Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a type of low-impact, weight-bearing, and aerobic yet relaxing exercise that began as a martial art. As it developed, it took on the purpose of enhancing physical and mental health. Practiced in a variety of styles, Tai Chi involves slow, gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditation. The meditation is sometimes called “moving meditation.” It is believed that Tai Chi improves the flow of energy through the body, leading to greater awareness, calmness, and an overall sense of wellness. As a passive martial art, Tai Chi is rooted in the basic values of all martial arts; respect for self, respect for others. Tai Chi will bring balance, peace and confidence back into your life.

Tai Chi has many health benefits including improved strength and better balance, reduced pain and stiffness, lowers blood pressure, enhanced sleep, immunity to shingles and you will learn how to protect and defend yourself if ever needed. Feeling Groovy Wellness promotes teaching Tai Chi to children to help build their confidence, self-awareness and self defenses and is it a great tool to combat against bullying.

 

Levels of Tai Chi

Beginner Level 1

You will gain knowledge of the history of Yang Family form of Tai Chi learning foundation fundamentals. Level One contains all the forms up to and including the construction of The First Section, right and left sides. The Two Person Practices are also taught from the beginning. You will learn the health benefits and also the martial arts benefits. By the time you complete Level One of the Yang Family form, your body should change considerably. Your joints will function more smoothly and securely, your posture will be corrected and you will be breathing more fully in a coordinated fashion and you will develop a new way to move using your whole body which will become firmly rooted to the ground.

Level 2

Level Two begins with a new method of practicing Pushing Hands called “Two Hand Pushing Hands” incorporating “Ward Off and Push” as a two person practice. Your hips must move fluidity in order to perform Two Hand Pushing Hands correctly. You will then begin learning the Individual Forms that are included in Second Section. Second Section builds on your rooting, foundation and introduces more variations and movements giving you more endurance, control, extension of your breathing and by mediation your internal power will develop stronger.

Level 3

Level Three contains, completes, and connects the remainder of the Yang Family 108 Long Form of Tai Chi . The primary components of Level Three is Third Section. However, in this level, a large percentage of the material is dealing directly with the aspect of the Yang Family Tai Chi martial art applications for those students who have an interest. Fair Lady Works at Shuttles form is the main Third Section addition and introduces Upward and Downward movements combined with diagonal movements. Roll Hands, 6 Kinds, is an extremely important subset and must be practiced totally as a unit. Do not pick and choose which ones you like more. All 6 must be practiced equally to insure equal proficiency. These Roll Hands Parts are in preparation for Methods of Roll Hands in Level Four. 5 Style Steps and all its variations is of great importance in the big picture since 5 Style Steps can be combined with nearly every other form. In a fighting situation or while practicing your Two Person Practice, smooth 5 Style Steps will prove to be invaluable.

Level 4

Level Four you will learn some of the most potent Two Person Practices. We will  start with 4 Forms Pushing Hands which gives you applications for using Ward Off, Roll Back, Press, and Push forms. Yang Family form “Style” has a very specific order and structure for learning and practicing all the Two Person Practices. Next in Level Four we come to what is named The Yang Family martial art form. This subset is important because it helps create the physical aspects of the form.