About the practice
Tai Chi Chuan & Qigong
Tai Chi Chuan is a unique system of health and self-defence that originated in China nearly 1,000 years ago. It has always been valued as one of the treasures of the Chinese culture.
Tai Chi Chuan
Practicing Tai Chi Chuan, with its slow, relaxed movements, develops the flexibility and strength of the joints and muscles, improves and strengthens the circulatory system and internal organs. The harmonising effect of the form improves concentration and releases physical and mental tensions and stress. Practice of Tai Chi Chuan enables students to cultivate “chi” — the intrinsic energy or life force of the body.
As an active meditation, Tai Chi Chuan promotes the integration of body, mind and emotions, and trains the individual to deal with internal contradictions and external stress.
Tai Chi Chuan is known as the “soft” or “internal” martial art because its strength lies in the cultivation of internal power, “chi”, rather than external strength. Today, in the west, Tai Chi Chuan is predominantly practiced for enjoyment and its health benefits. The health benefits, in particular reducing the risk of falls in the elderly, is now well established through western medical research.*
As a system of self-defence, Tai Chi Chuan is generally accepted as the ultimate and most complete practice — a sophisticated martial art which is completely non-aggressive.
From whatever perspective one approaches Tai Chi Chuan, anyone who studies the art seriously can expect to benefit greatly — even in unexpected ways.
Yang Style
As a traditional Yang Style School, the martial applications of postures are retained for accuracy, depth and to adhere to and respect the art handed down from prior Masters.
Anyone of any age or state of fitness can study Tai Chi Chuan. Persistence and constancy of practice are all that are required to achieve results. It is not an overnight promise of vitality and good health, or for that matter, of physical prowess and invincibility. However the results achieved, and they do begin to come within a very short time, are well worth the small amount of effort required.
Qigong
Qigong is a traditional Chinese system of coordinated breathing, gentle movement and focused awareness that supports physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, qigong is widely practised to promote health, improve balance and flexibility, reduce stress, and support overall vitality.
Qigong is also an important foundation for many internal martial arts, helping to develop body alignment, relaxation, coordination and efficient movement.
Practice methods generally fall into four main categories:
- • Dynamic practice — slow, flowing movements that combine breath and awareness, including forms such as Tai Chi (Taiji Quan)
- • Static practice — holding specific postures to develop strength, alignment and internal awareness
- • Meditative practice — stillness and mindful breathing to calm the mind and regulate energy
- • Assisted practice — exercises that may use simple aids or props to support learning and development
Qigong is suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities and can be practised for health maintenance, rehabilitation, relaxation and personal development.
The Connection
Tai Chi Chuan is a form of Qigong and is a specific, complex, and flowing sequence of movements rooted in martial arts. Both aim to cultivate Qi (life energy). Many of the Qigong forms we practice are under the Chinese Health Qigong Association, which we are affiliated to through the NZ Health Qigong Association.
What we teach
Forms & exercises.
Breathing Exercises & Qigong
A variety of exercise sets for health and chi cultivation.
- • Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade)
- • Mawangdui Daoyin Shu
- • Da Wu
- • Daoyin Yangsheng Gong Shi Er Fa
- • Wu Qin Xi (5 Animal Movements)
- • Yi Jin Jing
- • Shibashi 1 and 2
- • Taiji Yangsheng Zhang (Stick Form)
- • Master Ma's 8 Tai Chi Tsao
- • Liu Zi Jue (The 6 Healing Sounds)
- • Zhu Fei Gong (Strengthen the Body to Support the Lungs)
- • Bao Jian Gong 1 and 2
- • Ming Mu Gong (Eye Brightening Exercise)
- • Yi Jin Jing (Tendon/Muscle Strengthening Exercises)
Tai Chi Chuan Forms
Traditional Yang Style forms and weapons.
- • She San Shih (13 Postures)
- • Yang Style Short Form
- • Traditional style Yang family Long Form
- • Dao Sword
- • Kung Fu Fan
Dao Sword and Kung Fu Fan are also available to advanced students.
Our Association
Taranaki Tai Chi Chuan Association Inc. has been providing Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong throughout Taranaki for almost 40 years. Our principal instructor is Judi Lee, who leads our regular classes and our workshop programme.
We are a community non-profit, supported by Toi Foundation, and proudly working with Sport Taranaki on their Community Strength & Balance programmes — Live Stronger for Longer: Preventing Falls and Fractures.
* The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi, Peter Wayne, PhD with Mark Fuerst, Harvard Health Publications, 2013.
Postures
The poetry of movement.
Each posture in the Tai Chi form has a name drawn from nature and everyday life. Members can access detailed notes for each movement in the members area.
Grasp Sparrow’s Tail
攬雀尾White Crane Spreads Wings
白鶴亮翅Cloud Hands
雲手Welcome
Any age or state of fitness can study Tai Chi Chuan.
The Association welcomes all newcomers for a complimentary first class. Simply turn up — we’ll take care of the rest.