You will find in these pages and links a great deal 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) and also because there are many different Chinese dialects besides Mandarin and Cantonese:
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
Some say Taijiquan is mostly for fighting
some say Taijiquan is mostly for health and relaxation.
Taiji is the study of Yin and Yang thus neither can be exclusively true
The Taiji Postures are designed to develop strong internal forces. These forces can be used for fighting.
Taijiquan has developed from and still is a Martial Art, but you can study it without having to fight. Equally, these 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 later and became a more popular and prevalent but less comprehensive and detailed training method.
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 12/07