Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Ch’uan (Taijiquan) in Orange County, California.
Next Session Begins November 2, 2024
at Santa Ana College
Visit the Class Information page for more information.
What is Tai Chi Ch’uan?
Tai Chi Ch’uan, or taijiquan, translates to “Grand Ultimate Fist” but is more commonly known as “Tai Chi.”
Is Tai Chi a health exercise, a meditative practice, or a martial art?
The answer is “yes.” Tai Chi Ch’uan is all three of these things.
I. Tai Chi is a martial art. T’ai Chi Ch’uan or Taijiquan translates to “Grand Ultimate Fist” and is more commonly known simply as “Tai Chi.” It is a Chinese martial art that has gained popularity with people of all ages and backgrounds due to its health benefits.
Although we teach the self-defense applications of Tai Chi forms, there is no sparring or fighting in our classes. Applications are taught to both preserve traditional Tai Chi and to keep the forms from becoming abstract, choreographed movements. Every move and posture has a purpose, and learning what they are will help you remember the forms more easily.
II. Tai Chi is a health exercise. Studies have shown that consistent Tai Chi practice can help improve muscle strength, flexibility, balance, aerobic conditioning, and immune responses. It can also help with conditions such as arthritis, low bone density, hypertension, sleep disorders, stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and more.
Learn more about the health benefits of Tai Chi here.
III. Tai Chi is a “moving meditation.” Tai Chi also known as a “moving meditation” because it requires deep concentration when performing the forms, which must be memorized.
With hundreds of moves to remember, Tai Chi trains your memory as well as your body. According to this study, “Tai Chi was found to have a greater beneficial effect on cognitive functions (Executive and non-Executive) than brisk walking, a finding that may be related to the high cognitive demands of Tai Chi.”
Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi
We practice the Dual Symmetrical Yang Style forms, which Grandmaster Tchoung Ta-Tchen (鍾大振) developed to work out both sides of the body equally. This is a traditional version of Yang style Tai Chi Ch’uan (楊氏太極拳) that preserves the original martial arts applications of the forms.
Our system includes the following forms:
• Yang Style Empty Hand Long Form (divided into Sections 1 through 6)
• Tai Chi San Shou (partner/sparring form)
• Tchoung Tai Chi Fast Form
• Tai Chi Jian (straight sword)
• Tai Chi Dao (saber or broadsword) solo and partner forms
• Tchoung Tai Chi Walking Stick form
• Tai Chi Spear
Learn more about our style here.
©2024 Stephen Bay