Tai Chi Overview

The tradition of T'ai Chi Ch'uan dates back to 1300 A.D. Legend has it that Chan San-Feng mastered a martial art known as Shao-Lin Ch'uan. He used this knowledge along with concepts from the ancient Chinese text of I-Ching to create a form of combat known as Chen Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Yang Chen Fu later developed the system that we know today as Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. Within his system he incorporated the principle that if humanity brings the universal laws of yin and yang into balance within the body, then the potentials of health and longevity are truly realized.

T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a discipline rich in martial tradition, health, and mystery. In order to appreciate it, those who choose to pursue this path must be able to look beyond the obvious pattern of slow, simple, graceful movement, which is the hallmark of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. The understanding of T'ai Chi Ch'uan compares to viewing a concert hall through closed curtains. The curtains may be ornate and of fine quality, and the music may be well orchestrated and pleasing to the ear, but until one opens the curtain, feels the texture of imported fabric and sees the maestro conducting the musicians with precision and spirit, the truth behind the curtain will never be realized.

Sifu Brown teaches traditional movement, breathing techniques, and the cultivation of qi (chi) coupled with modern biomechanics. From this approach his students learn to regulate their mental and physical states through traditional synchronized breathing techniques and movement. Special attention is given to each student's specific needs. For example, the knee/toe and spinal alignment during the execution of a form are critical to joint health. Students are made aware of "safe ranges of motion" which are applied to the execution of a movement.

Some of the many truths of T'ai Chi Ch'uan lie in its holistic benefits. Practitioners will derive vitality, clarity of mind and serenity of spirit by applying themselves to even the simplest of its principles. It is an excellent activity for stress reduction, relaxation, improved balance and coordination, and improved functionality for seniors.

The beginners' classes cover the foundations of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, including proper posture, breathing, grounding, standing meditation, qi gong and basic forms movement.  Intermediate and advanced students are welcome to attend beginners' classes for review and practice of basic principles.  Beginners are also welcome to attend our advanced classes. The advanced classes cover both the basic principles of the art and more advanced T'ai Chi principles, including internal energy generation, spiraling, T'ai Chi walking and, for interested students, the martial applications of this gentle art.  The Stations class includes the study of T'ai Chi Push Hands techniques, T'ai Chi ball exercises, core stability work and introductory work with T'ai Chi weapons.  Our Saturday morning mixed-levels class includes qi gong practice and performance of the Yang Style Long Form in a peaceful outdoor setting.

See the class schedule for specific class times.

For more information regarding our classes, please send an e-mail using our contact form, or call us at (505) 814-4128.