The name Tai Chi Chuan can be roughly translated into English as meaning the 'the big ultimate path' or 'supreme ultimate fist'. The name of Tai Chi is derived from the tai chi symbol t'ai chi t'u or more commonly known as the yin yang symbol. The exact start of Tai Chi is something of anecdotal myth, but it has probaly existed in some form or another for thousands of years.

In recent times Tai Chi has become quiet popular, partly due to our world becoming more health conscious. Tai Chi was previously a guarded family secret and only passed on to decendents, it was also most certainly never taught to foreigners (Westerners).

The spread of Tai Chi as a health exercise (to the general public) is largely due to Yang Chen Fu (1883 - 1936) and his student Cheng Man-Ching (1900 - 1975). Yang Chen Fu smoothed out the Tai Chi Forms' more vigorous workout which he inhereted from his decendents making it more accesable to non-martial artists. He was among the first teachers to offer Tai Chi Chuan instruction to the general public at the Beijing Physical Culture Research Institute from 1914 until 1928.

Cheng Man-Ching, a well known physician, understood the immense health benefits of Tai Chi to humanity and softened his teachers ‘form’ further to emphasise the health benefits. He also shortened the 'form' to make it easier to learn by the public at large. Professor Cheng moved to the United States in 1964, where he founded a school in New York. This lead to the wide-spread popularisation of Tai Chi in the West by his students.

For a more indepth historical background the Wikipedia is a good place to start. There is a plethora of websites on different lineages and the benefits of this style over that one. For the purpose of this page, which is aimed at beginners, I would rather like to point out the over-all nature and health benefits of Tai Chi Chuan which makes it so special.

Philosophy

Tai Chi is, amongs other things, based on Taoist philosophy, the Five Elements theory and the Eight Trigrams (as can be seen in the I Ching or book of changes). Each generation of practitioners are expected to scrutinise and improve on what they have learnt. As a result, every few decades a skilled master will emerge who adapts its practise to the times and ads new insight to its execution. Tai Chi Chuan is therefore a living art form and is forever changing. This is quite a rare quality in a world where we are expected not to question anything and just accept what is dished out to us.

There are many schools of Tai Chi and their practise frequently appears quite varied. However, the underlying principles of natural movement and meditation are common to all (or at least should be). Once these principles are understood and can be executed they can be applied to other forms of 'internal martial arts' and to all aspects of life such as art, science, philosophy, work etc. The influence of Tai Chi Chuan on one’s life is subsequently much broader than just self-defence.

Tai Chi is the synergistic practise, integration and interaction of three subjects namely: Meditation, Martial Arts and Health. Each is essential for the realization of the other. The meditational aspect is achieved through one pointed concentration often called "keeping in one". The health aspect is the result of beneficial effects to the nervous system and metabolism, the harmonising of breathing and circulation as well as the harmonising of the muscles with the internal organs. The martial aspect becomes more prominent when the other two aspects are functioning properly. Knowledge gained from self-defence then feeds back into the practise.

Health benefits

Most people are aware that Tai Chi is good for relaxation, stress and anxiety. However, Tai Chi is clinically shown to be beneficial to a large number of illnesses including:
Diabetes, Tuberculosis, arthritic conditions, heart conditions, blood pressure, bone density disorders, weak immune system, musculoskeletal problems relating to the spine, knees, joints, ligaments, tendons etc., respiratory illnesses, attention defecit problems, problems with organ function... the list is endless.

Lessons

Private and remedial classes:
Times: By appointment Mondays to Fridays between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Venue: Lao Kung practise, Observatory; or home tuition in the Southern Suburbs
Tai Chi and Chi Kung exercises are used as a therapy to help patients recover from injury and illness or as a general health regime. Exercises are chosen according to each individuals needs. It is also very helpful to health instructors, gymnasts and professional athletes to improve their skills. More info

Evening classes:
Times: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Venue: First Pinelands Scout Hall, Pinelands, Cape Town
Integrated Chi Kung and Tai Chi lessons. Students are taught Cheng Man Ching's 'short form' and the two person form often referred to as 'push hands'. Various Chi Kung exercises are also integrated with the lessons. Senior students are taught Yang Chen Fu's 'long' form

Instructor background:
Arnold Erasmus has been a practitioner of Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung for ten years. He is also a practitioner of Ba Gua Zhang "Eight Trigram Palm", Hsing I Chuan "Form Mind Boxing", and Shaolin Kung Fu. He is a student of seasoned martial artist, Dr. Michael McCloughlin and is studying Tai Chi weapons forms from Grand Master Feng Chao Lin.

For more information please fill in the form on the contact page.

Glossary

form - 'Originally Tai Chi utilized stationary positions or forms, these were known as the Thirteen Postures. The practitioner assumed one posture and then stood still for an hour or two. Once the principles of chi and stillness had been grasped, the practitioner began to link the postures into what has become known as The Form. However times have changed and it is the norm today to first teach the moving form and then the student can hold selected postures if they so choose to do so. Each style of Tai Chi has a different looking form. The different styles were usually named after the master who originated the style, as a mark of respect.' from www.taichi.co.za

Click the picture to view a Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing I Chuan and Ba Gua Zhang streaming video. An ADSL or fast internet connection and a Quicktime plug-in will be necessary to view the movie.