TAI CHI

I started learning Tai Chi with the Academy with a few basic aims in mind. Getting some fitness, lowering my stress level and learning a degree of self control all in what appears a gentle manner. Due to the high standard of training given, and the diligent but very friendly approach of my instructors, I have succeeded in attaining these goals. Actually, I must say that I am getting much more out of the school than I expected.

M. Learmonth

Tai Chi is a form of moving meditation which has been practised in China for thousands of years. It is based on a series of continuous flowing movements which are performed in a slow motion and co-ordinated with deep diaphragmatic breathing. It exercises and conditions the muscles, joints and ligaments of the entire body. Through regular practice, Tai Chi will harmonise your internal energy by promoting a balance between body and mind.

Philosophy

The art and philosophy of Tai Chi comes from three main sources:

  • Chinese philosophy
  • Shaolin martial art
  • The study of nature

It is unique amongst the world’s exercise systems in that it is also a form of meditation, a natural healing system, a self defence discipline, and a philosophy for life. The Chen style of Tai Chi is both an exercise for health and an effective martial art that can be used for self defence. It is a practise that is easily incorporated into everyday lifestyle. It can be practised almost anywhere, at any time. Most importantly, Chen style is life enriching. It facilitates the development of the entire person in a singular and profound way.

Benefits

Although Tai Chi’s benefits are numerous, it is best known for its relaxing and calming effects. Its easy, flowing movements soothe tired, over-stimulated nerves and relax tense muscles. Modern lifestyles can cause immense stress, leaving us drained at the end of each day. Tai Chi’s flowing movements have the ability to calm mind and refresh the body. As a healing art, it is widely used by the Chinese to treat such conditions as stress, depression, mental strain, listlessness, chronic indigestion, insomnia, arthritis, rheumatism and obesity. We invite you to come and experience a Tai Chi class.

Chi Kung

 

The 18 Lohan Qigong Form

 

For over 1400 years, the 18 Lohan Qigong remained a closely guarded secret of the Shaolin temple in China.  Generally translated to mean ‘the art of the enlightened ones’, the qigong set is a complete system of health maintenance, comprising both internal and external aspects.  It maintains the yin/yang balance in the body through physical movement, breath control, mental concentration, and stillness of spirit.  Amongst the many benefits of regular practice are a strengthening of the internal organs, improved resistance to disease, improved healing and longevity.

 

 

The internal side of the form is said to cultivate what are known as the ‘three fundamental constituents of being’ chi (energy), jing (essence), and shen (spirit).  The motions stimulate the flow of chi along the meridians, and barmonise bodily functions.  On a physical level, the 18 Logan Qigong works to exercise all the joints and muscles in a systematic and gradual way, which promotes postural awareness and flexibility.  The form can help to prevent occupational disorders, promote relaxation, and provide stress relief.

 

The origins of the 18 Lohan Qigong are in the 6th century AD, when a travelling Indian monk named Bodidharma (also known as Da Mo), brought the three scriptures of Buddhism from India to China.  After wandering the country for many years, he settled at the Shaolin monastery in the Henan province, and founded Chan (or Zen) Buddhism.  Many hours each day were spent in meditation, and Bodidharma noticed that due to the lack of movement, many aches and pains developed in the body.  There was also a tendency for his disciples to fall asleep during extended meditation.  To counter these problems he created a system of motions based on Indian yoga, Chinese health practises, and the movements of wild animals.  This qigong set comprised 18 motions, and became known as the 18 Lohan Qigong.  Later generations of monks expanded the set to a total of 82 movements, then again to 132.  These revised systems formed the foundations for Shaolin Kung Fu, which is in turn the basis for all martial arts systems in China and Japan.

 

Although the monastery of Shaolin is located in the mountains, it is not far from the Yellow River Valley which once held a major center of Chinese civilisation.  During times of corrupt or weak imperial governance, bandits would often terrorise the local populations.  Persecuted villagers would often flee to the temple, seeking sanctuary, often remaining within the monastery to become monks themselves.  Due to their martial arts prowess, the Shaolin monks became known as champions of the people, and upholders of justice.  Over 200 years ago, the emperor felt threatened by the power ad fame of the temple, and ordered it destroyed.  Very few monks escaped the destruction, fleeing into adjacent provinces.  One such monk was Choy Ah Fook, a very highly ranked proponent of Shaolin kung fu, who later accepted a disciple named Chan Heung.  Chan was instructed in the entire system of Shaolin kung fu including over 100 empty-handed and weapon forms.  From this material, the kung fu style of Choy Lay Fut was created, which includes the 18 Lohan Qigong set.

 

The qigong makes use of the extremes of yin and yang in all movements, creating full expansion and contraction of muscles, thoroughly stimulating all the muscle fibres.  However despite the extremes of motion, stiffness is to be avoided in favour of suppleness.  In reaching maximal stretch, the force applied is internal in nature, and is created by the inward breath rather than tension in the muscles themselves.  Every motion is allied to the breathing, inhaling when stretching, and exhaling during relaxation.

 

It is recommended that the 18 Lohan Qigong form be practiced once per day in a neutral environment that is sheltered from draughts and extremes of temperature.  For beginners, movements should be kept small and stances remain high, gradually expanding the range of motion over time as flexibility and strength is increased.  The set may only take 15 minutes to complete in the early stages of practice, but will take progressively longer as a greater degree of breath control is achieved.  Ultimately the form should require up to an hour to perform correctly, however such slow breathing is difficult to maintain, and must not be forced.

 

As with any exercise, the new practitioner can expect small aches and some soreness following practice.  The occurrence of these symptoms will fade over time, and after approximately six months of daily performance will be replaced with an energising feeling.