What is Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan is a traditional Chinese martial art concerned with the study of internal energy (chi). Tai Chi Chuan translates as Grand or Supreme Ultimate Boxing/Fist, or Supreme Ultimate Force.
It is known as an internal martial art so the emphasis is on relaxation, working on mind body connection and and as a martial art, using the opponent's force against themself.

Tai Chi is a holistic form of exercise which has great health benefits when regularly practiced. The Taoist principles on which Tai Chi is based are thousands of years old and have stood the test of time.
Tai Chi, as it is predominantly practiced in the west today, can perhaps best be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. There are a number of forms (sometimes also called 'sets') which consist of sequences of movements and postures which have their origins in the martial arts and Taoist principles through observations of the natural movements of animals and birds the seasons etc.

The way the movements are performed in Tai Chi for health and meditation is slowly, softly, gracefully with smooth and even transitions between each posture, each posture flowing into the next with no commercial breaks. This is seen in the most familiar, aspect of Tai Chi Chuan, the Hand Form. This is the series of slow movements you see performed in the parks, in China, early in the morning. There are many benefits to be gained from practising the Hand Form.
There are also two person forms and weapon forms which the discerning student can study to further develop their Tai Chi skills.
Push hands is a partner exercise for developing sensitivity and can be a lot of fun. When learning the form the student becomes aware of their body, finding an old friend the once new as a baby, they get to know themselves and the energies within. Push hands develops the sensitivity so that we may get to know others.

Over time there have evolved a variety of styles or schools of Tai Chi Chuan. These reflect both a growth and devlopment of the form in general, as well as differences of style and emphasis between different teachers.
There are five main styles of Tai Chi with many different branches and variations. The five main styles of Tai Chi are:

Chen
Yang
Sun
Wu
Hao

The style that we practice is a variation of Yang Style created by the famous Tai Chi Master Cheng Man Ching.

Tai Chi Chuan is accessible to all ages and physical abilities and can be practised on many levels, from a simple 'meditative' exercise to a realistic martial art.