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TaiChi what it is and Benefits History Strength and Physical exercise
Spiritual yet Defensive The Right Instructor Classes in St. Louis, Missouri
An Article of Understanding by Kay Zahn (honorary member of the Black Dragon Society) Copyright 1998
Spiritual Network Article Tai Chi is a wonderful way to become completely connected with yourself and with the universe while you become healthier. Tai Chi is a routine of movements that reminds you to see and act within the beauty, grace, and knowledge of nature; as you mimic certain animals movements and move in Yin and in Yang. The movements are very slow and continuous allowing you to absorb energy, massage internal organs, open up joints, exercise muscles, and are always done while breathing deep and being focused on the intricacies of the movements. It is as physical is it is mental and spiritual.
During learning Tai Chi you will find that your balance improves, that you do not slip on ice as often, that you have more endurance, that you know how to call up that relaxed meditative feeling at any time from adjusting your breath and that you will be able to breath more deeply. It is said that breath is your life force and to breath deeply and correctly is the key to longevity and health.
The history and the word definitions are complex and lengthy and I feel interesting only when you get to the base, so this history information is very short, but will allow you to further explore it if you wish. In Chinese philosophy the words Tai Chi mean the Supreme Ultimate. Various interpretations include Tai Chi as the source of reality, explain it's relationship to the Yin and Yang, the five elements, the principles of the Universe (li), and of course also as a form of martial art movements. During the Neo-Confucianism movement of the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) there was a huge revival in philosophy in which personal effort and individual dedication took new meaning. This included the principles by Chu Hsi (1130-1200). The concept is that "li is the reason, the immaterial, the thing in all things and not in things. All things possess li from the moment of existence and there are none that do not have li and yet there is li, even if there are no things. For the universe as a whole there is an overall li, which embraces and unites the li of all things and it is called Tai Chi", underlined in the eleventh century by Chou Tun-j. Further the word ch'i (which was first introduced by Chang Tsai when he spoke of the unity among all) means force, material force, power of the physical. "The li for all things is the same and yet the ch'i is different making individuals different. To achieve Tai Chi, li in it's full entirety, one must achieve an ideal state of the community (life around it) and the individual (mental, physical, and spirit)". Chu Hsi believe that after sustained effort, in a moment of sudden illumination, you become completely enlightened.
An Excellent work out - During Tai Chi you will find yourself in a quiet relaxed state of mind and usually sweating! The largest muscle in your body is the thigh muscle and since most of the moves are done in a grounded position, working this muscle a lot, you are burning many calories. The moves being very slow require a lot of concentration on the movement and demands a lot of muscle effort. When you begin, your moves are smaller and a little faster. As you learn, become stronger, and more balanced your moves can be slowed and widened, allowing you to reach further or to be closer to the ground. This is a no impact exercise. There is no jumping up and down but instead of quick movements you move very slow, controlling and using many muscles instead of the inertia of your bodily movement. Muscles are developed and defined since you are paying strict attention to the minuet perfections of the moves.
Physical self-defense is always a consideration when thinking of any martial art. Tai Chi, as taught by Kay for the Spiritual Network, is a form of physical meditation for the mind, spirit and body with underlying martial art defense moves that becomes so natural to the body, the mind, and the energy of the physical form that should defense ever be needed the moves learned in Tai Chi would naturally and instinctively become physical. After the moves are learned on a spiritual and physical basis, the moves are shown as defensive. People are surprised at just how powerful the simple slow graceful movement could be applied in a combat situation. For this reason Tai Chi is an excellent learned process for children, women, seniors, and anyone with a physical disability. Tai Chi is not taught as a ‘kick your butt martial art'; since it is taught in the true nature of the form; as one of connecting and reaching towards physical, mental, and spiritual individual goals and connectivity.
If you are searching for a personal (or group) instructor you should first inquire about their philosophy. I personally get nothing from an instructor that I could not get from reading a book or watching a video unless the instructor has the same principal idea that Tai Chi is a meditative physical form for health, spirit and mind. Without those like thoughts the movements are usually taught with interpretive combat and forceful energy peaks.Let me give you a graphic example of difference between teachers.
When I teach the Bird's Tail movement I would say...
"Imagine a bird sitting in your right hand. Your fingers are loose and
it is comfortably sitting there. Your left fingers are under the bird's
tail so that your left fingers are at your right wrist. The bird lays an
egg in your right hand and flies off . You bring your right hand over
the top of your left hand letting the egg gently drop into your left
hand; the egg moves, your hands are cupped and upright, and a bird is
born, full grown and ready to fly, as you are turning you open your
hands to release the new bird to the world on your left side and allow
your hands and fingers to travel upwards as you feel the energy rise.
This bird in the right hand flying off, giving life, becomes a circle as
the new bird flies off from your left hand as life is always a circle of
energy. The Yin and Yang, the right and the left."
Now, one instructor taught the same thing this way, and this is a true story...
"A bird is sitting in your right hand and your left fingers are at your
right wrist and the bird's tail is hanging down on your left fingers.
With your left fingers lift the bird's tail up while you close your
right hand down catching the bird, now turn and squish the bird, and
when you get all the way turned to the left you want to throw the guts
and blood off your hands."Same movement different teachers! I don't care if an instructor has a notable skill level like a ‘belt' or certificate. I do think each instructor should have been practicing the form for at least one year if I was taking a beginners class. This is why... Taking a one hour class each week, it would take at least one year (for a very good student who practiced at home too) to learn the entire Tai Chi Yang Short Form. Additionally, I would ask the instructor to perform the form they teach. I would want to see the concentration, the relaxed look, and be able to pick up on the energy changes. I might even ask to sit in free on a class to watch. The instructor should speak of breathing and energy not of how to hurt others otherwise you will be losing out on the greatest benefits that Tai Chi offers.
I am Kay, a very strong advocate for the health benefits you gets from being involved in Tai Chi. When I started Tai Chi in the Eighties, I had very bad arthritis in my knees that made it so I often could not walk. I was much heavier and had very limited movement. My hips would lock up and it would take great effort to stand or walk after sitting for a long time. I would be short of breath. I had frequent bouts of vertigo and lost my balance a lot. Walking on any slippery surface would cause me to fall. Now I am lighter, have lowered my blood pressure, lowered my sugar, can move easily, have great balance, am more graceful and now I even teach Tai Chi to others!I teach and practice my version of the Yang Short Form which I now call the Yin/Yang Short form. I say ‘my version' since I have learned that each instructor teaches the movements just a little differently and there have to be considerations for the body type. Being a large framed woman with large breasts and short arms, I am not able to move my arms the same as a tall thin man would. Variations have to be allowed so that the body can make the moves freely to receive the maximum energy flow and greatest benefit. Physical limitations should be determined so efforts can be made to compensate for the limitation and possibly overcome that restriction. Additionally, my focus is on the health and balancing benefits of TaiChi with self-defense principals becoming instinctual.
I love watching the faces on people as they learn. You can see when they have a movement down correctly because they will be surprised at the feeling they get from doing the movement right. Tai Chi will bring great cleansing energy to you on many different levels. Some people say they feel like they are walking on clouds, other feel very relaxed but not tired, while others are almost hyper from the energy you get from doing Tai Chi.
I now teach several different classes, from beginners to advance classes. I also give private lessons to people who didn't start out in the class on time or who need additional instruction beyond the regular class. Different people pick up on things differently. Some people have a hard time while others pick up on the movements very quickly. It is often hard to catch up if you miss a few classes. Also, how much you practice at home usually matters too. I hope this bit of information shows you just some of the benefits you could get from learning Tai Chi. And if you are in St. Louis, I would love for you to come learn with us!
Classes are held in a residence of St. Louis, MO - five minutes south of the airport.
You may send an e-mail to be notified of the next class schedule.
Spiritual Network classes:
Each class focuses on all three aspects of TaiChi, the physical health, the energy to spirituality, and the purpose of the move as a defense.
- Adults - Beginners classes -
Tai Chi with Infants - A perfect way for new mothers to get out and get back in shape. This is a loving time with your child held close to you in a front infant carrier. Additional benefits will include a greater balance for you that can lead you to picking up blankets and binkis with your toes. Assists in developing muscles you will use later as your baby grows. It is never too early to start your child in classes. These small groups, usually less than five, are a perfect setting for you and your child to be together and experience something you both will enjoy.
Click here for Spirituality consultations in association with prenatal care, your dog, babyproofing, and raising a spiritual babyTai Chi and Children with adult -This class is designed for both an adult and child to participate. Each class will be tailored to the age group of the children to attend. A perfect way to spend time with your child while both you benefit. Tai Chi and Teens - This class is designed for learning balance, stretching muscles, and gaining flexible muscles that will assist in excelling in any sport. This class also teaches self-discipline and defense while discouraging violence. SSS - Slower -Safer- Stretcher classes
Some would call this a senior class but it is a modified class designed for anyone who has movement limitations, have lost flexibility, and seek to feel safer (from better balance to self-defense) . Designed for improving circulation, flexibility, balance, and strength with self-defense awareness.Tai Chi for Seniors - Designed for improving circulation, flexibility, balance, and strength with self-defense awareness.
Classes at your business location Many corporations find my health and stress reducing TaiChi classes to benefit their employees which in turn benefits the company. Travel expenses would be included if more than 15 miles from Lambert St. Louis International Airport. I am willing to travel almost anywhere in the US. Rate based on the location, number of lessons desired, and number of people to be in attendance. Scheduling is based on a first come first serve basis. St. Louis Groups If you would like to establish a private group of three or more individuals I would apply a discount whereas you pay for two people and get the third and fourth person at 1/2 price with this discount repeating for the number in your private class session Private instruction is available in St. Louis, MO, near the airport For group and class quotes please e-mail me at kay@spiritualnetwork.net and be sure "TAICHI" is the subject line as we get a lot of spam and junk mail.
Call the Spiritual Network 314-852-1369
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