TAIJI
Internal Martial Art
MEDITATION IN MOTION

Taiji is an ancient Chinese Martial Art that is based on principles of relaxation and meditation, where the soft and calm overcome the hard and aggressive. Its gentle, flowing, circular movements express the underlying forms of energy and motion inherent in life. As a path of personal development, Taiji promotes deepened states of awareness, good health and self defence skills.

Taiji translates as ' The Supreme Ultimate' and refers to the origin of all things - that from which all else has developed. The philosophy of Taiji developed from Taoism. Tao is the primal force that creates all phenomena in the universe. This cosmic force is polarised into Yin and Yang which represents the process of continual change, always moving towards balance. The ultimate aim of Taiji practice is to realise the self in this expanded context, to cultivate peace of mind and to harmonize with life and all existence.

Taiji is an internal soft style martial art. Such styles emphasise the cultivation and awareness of Chi energy circulating inside the body. This energy may then be made available for external application.

In Taiji practice one never meets force with force but rather adheres to, neutralises and redirects attacking forces. This depends upon a mastery of sensitivity, timing and balance. Learning to yield, harmonise with, and return an opponent's force is the basis of Taiji as an art of movement for self-defence.

Taiji uses the soft to defend against the hard and weakness to defeat strength.Through smooth, continuous, circular motion Yi n and Yang interact smoothly and efficiently. Physical strength or size are not critical for the successful practice of Taiji and its self-defence applications.

BENEFITS

In Taiji practice, integration of mind and body brings alignment, balance, coordination and the genesis of movement from the body's vital centre. The soft, slow moves of Taiji depend upon a concentration of mind and breath, which develops inner strength and the realisation of the stillness at the centre of all activity.

Taiji is considered a healing exercise because of its success in alleviating many ailments of the organs, joints and bones, and the digestive system, nervous system and immune system. Health benefits include : good posture and health of the spine, strengthening of the bones, flexibility and ease of movement, toning of the muscles and increased circulation of energy throughout the whole body. That is, Taiji is an active form of Qigong- the cultivation of vital life energy and internal healing.

As a path of meditation, Taiji is a way of actively harmonizing body, breath and mind. It fosters inner quiet and deepens awareness, enriching life with ongoing fulfillment and contentment.

THE LINEAGE

In his 30's, Master Huang spent a decade training under the daily supervision of Ch'ing. Master Huang went on to create five loosening exercises which contain all the basic elements of Taiji and help students to deepen their understanding of its principles. He also taught two fast forms called' The White Crane' and 'The Quick Fist'.

Master Huang migrated to Malaysia in the late 1950's and taught tens of thousands of students throughout South East Asia, New Zealand and Australia. One of these was Patrick Kelly who is Shirsha Marie's teacher. Patrick was born in New Zealand in 1950. He was Master Huang's closest Western student, training intensively with him from 1975 until Master Huang's death in 1992. He currently teaches throughout Europe. Shirsha met Patrick Kelly in 1995 and, under his guidance continues the traditions and training methods of the Yang Style.