| FAQs
| |
 |
|
|
Greetings
|
This section is designed to answer some of the most frequently
asked questions about Tai Chi and internal energy work, or Nei-Gung.
If you have any questions or concerns that are not covered here, please
feel free to contact us via e-mail, phone or telepathically. I'll be
listening. And thanks for taking the time to learn more about the exciting
and peaceful experience of Tai Chi Chuan.
Sincerely, T'ai Chi Tex
|
| 1. What is Tai Chi Chuan? | | In English, Tai Chi Chuan is translated into "Supreme Ultimate Fist" (or Boxing). Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art which has been practiced for several hundred years. Originally it was used more for martial and self-defense purposes. In today`s world, the meditative, stress-reducing and health improving aspects of this art are emphasized. |
| 2. What kind of physical shape do I need to be in to study Tai Chi Chuan? | | Tai Chi is practiced and studied by just about every type of person, regardless of their age, physical and/or mental capabilities. It is designed so that you perform at your own pace and level. All the health benefits are still there. In fact, Tai Chi players subscribe to the "No Pain, No Pain" philosophy. (Tai Chi is not supposed to hurt.) |
| 3. What can Tai Chi do for me? | | Once again, regardless of your physical abilities, Tai Chi can improve many things, from helping with your golf swing or tennis game to strengthening your immune system. It will make your balance and flexibility better, and most importantly, reduce the amount of stress we all suffer from in this fast-paced world we live in. This is done by improving our "Chi" flow, our mental focus and the ability to relax bodily as well as mentally through the various techniques and methods acquired from learning the Tai Chi form. |
| 4. What is Chi? | | Chi, Ki or Qi is referred to in traditional Chinese medicine as the energy that gives us life. In this traditional train of thought, when blockages or restrictions of the "Chi" occur, then disease, illness or even death can result. Tai Chi helps to dissolve and open these blockages, hence improving the flow and balance of Chi throughout the body and thus regaining physical and mental health. |
| 5. Do I need a uniform or special equipment to study Tai Chi? | | No. Tai Chi Players (as we are referred to), wear no special outfits or use any type of gear or equipment. Just dress comfortably to enable you to move and breathe freely. In Tai Chi there are no official ranking systems or the use of colored belts. |
| 6. Can`t I learn through watching videos or reading books on Tai Chi? | | There are many different types of videos and books on the market today dealing with the subject of Tai Chi Chuan. Many of them can help you greatly in your practice; however, there is no substitute for an onsite, living and qualified instructor. He or she can answer your questions, observe and correct your form and give you encouragement and support to continue down the path of this wonderful, deep and multi-faceted art we call T'ai Chi Ch'uan. |
| 7. What is Yang Style Tai Chi? | | Yang family style Tai Chi was created by Yang Lu Chan, who studied many years with the Chen family at the Chen family village in China. He created his own style after mastering the Tai Chi that was taught to him. The Tai Chi style that is being taught predominantly today was modified by his grandson, Yang, Cheng Fu, who made it more accessible to the general public during the earlier part of this century. This "long" form is not to be confused with the "short" Yang form created by Professor Cheng, Man-Ching, a master of Tai Chi and disciple of Yang, Cheng Fu. This long form can be learned with about a year's worth of study and practice. The form takes about 20 minutes to perform from beginning to end; however, it takes a lifetime to master. |
| 8. What styles of Tai Chi do you teach? | | There are many other styles of Tai Chi. I teach the Yang family long form created by Yang, Cheng Fu, Wu long form of Wu, Chien Chuan & the Chen 13 posture form of Grandmaster Zhu, Tian Cai. |
| 9. What is Qigong? | | Qigong (chee-kung), literally translates into "Energy Work." There exist internal and external Qigong practices. Tai Chi includes this internal energy work with martial applications or movements. Qigong is strictly using the mind with basic body alignments and movements to improve and increase "Chi" or energy flow through the body. These Qigong exercises also incorporate important breathing techniques. |
| 10. What is silk reeling? | | Silk reeling is a reference to a type of body movement that was created by the Chen family practitioners to loosen, increase the range and flexibility of and strengthen all the various joints in the body. The terminology "Silk Reeling" refers to removing silk thread carefully, smoothly and in a circular type of motion from silk cocoons. Chen stylists believe you cannot have good Tai Chi without silk reeling practice. |
| 11. What is Tui Shou (push hands)? | | Push Hands or Tui Shou, a two person interactive exercise, allows your body to understand the powers or jings that need to be developed in order to have Good Tai Chi. It greatly enhances one`s alignments for improved power and chi flow. Push hands allows the Tai Chi practitioner to truly receive the maximum health benefits of this art. It also creates sensitivity in the practitioner which will helps body workers, Reiki healers, and serious martial artists. |
| 12. What is Reiki Healing? | | Reiki is a gentle technique for channeling energy through a person, an animal, or an object with the intent of promoting Wellness. Because the Reiki Practitioner's hands gently float over the intended recipient, the healing session is light and completely non-intrusive. Reiki is primarily used in today's world to maintain overall health and wholesomeness. Reiki is a surprisingly simple regimen which encourages physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well being. In addition to its usefulness in promoting health, Reiki can be used as an enhancement to the enjoyment of life, as well as to provide relaxation and stress relief. |
| 13. What does it cost to take classes? | | You can find all the cost information HERE. |
|
|
|
