Tai Chi for Health
The practice of Taijiquan is the study of a rigorous and disciplined martial art. But many people wish to gain many of the benefits from Taijiquan, without the rigor and conflict of studying a martial art. Because of this, many Taijiquan practitioners eventually extracted a version of this practice from the martial discipline. In the west, we generally call this practice Tai Chi.
Here at Spring & Autumn Martial Arts, we offer both Wudang Taijiquan & Tai Chi for Health. These classes are very different in their structure and level of demand in the practice, but both follow the same goals in many ways. Tai Chi for Health practices the same form and style as the martial arts class. The major difference, is this class is supplemented with more Qigong and health practices, focuses more on ligament and fluidity while not straining the students with application training beyond imagery and reference. This health class practices the first section of the Wudang Taijiquan 108 Posture Form, giving students a smaller amount of memorization, to allow a quicker attainment of the positive health affects.
This class is structure around the unity of Meditation, Qigong, & Taijiquan. Class starts with a few short moments of quiet sitting, followed by loosening & standing stretches. Breath and shaking exercises follow. Taiji walking practices are used to maintain memorization of all the important techniques found in the form. Finally, form is practiced as a group, and then a new technique is discussed for all the students attending. Cool down qigong follows, wrapping up class. This blend is not only well-balanced to keep everyone involved and engaged, but also supports the shorter class time given to Health courses.
