force is necessary, avoiding combative situations and maintaining control. Self-confidence and superior knowledge prevent conflict. For the student, there is a sense of enlightenment. To the archer, it is the moment of releasing the arrow.
Tai-Chi Yang long form is practiced in parks all over China. The Yang long form is a part of the Tai-Chi Chuan. There are three sets to the Yang long form. When these are learned, the student can practice anytime, anywhere as an accomplished Tai-Chi practioner. The sets can be learned in one to two years, depending on the amount of time spent practicing.
Tai-Chi form is based on controlled energy like tons of water behind a dam. The water is serene and calm until it is suddenly released with the total thrust of millions of gallons of water in a narrow space.
The Tai-Chi student is directed in the constructive use of energy to provide a life force equal to the task of meaningful life experience. The harmony of body and mind provide peace and contentment, calmness of mind and resfulness of action.
For class information telephone David Eddy at 1-360-871-4501