What is Tai Chi?
I once read that trying to describe Tai Chi (Taiji) was a bit like trying to answer the question “What is music?” Taijiquan is a Chinese Martial Art. Taiji is a philosophy. That statement however is inadequate especially as most people associate Tai Chi with health and relaxation. That is the beauty of the art – that it has so many dimensions. As a beginner I think it is easier to state what Tai Chi is. As you get further into Tai Chi through learning forms, discussing concepts and ideas and working with others including your teacher then there is a realisation that the more you learn the less you know.
Tai Chi works on a physical, mental and spiritual level and to get the best out of it then all three need to be explored however benefits can be derived just from focusing on one of these. Although ultimately the deeper you get into Tai Chi the more you will be faced with all three and avoidance of any of these will mean that Tai Chi is not being given the credit it deserves.
Tai Chi is not just a course in some sort of physical exercise. It is a way of living that explored to its full potential will permeate all aspects of your life.
Tai Chi forms and Qigong offered.
The styles of Tai Chi I teach are Yang and Sun.
These are the forms I am currently qualified to teach in Taiji (accredited through The Deyin Institute) and Health Qigong (accredited through BHQA):
Angela Howarth
List of qualifications with Deyin
- 8 Step Taijiquan (IWUF)
- 16 Step Taijiquan (IWUF)
- 24 Step Yang Taijiquan
- 16 Step Taiji Straight Sword
- 32 Step Taiji Straight Sword
- 88 Step Yang Style Traditional Taijiquan
- 42 Step combined Taijiquan
- Taiji Kung Fu Fan Form
- Xiyangmei Kung Fu Fan Form
- Sun Style 13 Step Taijiquan
- Sun Style 38 Step Taijiquan
- Ba Duan Jin Qigong (8 Treasures) classic
- Xing Yi Zhuang Gong (Stance Qigong)
List of qualifications with BHQA
- Health Qigong Liu Zi Jue – (Six Healing Sounds)
- Health Qigong Yi Jin Jing – (Muscle & Tendon Strengthening)
- Heath Qigong Daoyin Yang Sheng Gong 12 Fa
- Health Qigong Ba Duan Jin (8 Brocades)
- Health Qigong Mawangdui
- Health Qigong Wu Qin Xi (Five Animal Frolics)
Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai Chi is practised all around the world. Those who do Tai Chi find it relaxing and meditative. People who I have taught have reported such benefits as improved blood pressure; improvement in sleeping; reduction of pain in conditions such as arthritis; general health and wellbeing; improved immune system; relief from back and neck problems.
