YANG STYLE TAIJIQUAN (TAI CHI CHAUN)

Taijiquan is an ancient Chinese art that is well known for its health benefits as well as a martial art. The 108 movements of the yang style long form are soft, gentle and easy to practice. The harmonious, circular movements help reduce stress and quiet the mind. The practice of Taijiquan helps diffuse negative patterns, thus bringing an ease and clarity in all aspects of daily life. Classes focus on maximizing strength and economy. Each movement should be performed effortlessly, yet resulting in great strength and power. Classes cater to students with both martial and non-martial arts interests.

PUSHING HANDS

The Taijiquan Classics state that once our opponent has just started a move, then we should counter them before they can complete the movement. We can only accomplish this if we have attained a high degree of sensitivity, which will allow us to detect any such movement. Such sensitivity can best be developed through the Pushing Hands practice. Pushing hands is a training exercise that embodies the concepts of Taijiquan in a practical application. Pushing hands consists of two practitioners pushing and pulling on each other in a relaxed manner in order to develop a high level of sensitivity to internal and external forces. It teaches how to use the opponent’s own strength against them by absorbing and neutralizing their forces.