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TAI CHI
Internal Martial Art
MEDITATION IN MOTION

Tai Chi 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, Tai Chi promotes deepened states of awareness, good health and self defence skills.

Tai Chi translates as ' The Supreme Ultimate' and refers to the origin of all things - that from which all else has developed. It is commonly referred to as the mother of the martial arts. The philosophy of Tai Chi 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 Tai Chi practice is to realise the self in this expanded context, to cultivate peace of mind and to harmonize with life and all existence.

Tai Chi 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 Tai Chi 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 Tai Chi as an art of movement for self-defence.

Tai Chi 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 Tai Chi and its self-defence applications.

BENEFITS

In Tai Chi 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 Tai Chi depend upon a concentration of mind and breath, which develops inner strength and the realisation of the stillness at the centre of all activity.

Tai Chi 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, Tai Chi is an active form of Chi Kung- the cultivation of vital life energy and internal healing.

As a path of meditation, Tai Chi 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

CHENG MAN-CH'ING (1898 - 1975)

It is said that Tai Chi was created by Chang San - Feng around 1100 A.D. however its history is far longer than this. This school teaches the Yang Form, formalised by Yang Chen - Fu (1883-1936). The 37-Step Short Form that is initially taught was designed by one of Yang Chen-Fu's most outstanding disciples, Cheng Man-Ch'ing (1898-1975). Cheng Man-Ch'ing did much to promote Tai Chi in the West. For many years he taught in Taiwan, then in the early 1960's he established a large following in the United States, where he taught Tai Chi as a philosophical approach to life as well as an internal martial art. One of his most accomplished students was Huang Sheng-Shuan (1910-1992) who was a master of Taoist medical, martial and spiritual arts and

a disciple of the Taoist Sage and White Crane Master Xie Zhongxian (1852-1930). 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 Tai Chi 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.

self mastery through a warrior tradition Byron Living Tao 144 Jonson St. Byron Bay Australia Post: P.O. Box 819 Byron Bay N.S.W. 2481 Australia Tel: 02 66858181 Mobile: 0400 558181 www.byronlivingtao.com.au