Tai Chi Movement

Tai Chi Movement is a system of exercises based on the traditional Wudang Tai Chi Chuan syllabus. Training many of the same basic skills as traditional Tai Chi, it helps release stress and thus promote relaxtion, brings the body and mind into harmony, and makes the practitioner more aware of their interactions with others.

Components

There are three main components to a Tai Chi Movement programme.

Stance Training

The core of all Tai Chi is good posture, and this is the starting point of the Tai Chi Movement training. Using a combination of breathing exercises, simple warm-up patterns, and key stances from the traditional form, the essential elements of Tai Chi body alignment are taught. These exercises include some basic meditation techniques and train the student to work on the internal alignment of the body’s structure.

Movement Patterns

By selecting a number of short patterns of movement from the traditional hand form, Tai Chi Movement training works on basic balance and co-ordination skills. This extends the subtle awareness developed in stance training into movements. Over time, this practice promotes good circulation and opens the joints. By immersing the mind in the movement it can improve concentration and ultimately leads to a deep relaxation.

Partner Work

Traditionally intended to begin the development of martial skill, partner work provides an arena for the student to apply the skills developed in stance and form work in a context where they must be sensitive to the intention and energy of another person. These exercises are essentially non-competitive; students work together to expand their balance, co-ordination and awareness in a playful interaction.

Benefits

The range of benefits to be had from the practice of Tai Chi Movement are broad and increase with persistent practice. The following descriptions represent some of the main areas where the student should see an effect. Like the practice itself, the benefits are inter-related and contribute to maintaining the overall good health of the student.

Awareness

Stance training and movement patterns both improve the students’ awareness of their own bodies. This might be called “internal” awareness. In addition, partner work improves the students’ external awareness.

Whole Body Co-ordination

The movement patterns trained in Tai Chi involve the mobilization of the whole body as a single unit with all movements expanding from a central core. This leads to more efficient utilization of the body’s energy.

Relaxation

Relaxation comes through dissolving the accumulated tensions in the body. The gentle, repetitive patterns of movement combined with abdominal breathing help promote a deep relaxation.

Balance

Physical balance is attained when the body is relaxed and centred. Mental balance is attained when the mind is calm and centred. Tai Chi promotes both of these aspects through its practice.

For more information about the traditional style of Tai Chi that we teach, please go to the Five Winds web site.

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