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Tai Chi
Author: sifu
Tai chiis a complete health system comprising low-impact physical exercise, deep breathing and meditative relaxation techniques.
Although originally developed as a martial art system (Tai .Ii Quan) and still practised as such by many advanced exponents, tai chiis principally a tranll uil, gentle and extremely pleasurable means of attaining and maintaining health, harmony in both mind and body, mobility, suppleness and mental alertness.
The benefits of tai chiat'e well recognised by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) who are frequently tai chiinstructors themselves and recommend the art as the physiotherapy of TCM.
Anyone, regardless of age or level of fitness, can practise and benefit from Tai Chi. Loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes should be worn to classes.
The tai chi Form
Many variations of tai chiforms are practised, principle styles being Yang, Chen, Sun, Wu and Woo. Although each style has its own characteristics, principles involved remain the same. Yang style is that which has been responsible for the spread in popularity of the practice of tai chifor health and relaxation.
The basic form (flowing sequence of movements) learnt by beginners in China, and throughout the world is known as the "Beijing 24 Form", and is based on the popular Yang style.
This form is taught by tai chiAustralia over three 10week terms with classes of I hour per week. Greater benefit will be obtained with frequent practice between classes.
Beginners Classes
During your first term you will learn the first section of the Beijing 24 Form comprising such movements as Parting the Wild Horses Mane, White Crane Spreads Wings, Embrace Tiger to Brush Knee, Play Guitar and Repulse Monkey.
Imagery plays an important part in learning tai chiand these names evoke mental images of the movements to assist in the learning process. Although you are not learning tai chias a martial art, the martial applications of the movements will be explained to assist in understanding and remembering the movements. Certificates will be awarded on the successful completion of each section.
Advanced Classes
Following the completion of the Beijing 24 form you can, if you wish, proceed to more advanccd forms (eg Beijing 42 international standard competition form, Chen Style 36 form. international standard competition forms of Yang, Chen and Sun styles) and even weapon forms (eg Yang 32 Sword and Beijing 42 international standard competition sword form, etc).
Traditional Chinese Exercises
Breathing exercises involving, in some cases, gently stretching movements known as qigong (chi kung) are also introduced in the course.
A basic set of such exercises, known as the Golden Brocade on Golden Treasures (Ba Duan Jin) is practised to stimulate internal energy flow (qi or chi).
Another traditional exercise which will be introduced is the Lotus Flower Relaxation Form, generally practised at the end of each class.
Instructors
Tai Chi Australia instructors are all government accredited and licensed martial arts instructors. Senior instructors have been trained at the Beijing Institute of Sports in mainland China.
The Chief Instructor and founder of tai chi Australia, Mr Han Jin Song, has been practising tai chiand Chinese Martial Arts (WuShu) since the age of ] I at his loval province sports school in China. He trained for nearly 10 years there before entering the Beijing Institute of Sports where he majored in WuShu, graduating with a Bachelor degree. Many of his students have won gold medals in both China national competitions and international competitions.
Han Jin Song has performed at many national compctitions, ranking seventh in China. and because of his excellent performance in this area, he was invited to teach in the WuShu Department, Beijing Institutc of Sports being mainly responsible for teaching foreign studcnts from all over the world and at the same time coaching the junior competition team at the China Olympic School. He has acted as a judge at many international competitions including Japan and has conducted many international seminars.
Han Jin Song has been a technical adviser for the Chinese Institute of WuShu Research in Great Britain sincc 1987. Whilst in Australia he has obtained his Masters Degree of Applied Science majoring in Sports Psychology in Melbourne and has been a skills coach and technical adviser for many tai chi schools all over Australia.
Private Tuition/Group Training
For the serious students, more in-depth studies in tai chi, Chinese Martial Arts and chi Kung are offered by Song during the daytime or weekends. The wide range of choices will cover:
• Tai chiforms of Yang, Chen and Sun styles
• Tai chi sword forms of Yang and Chen styles
• International standard competition forms of tai chiand Sword
• Chinese martial arts WuShu dorms, e.g. Shaolin boxing, Xing Yi and BaGua
• Weapon forms, such as cudgel, spear, sword, broadsword and three section staff etc.
• Chi kung, eg Dao Ying and Wild Goose, etc.
• Systematic training to international standard.
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