Tai Chi Pandy's Blog 太极熊的博客

by stevendepolo

Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, passed down from different generations, since it was founded by Chang San-feng. It was during the Sung dynasty, which was introduced, and since that time there were numerous reports of the form.

The form, or kung chia in Chinese, the various movements of Tai Chi. One of the most common and popular form is the handling of snakes and the fight against the crane. Master Chang, one of the defenders, to copy this kind of fighting style and transformed into a softer version of the rolling motion. The way it was developed with 13 items that match the trigrams and the five elements.

Master Chang line was not clear, but what historians know, is that there is a certain Chiang FAH. Chiang, as he was as a young man named Chen Wang Ting informed. Chen was known to the art of Tai Chi in practice 1644th The descendants of Chen Wang Ting practiced way of her family. Some of the features, as happened by focusing on lower positions, a move, silk, cocoons, and fast movements and is regularly practiced.

Chen Tai Chi was created by the family was practiced in secret and may not use outside of your home. But at the time of Chang Hsin Chen, who became in 1800 the tradition was broken. He taught the secrets of her family and styles of Tai Chi in his student days, Yang Lu Chan.

The modern wine-young son named Yang Lu Chan Yang Yang Cheng Fu. This paved the way for the introduction of an examination in the history of Tai Chi. Its form consists of 128 positions. It is supported characterized by the energy gap with the movement of technical idle.

The generation of the Yang family teaches students the techniques of Tai Chi. The captains have selected their students seriously and has a line that give rise to different styles, namely, there Sun, Wu and Hao. These styles can be, how different they are presented and the performance, but also stands for the principles that have observed by Chang San Feng, remains the same.

He was a student of Yang Cheng Fu Cheng Man Ching. Cheng became the master of his own generation, because of revisions Tai Chi Chuan. One of the most famous changes he made to the form in order to shorten a 37-posture Tai Chi. This is the modification of Cheng is currently the most popular form of Tai Chi is practiced today.

When Cheng has tried to arrive in the United States to teach and had the interest of some students in all aspects of life. In the popular form took all the men and women. This new form of Cheng was originally introduced as the Yang style is known in short form. They have spread, and today is as popular as the name of the style of Tai Chi Cheng.

The form of Tai Chi Cheng has a position of the vertical column and pushed energy and sweetness, which has a strong position.

Taoism is the most important factor for the idea, why the first Tai Chi formed. As the Taoist teachings reflect that contribute significantly to the light, mystical, serene and nature of the world we live in reflect.

Grand master Hung I Hsiang (1925-93) These 5 parts, shows the full serie: Tai Chi “The Soft Way” These recordings are from the, BBC Documentary series (1983): The Way Of The Warrior! BBC docu “Way of the Warrior” The series was originally broadcast by the BBC in the early 1980′s and was comprised of 8 episodes which featured top Masters of each system. Each part lasts approx 35-40 minutes so the total content is approx 5½ hours long. It is not intended as a training tutorial. It is a documentary going into the rich historical background, philosophy, methods and practices of each system. Each part has numerous footage of demonstrations, explanations and practical applications. Whichever martial art system you may be studying this is a very absorbing and inspiring series. The series is comprised of: 1 Shorinji Kempo ‘The New Way’ 2 Kalari ‘The Indian Way’ 3 Aikido and Kendo ‘The Sporting Way’ 4 T’ai Chi ‘The Soft Way’ – also included Hsing Yi and Ba Gua 5 Eskrima ‘The Philippino Way’ 6 Karate ‘The Way of the Empty Hand’ 7 Kung Fu ‘The Hard Way’ 8 The Samurai Way
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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by lierne

Sun style T’ai Chi was developed by Sun Lu-t’ang in the late 1800s. He was already highly experience in other martial arts before he developed this style. It is the youngest of the five styles of Tai Chi and it is known for incorporating elements derived from Xing Yi and Ba Gua, two other forms of internal martial arts.

Sun tai chi uses very fluid, flowing movements with no jumping or vigorous bending as used in the other styles. It can be recognized by its ‘soft’ looking movements that can be described as graceful. Movements are short and compact and hand movements are performed in conjunction with simple stepping movements. Stance is always upright and the feet are rarely any wider than your shoulders and stepping is very soft with one foot following the other, almost rhythmically. Using the open/close palm technique the hands are moved in gentle circular movements. The Open/close hand system helps to concentrate chi in the dan tien, which is the area of the abdomen just below the navel and in the palms of the hands for delivery of short, deadly strikes.

Although Sun tai chi was not meant to be used for fighting but for health both physical and mental, it was used in combat for many years. Today, though, it has become immensely popular and people of all walks of life who find that Sun Tai Chi is an ideal form of exercise with its slow gentle moves. Even younger, fitter people are practicing it as tai chi can form a fascinating approach to self-defense as well as an exercise regimen. There is no denying the relaxation and calmness achieved by regular practice of Tai Chi. Being so gentle on the body with no overly difficult postures, Sun style tai chi is often used as exercise for senior citizens or for people undergoing some form of physical rehabilitation. A 32 movement set of Sun style tai chi has been formed and approved by the US Arthritis Foundation and was created by Australian teacher, Dr. Paul Lam, and called “Tai Chi for Arthritis”.

Sun Style Tai Chi is practiced worldwide with many styles of classes being held from Sun Tai Chi Schools dedicated to the whole principal, classes being held within other martial arts schools, classes being held for the elderly and teachers giving private lessons. Many group classes are now being organized by health groups and in conjunction with local councils, Sun Tai Chi in the Park days are becoming common place. With no equipment necessary, other than loose comfortable clothing and soft flexible shoes, the form can be practiced anywhere.

Whether you are looking at a different form of martial art for self-defense, wanting to improve your fitness with the rigors of high impact training or are looking to relieve stress and the internal calmness achieved by regular practice, Sun style Tai Chi can offer some amazing benefits.

A clip of our journey to the peaks of Wudang Mountain in China and to the Purple Cloud temple. It is 6.30am and Priest Yuen is starting his day with TaiChi while his students assemble for morning exercise. We removed voiceovers and narrative, so you can sit back and enjoy the really nice soundtrack. Jon Braeley producer of EmptyMind Films.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

by sfgamchick

Today tai chi chuan is typically practised for a number of widely varying reasons: health, external/internal martial art skills, aesthetics, meditation, athletic/competition sport (sometimes called “wushu tai chi”).

Chen style Tai Chi is one of the hardest and the most difficult type of Tai Chi to learn. It requires a high level of art that is needed in the demands of life. Primarily, Chen style is concerned on self-defense but as it progresses, it offers more namely wisdom about kinetics, physiology, psychology, aesthetics, and body mechanics.

Chen (the Chen family style (陳家、陳氏 or 陳式 太極拳) is the oldest and parent form of the five main tai chi chuan styles) is characterized by a deep stance, twists and circles, and a pace that is varied. The hand is formed as the index fingers of both hands are extended in an angle that forms a plane. The pace varies from a standing position and explosive powerful moves.

The Chen style of Tai Chi is considered as the purest martial art. It is performed with dignity and is designed to be the art of skills and techniques. Through mastery, one can use the Chen style not only to disable and hurt an opponent but also to cripple and kill.

The history of Chen Tai Chi brought about different characteristics to the styles used in Kung Fu. The core always comes down to two important principles: external and internal. It’s all the same principle. Externally, every physical movement is made visible while in the internal aspect, energy is used to move the body. Without thought there is no chi and therefore, no motion.

Principles and Beliefs

Before engaging in Tai Chi, whatever style it might be, people must first understand the components of Yin and Yang. Opposing properties’ balance is created in a strong aura to unify the moves in Kung Fu.

In due time, Chen style Tai Chi brings coordination and balance internally to the entire aspect of the body. In return, the body will become more aware of its surroundings and will use it for its advantage as a sort of self-defense.

Chen Family Tai Chi flows with the attacker’s strength until an opening is created, upon which a strike is launched with hard external force.

Tai Chi, in general, looks timid empty and timid but if identified more clearly, one will realize that it is the internal balance that one must achieve. Spiraling circular movements are used to transfer the internal chi inside the body.

The mind is also an important part of the entire martial art. It is focused on the applications of Tai Chi for combat and emanate proper health that will circulate through the entire nervous system. The most important aspect about Tai Chi is that it has the capacity to energize the blood that will be most beneficial to the systems inside the body.

Learn about the origin and history of tai chi, a martial art designed for self-defense, and discover the health benefits (stress reduction) of its gentle movements here: http://www.e-bestsellers.com/page28.html

Best-Selling Collection of YOGA ebooks: http://www.e-bestsellers.com/page26.html

Visit www.taichihealthways.com formore videos of Master Jesse Tsao on Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun tai chi tyle and Tai Chi sword, broadsword, qigong (Chi gong) meditation for internal energy healing, bio-energy, Shaolin and Wudang Taoist Kung-fu martial arts, Taiji Power Release (fajin), Taiji application, Bagua, Xingyi application. Tai Chi Health Ways host annual workshop with the top masters. See photos or videos of Chen Zhenglei, Li Deyin, Zhu Tiancai, Chen Xiaowang, Dan Lee, Su Zifang, Abraham Liu …. The martial aspect of Tai Chi is a hidden value of the ancient art. There are not enough references of Tai Chi’s applications in self-defense today because it has been de-martialized from its original fighting purpose to make its way into the general population. Master Tsao shares with you his research and 30 years of teaching experience in the major applications for Push Hands and self-defense in Chen Old Frame Routine One. Most of them are from Chen Zhenglei and Zhu Tiancai’s teachings. The principles are based on Tai Chi Classics to redirect or borrow an opponent’s force first, then strike his weak point.

by stevendepolo

So, what does singing, swimming and Tai Chi has in common?

Well, let’s examine them one at a time…

Singing… for most people, it’s probably just fun and entertainment.

However, if you’ve gone for vocal classes or training, your teacher would have taught you one basic thing.

That is: you breath using your stomach.

That is how you can add more power, strength and versatility into your singing. Your stomach’s muscle is anytime stronger than the muscles in your throat. Thus, you’ll be able to ‘throw’ your voice out and have better vocal control.

Next, what about swimming?

You see, if you swim, you’ll sure know: To make yourself float, you have to breath deep… yes, into your stomach.

This is one of the first few things that your swimming teacher would have taught you.

Of course, I know of people who swim without breathing into their stomach. They can still swim, but perhaps with a little bit more effort.

So, perhaps by now you’re beginning to see the point I’m trying to share.

So, let’s go on to Tai Chi.

In fact, martial art, Qigong, meditation and yoga, plus Tai Chi… all has one thing in common.

That is – the practices stressed on your breathing, and again – it’s using your stomach to breath.

It is better known as abdominal breathing.

You can practice Tai Chi or whatever form without worrying about your breathing. That way, you’re actually denying yourself the best benefits you’re supposed to gain from practicing them.

Tai Chi is a form of Qigong, and Qi literally means air… and air implies your breathing. So, the most important part of these practices is your breathing; abdominal breathing to be exact.

So, the question: what does singing, swimming and Tai Chi has in common?

Yes, you’ve got it now – singing, swimming and Tai Chi uses abdominal breathing for the maximum effect.

“What if I’m not singing, swimming or practicing Tai Chi? What does abdominal breathing has to do with me?”

Great question!

Let me ask one question: You want to be healthy, stay healthy and live healthily, don’t you?

Now look back to the paragraph mentioning about the most important part in Tai Chi or Qigong practices…

Got it? There, it mentioned that, “…the most important part of these practices is your breathing, abdominal breathing to be exact.”

This statement implies one thing – if you do Tai Chi or Qigong without the proper breathing, minimal benefits.

If you do proper breathing without doing Tai Chi or Qigong, you’ll get the health benefits… though not as much as doing both together, or as low as doing Tai Chi without proper breathing.

And what you need to do? Just change your breathing pattern… and that’s it! Simple!

You’ll remain as healthy as possible. Though I would suggest practicing Tai Chi or Qigong or whatever together to compliment each other.

You’ll be focus, easy to concentrate, and alert at all times. Yes, just by doing abdominal breathing alone.

And oh, singing and swimming can keep you healthy too! So, what are you waiting?

Start doing abdominal breathing now!

C. Guan Soo is a Tai Chi Chuan practitioner who has 23 years experience in various meditation forms, various martial arts, healing, chakra healing as well. He is a keen learner of eastern philosophies including I-Ching, Daoism, Buddhism, Veda’s and Jainism. His main website: http://www.TaichiBreathing.com is meant to share with the masses on using Tai Chi Breathing for the purpose of health improvement.

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by stevendepolo

A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, performed by researchers at UCLA and led by psychiatrist Helen Layretsky, reported that Tai Chi helps the elderly with depression.

What does this have to do with this site you might ask. Everything. the method I practice and preach for back pain and bulged disks is based on principles and exercises found in Tai Chi.
What is Tai Chi? It’s a kung fu system, a moving meditation system, and a health system. Tai Chi is a complete system, that is, a martial art that has both a martial art fighting aspect, along with health benefits, and a healing practice.
The training first strengthens your inside, making you internally stronger and only then can that power be expressed externally. It is based on the Chinese belief of Chi, also spelled Qi or Ji, translated as energy, or breath. Chinese medical practice is based on Chi and its flow in the body through invisible channels called meridians.
The practice of Tai Chi and Chi gong moves this chi around the body, and uses it against an opponent.
I started practicing it because it was the only method that greatly reduced my back pain, after trying other alternative systems. Yoga was nice, but did not relieve the pain fast enough, the Alexander technique is great but has no other benefits.
Chi gong and Tai Chi have it all. It makes you

stronger,
gives you a cardiovascular workout.
improves you posture,
Increases your immune system
prevents falls
reduces stress
prevents cancer
lowers blood pressure
DECREASES DEPRESSION
is a martial art, making you able to protect yourself and therefore:
Increases confidence

All of the above points have been scientifically proven. I got too lazy to link each item, if you would like specific publications, just email me and I’ll be happy to provide you with some.

Among the group of students I first started with, was a woman who was considered a yogi, a yoga master. She found Tai Chi more demanding than her Yoga practice, and switched over.

What I found during my practice, is that the first group of muscles that became stronger were the core muscles. After a couple of years of pain, that left me out of the running track and gym room, these muscles were pretty weak. What seemed as simple exercises while standing, revealed themselves as ones that made my legs shake like a leaf in just a few minutes.

It’s even more amazing that today, when I have a strong core and pretty strong thigh muscles, that if I stop practicing for a week, and then start my routine, my legs will shake just like a beginner. the exercises are that good.

The most surprising discovery was that unlike my son’s muscles that hurt for three days after a sports competition, my legs felt perfectly fine the next day, even though they felt exhausted and used up the day before. What was even more surprising was my overall feeling: energized, more relaxed and focused, with reduced pain.
In this study, the UCLA researchers took a group of elderly individuals who were depressed, and treated them for four weeks with the drug escitalopram (Lexapro). The ones who responded positively to the drug were split into two groups. One group received health education classes that included stretches, and the other lucky group had Tai Chi practice twice a week. Out of 112 participants 73 responded to the drug. The group continued taking medication and were added the exercise routine twice a week.

All the respondents were evaluated for their anxiety, resilience, health-related quality of life, cognition, immune-system inflammation and levels of depression at the start of the study and four months later.

The results of course were better for the Tai chi group, or as the researcher said in a press release “This is the first study to demonstrate the benefits of tai chi in the management of late-life depression, and we were encouraged by the results,” “With tai chi, we may be able to treat these conditions without exposing [patients] to additional medications.”

The study found that compared with taking the health education class (which included some stretching exercises), performing the ancient Chinese mind-body exercise of tai chi while taking escitalopram helped more adults reduce their depressive symptoms and achieve remission; it also improved quality of life, memory, cognition and overall energy levels.

based on an article published in Health land Time 18 March 2011

How’s you back?

by stevendepolo

Tai chi is a mind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art. It developed in China in about the 12th century A.D. It started as a martial art or a practice for fighting or self-defense, usually without weapons.

Over time, people began to use tai chi for health purposes as well. Many different styles of tai chi, and variations of each style, developed. A person practicing tai chi moves her body in a slow, relaxed, and graceful series of movements. One can practice on one’s own or in a group. The movements make up what are called forms (or routines). Some movements are named for animals or birds, such as “White Crane Spreads Its Wings.”

In tai chi, each movement flows into the next. The entire body is always in motion, with the movements performed gently and at uniform speed. It is considered important to keep the body upright, especially the upper body-many tai chi practitioners use the image of a string that goes from the top of the head into the heavens-and to let the body’s weight sink to the soles of the feet.

In addition to movement, two other important elements in tai chi are breathing and meditation which is conscious mental process using certain techniques, such as focusing attention or maintaining a specific posture to suspend the stream of thoughts and relax the body and mind. In tai chi practice, it is considered important to concentrate; put aside distracting thoughts; and breathe in a deep, relaxed, and focused manner.

Another concept in tai chi is that the forces of yin and yang -the concept of two opposing yet complementary forces described in traditional Chinese medicine. Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects. A major theory is that health is achieved through balancing yin and yang and disease is caused by an imbalance leading to a blockage in the flow of qi. In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang are two principles or elements that make up the universe and everything in it and that also oppose each other. Yin is believed to have the qualities of water, such as coolness, darkness, stillness, and inward and downward directions and to be feminine in character. Yang is believed to have the qualities of fire, such as heat, light, action, and upward and outward movement and to be masculine. In this belief system, people’s yin and yang need to be in balance in order for them to be healthy, and tai chi is a practice that supports this balance.

Tai chi is a relatively safe practice. However, there are some cautions. Tell your health care provider if you are considering learning tai chi for health purposes. If you do not position your body properly in tai chi or if you overdo practice, you may get sore muscles or sprains. Tai chi instructors often recommend that people not practice tai chi right after they eat, or when they are very tired, or when they have an active infection. Use caution if you have any of the conditions listed below, as your health care provider should advise you whether to modify or avoid certain postures in tai chi.

lady prefoming tai chi
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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by Me!bourne Mermaid

This is going to be, for some, an upsetting article on tai chi chuan. I’ve never taken instruction in the art of Tai Chi Chuan, you see, but my tai chi is the best. I don’t mean to be self serving, but let us see if you can find fault with me after you have read how I came up with my tai chi. I began learning tai chi with a book, Modified Tai Chi for Health by Lee Ying Arng. Every night I spent hours memorizing the form, trying to figure out the applications, trying to figure out the meaning. And, tell the truth, it didn’t mean much. So I went through books by Chen Man Ching, and I read Chen and Yang and Wu and Sun, but they all spoke this gobbledegook that didn’t make sense. So I began doing my Karate, I had near ten years experience in Kang Duk Won karate, and the thing started to resolve. I was using good, old karate power to juice up the form, and it worked, and then I was able to make what was happening into Tai Chi power. More important, I was neglecting all the mysticism and bushwah philosophy in the books and using physics. The martial arts, you see, as taught through the oriental method, are taught through the memorization of random strings of data. In physics you look for a reason, and a logic, and that will lead you to a concept. Now, ancient stories claim tai chi was created in a dream by san feng after he watched a fight between a crane and a snake. Or, it was created by an old, retired general in a village who wanted to make up games for the children. Neither of these concepts can be proven, but we can’t just discount them out of hand. Maybe the general in Chen village was old, couldn’t do the martial arts the way they should be done, careful not to hurt himself, and actually came up with something. And the vision of the snake and the crane, though I espouse physics I would not disclaim the value of visions, which are the dreams and inspiration of the human race. Still, whether rehabilitation of the aged and injured, or big dreams, tai chi does not make sense without the application of physics. So this is what I want you to do, I want you to go to a library and get a book on physics. Make it a simple book, kids pictures for illustrations, that sort of thing. It would really help if it was about a motor. Now, go over that book, and make lists of the terms are the same as in tai chi chuan. Rooting is grounding, what are these things called leads, where is the generator, and so on. Do that, and when the deep innards of your tai chi chuan start to reposition, do not come complaining to me.

One on one with Champion and Master David-Dorian Ross. This is the way to learn T’ai Chi. With this program created to be more like personal instruction, you’ll learn more intuitively as you explore each move, so you feel more confident right away. You will understand how t’ai chi will help you move closer to that elusive life priority, balance. More Tai Chi Videos: www.gaiam.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Weekend Insider Roundup: 07/08-07/10
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Health calendar
Health and fitness events in the Sacramento region.
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by patrikneckman

Smooth, dance-like movements can not burn fat? Yes, they can’t. But, if believe supporters of gymnastics tai chi, it can help you lose all the excess, and to maintain body weight in the norm for many years. The mechanism of this ancient art is quite simple: you send a flow of vital energy in the right direction, it makes for you the rest.

For an ordinary Europeans is like a fairy tale. But reviews of tai chi for weight loss to suggest otherwise. Only two classes of gymnastics in a week and morning exercises, and you discard at least 10 pounds in three months. How does tai chi works for weight loss?

Tai Chi for Weight Loss: How it works?

First of all, slow flowing movements with the maximum concentration – is strength training. They will help you strengthen the muscles of the body. In this gym a lot of so-called “balance poses.” This means that you’ll have to strain your back muscles and press unconsciously, just to keep from falling. This complex is able to awaken every muscle so that the body is strengthened in harmony.

In this case, Tai Chi classes do not create stress on joints and does not lead to tremors and convulsions. So if you generally want toned body, but you can not deal with conventional fitness – Tai Chi is for you. Classes are objectively accelerate metabolism and cause changes in the percentage composition of the body. Muscles are more dense, not increasing in volume, and fat consumed. The idea is that if you do not overeat – you’ll lose weight.

Tai Chi actually improves health. A powerful anti-stress effect of this gym helps get rid of such specific problems as overeating because of nerves and food addiction. According to researchers at the department of health psychology, University of Toronto, tai chi should be included in the complex therapy of anorexia, bulimia, painful, depending on diets. This gymnastics reduces cravings for sweet carbohydrate foods and chocolate at 20%, subject to regular classes.

Tai Chi has significant advantages over other Eastern exercises. It requires no additional meditative practices like yoga and is not aimed at the development of martial qualities as aikido. All work with the spiritual side of your personality takes place during the sessions, so you do not have to spend time studying philosophy, Tai Chi. And still do not have to go into vegetarianism. Supporters of Tai Chi believe that the most important in human nutrition – balance and moderation.

Tai chi for weight loss: where and how

Tai Chi classes can be found in gyms, fitness centers of the east and sometimes in schools of aikido and karate. The least promising from the point of losing weight is the first option. First and foremost, any card in the fitness club significantly more expensive than a subscription to the Center of Oriental healing. This is because the fitness club, you get other kinds of activities and services. For example, you can visit the sauna and gym. If you don’t need  all of this, it is better to abandon the fitness club.

Master of Tai Chi classes are not against other sports. They just say that if you doTai Chi right, you don’t need fitness routine.

In any case, for the weight loss you only need two or three hour of training per week, plus a morning practice, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes. So, if you decide not to simply lose weight but to improve health - Tai Chi is for you.

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