Body, energy & intention

"What a strange paradox! Every warrior on the path of knowledge thinks, at one time or another, that he's learning shamanism but all he's doing is allowing himself to be convinced of the power hidden in his being, and that he can reach it." Don Juan in The Power of Silence

The focus of this art is to increase vital energy in the body, lead it with the mind, and direct it with intention. By working with intention you develop not only physical strength, but also stamina, speed, and agility. To reach a high skill level as a martial artithe mind and the spirit must become as clear and strong as thst, e physical body. The posture, movement and gesture of the individual is intimately combined with its ethical, aesthetical and moral character. Thus training Tai Chi integrate mind, body, and spirit.

Tai Chi activates the selfhealing powers in the human being. The single postures are designed to strengthen specific inner organs. Tai Chi is thus active participation in healing while receiving acupuncture is passive. Therefore, in practicing you not only benefit from the result of balancing energy, you also develop confidence and trust in your own ability to heal and stay healthy. Again, this requires the integration of the mind, the body, and the spirit - the essence of Tai Chi practice.

The energy Tai Chi can give is like smouldering embers hidden under ash.. You don't discover the energy until a soft breath of air awaken its glow.

In Tai Chi you aim to move like a slow flowing river, as this increases circulation of both blood and Qi (energy) inside the body. As this art is based on the Chinese Medical theory that illness results from imbalance or blockage of vital energy that flows through the body. The flow of energy in the body occurs in specific pathways called meridians. As the acupuncturist uses needles to increase or decrease the flow of energy through these meridians, the Tai Chi practitioner uses posture, movement, breath, and mind to cultivate and circulate Qi to maintain and improve health.