What is Tai Chi Chuan?
Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan, Taiji Quan) is an ancient Chinese martial art deeply rooted in Chinese culture and tradition. More specifically, Tai Chi Chuan is rooted in Taoist philosophy and the concept of Tai Chi.
Taoist thinking is very different from the common idea that when the going gets tough, it’s time to get tougher. Instead, this worldview suggests that we don’t have to struggle when things get tough. Taoist philosophy suggests that while it’s natural to get tense in tense situations, it’s always more effective to relax
The concept of Tai Chi, represented by the symbol below (often mistakenly called a yin-yang symbol) plays a central role in Chinese culture.
Tai Chi translates roughly as the grand unification. It starts with the idea that everything has two inseparable, complementary aspects: yin and yang. This idea also includes the concept that we must balance and integrate these aspects to achieve efficient functioning.
It’s useful to contrast the big ideas of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) with external martial arts. Such external arts are based on techniques that depend primarily on speed and strength. Rather than trying to overcome force with force, our goal in TCC is to overcome force with a minimum of effort. We do this by relaxing, listening, following, and responding. This allows us to use the energy we are given to our advantage. In addition to improving our effectiveness in martial situations, learning these skills has many immediate and long-term benefits for our individual psychological and physical health and well-being. These skills can even help our relationships with our family and friends.
Tai Chi Classes
On-going Drop-in for 5-14 year olds
This is an on-going, indoor, in-person class that you can join at any time. Classes meet on Fridays, 3:30PM-4:20PM at The Fort, Suite 1 in Idyllwild. Cost is $15/class.
On-going Drop-in for Adults (15 years old and older)
This is an on-going, indoor, in-person class that you can join at any time. Classes meet on Fridays, 4:30PM-5:30PM at The Fort, Suite 1 in Idyllwild. Payment by donation. Your donation covers your teacher’s time and expertise as well as rental of the space.
Our Shifu (Teacher)
I (Peter) have been studying TCC since 1992. In 1994 I began practicing Wu style TCC in the Yin Chung Gong Fa system. I have been teaching this wonderful style since 1998 and am a lineage disciple of Master Zhang Yun. I have written several articles on Tai Chi Chuan: External Integrations in Taiji Quan and A Peace Lovers Guide to Taiji Jian. As a Ph.D. in Education and lifelong teacher, I take great joy in sharing what I have learned about this wonderful and deep tradition with anyone who is willing to practice.
