Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is the physical embodiment of the ‘Taiji’ philosophy, which teaches that the Yin and Yang forces of universal processes are equally important.
As a martial arts practice Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) seeks to give you a thorough understanding of how to develop both Yin and Yang qualities and then to embody or express these at the right time, for both the development of your health, wellbeing and fitness and also for self defence or conflict resolution.
Where the Yin aspects of Taijiquan build softness, awareness, flexibility and receptiveness, the Yang aspects build power, strength, decisiveness and speed.
A fully trained Taijiquan artist must develop their Yin qualities to advanced levels, but also the complimentary Yang attributes.
What will I learn in the Yang Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) classes?
Taijiquan’s traditional martial conditioning exercises: These are designed to develop your fitness, strength and power in an ideal way for martial arts effectiveness. In Chinese martial arts the concept of ‘Jin’ is used to describe an elastic and skilful force that contrasts to ‘Li’ a more common kind of strength found in people who lift weights etc. Taijiquan’s martial conditioning builds high levels of Jin as well as advanced levels of cardiovascular fitness. Hands and feet are also toughened via impact training.
Taijiquan San Shou: Self Defence and fighting skill training using light contact exercises and drills. These drills make students familiar and then expert in the use of striking techniques, felling techniques (sweeps, throws and takedowns etc) as well as locking and controlling techniques. The eventual objective is to be able to remain relaxed in the face of real aggression and to be able to spontaneously express the principles of the art effectively to end conflicts. Some students participate in competitions as a way to further develop their skills.
Taijiquan Neigong Yang styles: These are the 12 special exercises that compliment the Yin internal strength program. Highly meditative and further developing awareness and concentration, these exercises build dynamic strength and power throughout the entire body, so that we can express powerful and skilful techniques.
Freestlye pushing hands: Developing our experience and skill in being able to skilfully express close quarter Taijiquan techniques, which rely on the sense of touch rather than our vision sense. With practice we can confidently and easily destroy our opponents balance at close quarters when in grappling range.
Classes are held in Camden Town, London
Mondays and Wednesdays 7-9pm
Cost £20 per class or £100 per month
To join the classes email Neil on supertraining@mac.com
Who should join the class?
Anyone interested in Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) as a martial practice. Also people that want to learn a highly effective and efficient self defence system that works quickly.
Your age or fitness level isn’t important, as you will develop systematically according to your needs.
It’s a very friendly group of people who welcome new practice partners enthusiastically. Many also stay for one or two drinks in our local watering hole after practice.
