This Site was last updated on 26th July 2010
Welcome...
to Tai Chi Ch'uan and Taijquan
to Taijiwuxigong
to QiGong and Chi Kung
As there are two major systems for translating Chinese into English (Wade-Giles and PinYin):
Tai Chi Ch'uan and Taijquan
mean the same and are interchangeable
and
QiGong and Chi Kung
mean the same and are interchangeable
You will find amongst these pages and links an abundance of information regarding Tai Chi Ch'uan and Qi Gong,Yin and Yang.
Intended to be both practical and informative, this site is designed to enable you to find out about these culturally challenging subjects and, if you wish, how to study them with us.
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.
Neither can be exclusively true
Since Taiji is the study and physical practice and manifestation of the philosophy of Yin and Yang, then in authentic Taiji practice 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 originally developed from the practice of standing spontaneous movement postures, but later became a more popular and widespread (but less comprehensive and detailed) training method.
Introduction To Heaven Mountain
We offer regular local classes and workshops, 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 Taijiquan and Taijwuxigong are highly efficient exercise systems. The study of Tai Chi usually begins with the slow continuous sequence of movements commonly known as 'form' but, unlike most other schools, includes detailed study of the individual postures and their martial applications along with partner practice for sensitivity. Qigong uses the same knowledgeand skills, but 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 and highly beneficial 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 require you to purchase and wear uniforms."
© Paul Brewer/Heaven Mountain 06/2010