Quick menu: Tai Chi classes timetable Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming History of Yang Style Taijiquan Tai Chi Chuan Yin Yang

Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) is a slow-motion, moving meditative exercise for relaxation, health and self-defense. Originally from China, Tai Chi Chuan has gained enormous popularity in America and throughout the rest of the world for its health benefits. Tai Chi Chuan has its origins in Taoism and Martial Arts. Tai Chi Chuan means "Supreme Ultimate Boxing."

The "Supreme Ultimate" here refers to the Tao, or more specifically, the framework within which the dualities of Yin and Yang manifest themselves in the field of time. The allusion to the Tai Chi in this context suggests that the art contains within itself (in its movements, shapes and patterns of breathing) all that is necessary for these dynamic forces to interact and be reconciled. The character Chuan refers to a school or method of boxing or combat. 

Therefore, it can be said that Tai Chi Chuan, as it was originally conceived, contains a sophisticated method of fighting based on the reconciliation of dynamically interacting forces. Structurally speaking then, the Tai Chi Chuan practitioner seeks to neutralize his opponent's use of force before applying a countering force of his own. In this give and take, this interplay of energies, Tai Chi finds its highest expression.

At the time of its development, Tai Chi was a very potent art, jealously guarded by a few families and used for self defense. The proper shapes for the transmission of energy, the methods of single-weightedness, techniques of relaxation and breath control all were developed with the express purpose of prevailing in combat in an efficient, scientific manner. It is important for the Tai Chi student to be able to appreciate and understand this martial context even if one is not interested in this aspect of Tai Chi. After all, all of the major Tai Chi styles (Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun) placed a great deal of emphasis on grasping the meaning of the movements through applications training and this is fully 1/3 of its purpose, the other purposes of Tai Chi being physical health, and meditative (or emotional, mental and spiritual) well-being. Push Hands also needs to be mentioned here, as an important part of modern Tai Chi, as an exercise and sport regimen, developing important skills sets necessary to building the martial aspects.

Benefits from Tai Chi:

• Reduce stress
• Increase flexibility, balance
• Improve muscle strength and definition
• Increase energy, stamina and agility
• Increase feelings of well-being

More about medical conditions you can read on Harvard University website: The health benefits of tai chi.

Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) classes:

Gurnell Grove Hall

Baker Street (YMAA London)

Level: all levels. Instrutor: Olivier (YMAA London)

 Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming (楊俊敏博士) started his Gongfu (Kung Fu) training at the age of fifteen under the Shaolin White Crane (Bai He) Master Cheng, Gin Gsao (曾金灶). In thirteen years of study (1961-1974) under Master Cheng, Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane style of Chinese martial arts, which includes both the use of bare hands and of various weapons such as saber, staff, spear, trident, two short rods, and many others. With the same master he also studied White Crane Qin Na (or Chin Na), Tui Na and Dian Xue massages, and herbal treatment.

At the age of sixteen, Dr. Yang began the study of Taijiquan (Yang Style) under Master Kao, Tao (高濤). After learning from Master Kao, Dr. Yang continued his study and research of Taijiquan with several masters and senior practitioners such as Master Li, Mao-Ching (李茂 清) and Mr. Wilson Chen in Taipei. Master Li learned his Taijiquan from the well-known Master Han, Ching-Tang, and Mr. Chen learned his Taijiquan from Master Chang, Xiang-San. Dr. Yang has mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands, the two-man fighting sequence, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong. Read more...

History of Yang Style Taijiquan

Yang Style history starts with Yang, Lu-chan (楊露禪) (a.d. 1799-1872), also known as Fu-kuai (福魁) or Lu-chan (祿纏). He was born at Yong Nian Xian, Guang Ping County, Hebei Province (河北，廣平府永年縣). When he was young he went to Chen Jia Gou in Henan province to learn taijiquan from Chen, Chang-xing. When Chen, Chang-xing stood he was centered and upright with no leaning or tilting, like a wooden signpost, and so people called him Mr. Tablet. At that time, there were very few students outside of the Chen family who learned from Chen, Chang-xing. Because Yang was an outside student, he was treated unfairly, but still he stayed and persevered in his practice. Read more...

Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) Yin Yang

Yin and Yang are opposite (i.e., relative) to each other instead of absolute. That is Yin can become Yang and Yang can change into Yin. Yin and Yang can be exchanged mutually depending on the observer’s Xin and Yi. Xin and Yi are the Dao in Taijiquan. Lao Zi, Chapter 36 said: ‘Wish to close it, must first open it; wish to weaken it, must first strengthen it; wish to abolish it, must first raise it; wish to take it, must first offer it.’ It is also said in Taijiquan classic: ‘withdrawing is releasing and releasing is withdrawing.’ It means: ‘Yin is Yang and Yang is Yin.’ Though they are opposite, they are the two faces of the same object which cannot be separated from each other or exist alone. If it can exist alone, then it is a Wuji state and not the natural rule of Yin and Yang.

 Yin and Yang are opposite to each other but not absolute. How Yin or Yang are defined depends on the perspective of the viewer. Often, what is considered Yang by one person can be Yin to another. Moreover, Yin and Yang are exchangeable and this exchange also depends on how you change your viewpoint. You should also remember that the mind is what is called Taiji or Dao in Taijiquan. When Yin and Yang concepts are applied in Taijiquan, Yin can be Yang and Yang can be Yin. Yin can also be Yin and Yang can also be Yang. All of these alternative concepts all depend on your mind and consequently, different strategies are derived. That means an insubstantial action can be a setup for a substantial action and vice versa. If you do not have the options of Yin and Yang exchange, then your strategy will be stagnant and be easily defeated by your opponent. Read more...