This Site last updated 9 March 2010
Welcome...
You will find amongst these pages and links an abundance of information regarding Tai Chi Ch'uan, Qi Gong and Yin and Yang.
Intended to be both practical and informative,
this site is designed to enable you to find out about these subjects and, if you wish, how to study them with us.
First, some useful Information regarding Tai Chi:-
Because there are two major systems for translating Chinese into English (Wade-Giles and PinYin):
Taijiquan & T'ai Chi Ch'uan
mean the same and are interchangeable
Taiji / T'ai Chi means " of unlimited size, without boundaries"
Quan / Ch'uan means "Fist"
Qigong and Chi Kung
mean the same and are interchangeable
Qi / Chi can mean breath, Life force, energy, invisible
Gong / Kung means skills acquired through practice
Some say Taijiquan is primarily for fighting
Some say Taijiquan is for health and relaxation.
Since Taiji is the study of Yin and Yang neither can be exclusively true and in proper Taiji the same internal forces, when correctly developed, can be used for either or both.
Taijiquan has developed from and remains a Martial Art, but you can study it and develop Internal Forces effectively without having to fight.
Equally, Taiji forces can be used for healing of self or others, for enhancing artistic or athletic activities and for mental, physical and spiritual development.
Most schools teach Taiji through the study of Form: usually a slow flowing sequence of movements.
The Form is, however, composed of individual Postures, which older Taiji teaching methods and schools concentrated on:
Form developed from postures and later became a more popular and widespread but less comprehensive and detailed training method.
We offer local classes, along with both residential and international courses in Taijiquan and TaijiWuxiGong. Buqi Healing treatments (a non-contact and non-invasive form of Energy Healing) are also available.
College Director Paul Brewer explains: "Both Tai Chi and Qigong are highly efficient exercise systems. The study of Tai Chi begins with the slow continuous sequence of movements commonly known as 'form' but includes detailed study of the individual postures and their martial applications along with partner practice for sensitivity. Qigong focuses primarily on self-healing and development. Both work by activating the dantian, the central component of the energy system, causing an increased energy level throughout the body.
This increased 'energy pressure' assists in clearing the meridians and channels of obstructions by expelling stagnant and stale factors in the body that we refer to as negative Qi, which can lead to rapid physical and emotional changes.
By practising methods developed over many years we can become more flexible, more aware, more alive and vital in all senses. Through meditation, (the mental aspect of practice) we develop more acute sensory abilities while learning to calm the emotions and quieten the mind.
Primary consideration is given to the physical practice of stretching the spine, opening the joints and correcting the posture, thereby increasing the flow of blood, hormonal and nervous information and qi which nourishes the organs.
It is enjoyable to learn, no special equipment is required and we don't make you wear uniforms."
© Paul Brewer/Heaven Mountain 07/09