The Way Tai Chi System

 

Tai Chi (pronounced Tie-Chee) is typically known as a gentle form of physical activity. The gently, rhythmic movements of Tai Chi reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions.

 

What many do not know is that Tai Chi (Chuan) is an effective martial art, ideal for those over 40 that felt they could never study self-defense.

 

Originally developed in ancient China for self-defense, Tai Chi as taught by The Way Tai Chi System, has both the health benefits as well as the self-defense application of its origins.  

 

By attending one of our weekly classes, you will begin to feel better physically and mentally- leaving awake, vigorous, and energetic.

 

Our Approach - We adopt a staged approach to teaching, starting with the basic moves and postures of Tai Chi. Once the student has mastered the basic level we teach the set again from the beginning, but in more depth and detail, refining the patterns and methods common to all moves. Over time we add additional forms and explore the self-defense applications of the moves.  As the students’ progress, the instruction becomes more personal and individual, with each student being given the instruction that they need.

 

Health Benefits. Everyone who practices Tai Chi wins in terms of health benefits. Given the situation with rising health care costs, maintaining and improving physical health is on the minds of many.

Tai Chi not only exercises the muscles, it twists and stretches all parts of the body. This feels like a massage for the internal organs. With all of this twisting and massaging, blood, other fluids and energy can better flow throughout the body.

Tai Chi practitioners experience a sense of being alive with vitality. They gain more coordination, balance and a simple confidence in moving. With this inner and physical grace, falls and other stumbling mishaps are less likely.

If the body is already injured, from an accident or a chronic disease, Tai Chi can help to relieve the pain and symptoms and to speed recovery.

Tai Chi is useful for both preventive medicine as well as restoring health after injury or illness.

Stress Management Benefits. Stress is not only a leading risk factor for many deadly health conditions, including heart attacks and stroke, it can negatively impact one’s relationships and personal happiness as well.

Through the regular practice of Tai Chi, one can better deal with stress—whether caused by external factors such as death of a loved one or by one’s own negative thoughts. Practitioners learn to move energy in a way that doesn't continue to feed cycles of negative thoughts and feelings. This also helps to clear out the deleterious effects of stress hormones which are released in stressful situations.

Tai Chi also helps practitioners to be less susceptible to stress. Just as Tai Chi strengthens one’s immune system, Tai Chi can strengthen one’s emotional and mental shields. Because Tai Chi is all about relaxation, stress and tension have a harder time of locking into a relaxed mind and body.

Tai Chi for self defense incorporates internal energy principles of qi use and development. Tai Chi is an internal martial art, using both visible external movements as well as invisible internal energy movements against opponents. It relies more on relaxation, rather than muscular strength, against opponents. Practitioners of Tai Chi as a martial art learn solid self-defense skills and relaxation—and not aggression. 

The range of benefits from Tai Chi—including health, stress management, and self-defense skills--translates to a myriad of reasons to start or to deepen your Tai Chi practice.