What does Tai Chi Chuan mean?
The words can be literally translated as Tai – supreme, Chi – ultimate, Chuan – boxing. Together as a phrase they represent an expression of living life to it’s fullest, bending like bamboo in the face of even the strongest winds, while continuing to grow supple and strong. What makes real Tai Chi so different from other exercises is its concern with the understanding of the circulation of the vital Chi energy, which in its purest form is the energy of life. Only when it is taught with a holistic approach will you truly get the full benefits that Tai Chi Chuan offers. This Chi energy is the same as that which is used and manipulated in Acupuncture and Shiatsu bodywork, but in Tai Chi understanding of the body structures and the many postures of the form are used instead of fingers or acupuncture needles. The only way to prove the existence of Chi energy is to experience it for yourself. With practice the movements of the forms can be done without effort and with a completely relaxed bo
