“The
fullness of life is there at every step.” Eckhart
Tolle |
What is Taijiquan? (pron. tie-Chee; alternative spellings: Tai Chi, T’ai Ch’i Ch’uan, Taiji) Taijiquan is one of the most respected practices for exercise, meditation and martial arts in the world. The varied and exquisitely crafted choreography we see today in parks & practice halls all over the world originated in the seventeenth century with the Chen Family. This original Taiji gave birth to other prodominate family lineages, Yang, Wu, Hoa, Sun with other interpretations of the principals and movements emerging into modern day. Numerous studies in both Eastern and Western scientific frameworks show Taijiquan 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. Weekly classes in all forms of Tajiquan 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. As a student progresses they may study Push Hands, Applications (Tai Chi Interplay) & Weapons. Kim Ivy has been studying Taijiquan for over 20 years and is skilled in both Yang and Chen Taijiquan. Kim is a direct student (formal disciple) of Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang, the inheritor of the Family Taiji. Kim and Embrace The Moon enjoy a strong relationship with the Chen Family, with annual visits from Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang, his brother Chen Xiao Xing, and most recently, nephew Chen Bing. Embrace The Moon offers both Chen Family Taijiquan and Yang Style, specializing in the dynamic yet meditative cultivation of principle, form and application that these forms offer. return to top Silk Reeling & Basic Taijiquan Silk Reeling & Basic Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is a class for those who are curious about Tai Chi and are interested in exploring the foundation for a practice. This class focuses exclusively on the essential principals of body alignment, qi (ch'i) cultivation, core development and spiraling practice, Silk Reeling, one of the best methods for cultivating internal awareness and energy, for understanding the location and function of the dantian (core of all tai chi and qigong), and for deeply coordinating and linking movements throughout the entire body. Additionally, The Silk Reeling & Basic Tai Chi provides the student with the vocabulary, historical context and modern research of Taijiquan. This class is a great place to start your Taiji practice or to simply gain some basic understanding of what Taiji is. Brand new beginners, those in the health professions or long term students wanting a place to strengthen their basics are encouraged to attend Silk Reeling & Basic Taijiquan.
return to top Chen Family 38 Short Form The 38 Short form was developed by Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang as an accessible entrance form into the Chen Curriculum. The form is a synthesis of "Old Frame" and "New Frame" combining characteristic Chen silk reeling energy, slow and quick flows, spirited "fajin" (release of energy) and slow muscle and mind building movements. The form is a fantastic study for truly understanding Taijiquan; it can stand on its own for a lifetime practice or net strong basics for further study of longer forms, weapons, and interactive practice. Its a great follow up to The Root of Taijiquan class.
return to top Chen Family Laojia ("Old Frame, First Road") The Laojia is the original Taijiquan form that gave birth to all other Taiji styles and forms. As with all Chen Taijiquan it combines Silk Reeling patterns, slow continuous flows combined with quick and spirited movements. It is a longer learning process than the 38 but is essential for any student who wishes to study the entire Chen cirriculum, as well the student who wishes to understand the origins of Taiji.
return to top Chen Family Straight Sword Undeniably one of the most compelling forms, not just in Taijiquan but in all movement disciplines, the Chen Straight Sword is elegant, powerful and expressive. Study of the straight sword allows the student to deepen their art, feeling at once further extention of body, energy and mind and deep power and grace. Straight sword study is long and arduous but draws out a clear mental state in ways that few other practices do. The Straight Sword is an advanced form, learned after basics are well in place.
return to top Yang 24 Short Form (Beijing 24) The Yang 24 is the first form many of us learn. It was created in 1956 as a synthesis of all family styles (Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao & Sun) of the time. It then became the Chinese National Exercise form, the first competition form, and to this day all the parks in China have scores of people practicing for fun and health. Over the past 5 decades much of the other influences have given way to the Yang Style influence and the 24 is considered now to be a short Yang Style form It is a very accessible Taiji form, making it a joy to learn and practice. This is a great form for those looking for a short, practical practice for health and well-being. It remains the most practiced form in the world so its also great for people who travel!
return to top Yang 108 Long Form The Yang 108 Long form emerged directly from the Chen Laojia, developed by Yang, Chen Fu, the father of Yang Taijiquan. As such, it is the core Yang form from which all other Yang short forms & weapons evolved. The Yang 108 is a natural progression for those interested in the steady even pacing that Yang Taijiquan offers as well as those interested in its complex choreography and principles. As with the Chen long form it is a longer learning process; it is suggested that a student have a good foundation in the basics prior to embarking on the 108.
return to top Yang Wind Chasing Fan Form The Yang Wind Chasing Fan Form was developed by Sifu Doc Fai Wong as a unique & elegant weapons form. The Fan Form teaches all martial skills and especially joint locking and wrist flexibility and techniques. It is also an impressive demonstration/competition form. Kim Ivy had the great fortune of learning form Sifu Wong's direct student & master teacher Jane Hallendar. As with all weapons forms, it is an advanced form and only taught when the student has a strong foundation in the basics.
return to top Taijiquan (Tai Chi) Push Hands & Interactive Practice Taijiquan (Tai Chi) Interplay is offered for those interested in the interactive component of their art. This practice is useful in understanding the movements learned in the solo forms as well as more subtle componets of dynamic energy & application techniques. This practice is not required but it is recommended that at some point a student studies its basics for the insight and comprehension it offers. Both Yang and Chen students may attend.
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