Unlike forms of yoga that may cause stress and strain, Tai Chi is constant movement in a gentle flowing motion. It promotes strengthening the body gradually. The movements that make up Tai Chi were created by watching animals in nature. It is from nature that Tai Chi derives it's healing and preventative power. Each movement activates a clearing of the channels in the body known in Chinese Medicine as "Meridians". When we are in good health energy flows freely through these channels. Stress from modern life accumulates in our body and can block the natural flow of energy causing illness. Acupuncture also stimulates the free flow of energy through these channels. Tai Chi uses the deep breathing components of the practice QiGong. Deep breathing is a natural way to reduce stress and promote well being.
Classes taught at the Bodhidharma Philosophical Martial Arts Institute begin with progressive levels of concentration exercises. The goal is to teach the student over time how to quiet their mind and learn to cultivate an "inner peace". According to Chinese philosophy, "Chi" is the energy that makes up everything in the universe. During the first level course, the student is taught how to use "chi" to cleanse and re-energize their mind, emotions and body. After the concentration exercise students normally feel more relaxed and renewed. It could be described as pressing the "pause" button on all the obligations and stresses of life.
The next part of the class includes different warming up exercises from the ancient art of "Pautan Chin". Each class the exercises progress to gradually build strength, flexibility and balance. A "tapping" technique is taught to release any blockages of stress in the body at different meridian points. The "tapping" accelerates the movement of the molecules in the muscles and literally, "gets the energy flowing". After the warm up students are alert and ready to learn the movements.
Level 1 was specifically designed in order to teach people in the West the basic movements that make up the traditional forms of Tai Chi learned in the East. It is called, "Continental, Yang -Style." Yang Style is the only style of Tai Chi currently being taught at our institute. It is known as the "water form" because there are no harsh or sudden movements, as in martial arts like Karate. It teaches the student the power of control and flow. Each form is taught by being broken down into steps. All the forms in Tai Chi have their base in the martial art of Kung Fu and each movement is explained from the combat perspective in order to help the student remember. Also the student is taught how to keep the "chi" flowing during the movements. After a Tai Chi class students often find instead of being tired, they feel full of energy and their level of vitality has risen.
Students are asked to practice what is learned in class at home. Each week's lesson builds on the steps learned from the previous class. If a student needs additional instruction they are free to meet with an instructor for a review. Currently I am available every Saturday at the Central Farmer's Market from 10:30 a.m to 1 p.m. I tell students Level 1 teaches patience for ourselves and others. Tai Chi teaches us to enjoy being on the journey of life and provides us with the vitality to grasp opportunities to grow, learn and transform ourselves for the better.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the benefits of practicing a philosophical martial art. I hope to see you at one of our events very soon.
Be Well!
Erin M. Wilson
Level 1 Instructor/Public Relations Coordinator
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