Embrace the Moon - A Seattle Tai Chi and Qigong School

What is Taijiquan?
pron. tie-Chee;
alternative spellings: Tai Chi, T’ai Ch’i Ch’uan, Taiji

“It is so slow” is one of the first observations people have when they see people practicing Taijiquan. For decades, when we imagined Taijiquan, we thought of elderly Chinese in the Parks of China moving as though caught in a slow motion time warp. Those Westerners who embarked upon the study in the 70's were often ridiculed at worst or looked upon askance at best. “It’s a cult!” some whispered. But today, Taijiquan is one of the most respected practices for exercise, meditation and martial arts in the world. Taijiquan is the subject of numerous studies in both Eastern and Western scientific frameworks with results that show it is ideal for the musculo-skeletal system, the endocrine and immune systems, stress and cardiac fitness, balance and bone density, as well as the neurological system.

The immediate benefits of studying Taijiquan are better balance, more relaxation and fun! Some of the long term benefits of studying Taijiquan include increased body alignment, greater strength, more refined hand-eye coordination, reduced blood pressure, stronger immune and endocrine systems, increased overall energy, reduced pain from arthritis and other outcomes of aging, greater mental clarity and emotional balance and a deepened feeling for the interconnectedness and harmony of life.

“It is so beautiful” is the next comment people say when they see Taijiquan. And it is. The fluidity of the movements is poetic. "Embrace the Moon," "Crane Cools Wings," "Hands Moving Like Clouds" are movements that evolved by humans imitating the grace and power of nature. Taijiquan is both an aesthetic and generous practice to bring into our lives. Moving through the exquisitely crafted choreography brings concentration and coordination, cultivates balance and strength and gives us the health, happiness, self-confidence and sense of humor to deeply support our human experience.

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Chen Family Taijiquan

The Chen Family is credited as being the originators of what we know of as Taijiquan. The style traces its roots back to the 1600s and is characterized by a blend of quick explosive movements, Chan Si Gong (silk reeling energy), and slow, circular movements. Chen Family Taiji has been influenced in modern times by many skilled practitioners such as Chen Fa-ke and Chen Xiao Wang. Chen Family Taijiquan includes:

Study Chen Taijiquan at Embrace The Moon for its strengthening and harmonizing capacity, its historical significance within Taijiquan evolution, to understand Chan Si Gong, and to develop a moving meditation for yourself. Through the year we offer weekly classes in the tradition of 19th Generation Inheritor Chen, Xiao Wang:

These classes focus on qi development & correct structural foundation as well as some applications explored in a safe and controlled atmosphere.
Kim Ivy is a 20th generation disciple of Master Chen. Please refer to Our Master Teacher - Grandmaster Chen, Xiao Wang.

Study Yang Style Taijiquan at Embrace The Moon to experience its slow, evenly paced movements, its strengthening and harmonizing capacity and to develop a moving meditation for yourself. We offer the following classes in the tradition of Yang, Cheng-fu:

Weekly classes focus on correct body alignment and relaxation, core principles of form development, and movement of “qi” or energy throughout the energetic pathways (meridians) of the body and discussions for integrating the practice of Taijiquan into daily life. Our teacher Sam Masich, has good information on Yang Taijiquan and there is a great deal of information available on the internet. There is quite a bit of medical information as well through organizations such as PubMed.