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Tai Chi Ch'uan
T'ai Chi Ch'uan
T'ai Chi Ch'uan (written often without the apostrophes: Tai Chi Chuan; also spelled Taijiquan in the Pinyin system of romanization; means literally "Supreme Ultimate Fist" and is one of the finest distillations of classical Chinese martial arts and philosophy. The symbol, which in the West is often referred to as the Yin/Yang, is called T'ai Chi in China.
This symbol is the essence of what the T'ai Chi practitioner wishes to achieve: a dynamic, flowing balance of all opposites. Light and darkness, up and down, forward and reverse, left and right, attack and defense, solid and empty, stillness and motion. Each exists in a potent harmony with the other; each containing some of the other in itself (note the contrasting dot in each half of the symbol). Opposites in T'ai Chi are seen as complementary components of an wholeness, like the two sides of the same coin: each is different but couldn't exist without the other.
T'ai Chi, based on the Taoist philosophy found in the I Ching and in Lao Tze's Tao Te Ching, is a system of rounded, fluid, balanced movements to be practiced daily for mental, emotional and physical health and well-being. Once the movements are mastered, then one's intrinsic energy is developed and one's equilibrium is stable, and T'ai Chi can be trained to be an effective and powerful martial art. Learning T'ai Chi as a martial art is a long and difficult journey, that's why today most people only practice it for it's health benefits. T'ai Chi has been proven through medical studies to:
And the most recent studies show it even helps lower blood-sugar levels, even in type II diabetes. So while it might take a while to develop fighting skill, it's a good example of "enjoying the ride and not longing for the destination."
Besides open-hand forms, T'ai Chi Ch'uan also includes weapon forms and two-partner forms. Traditional T'ai Chi Ch'uan training also includes breathing exercises called Chi Kung (Qigong in Pinyin), internal energy development exercises called Nei Kung (Neigong), meditation (Tao-In) and training games called Push Hands (also known as Rolling Arms and Sensing Hands). Push Hands starts with prescribed patterns and slowly graduates into free-style. At its highest level, Push Hands becomes full-scale sparring.
Ken Zaborowski
Ken has been studying T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Chi Kung for over 15 years.
He has studied Yang, Young and Wu Chun styles of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, along with Five Form Fist Kung Fu and Philippine Kali/Escrima, under Master David Everett, founder of the White Lotus Integrated Martial Arts Association (an affiliate of the Kuoshu Federation – Hong Kong, ROC). Ken became a Sifu (full instructor) of T'ai Chi Ch'uan in October of 2003 and trains regularly with Master Everett.
For more information about Master David Everett: http://www.white-lotus.com/Biography - Tao Chi Li.html
Ken also trains with 20th generation lineage holder Wang Haijun in Chen Lao Jia Taijiquan (the oldest historical style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan). He meets with Master Wang twice a year when he comes to America.
For More information about Master Wang Haijun:
Ken also trains regularly with one of Master Wang's students, acupuncturist Stan Baker to hone his skills between Master Wang's visits.
For more information about Stan Baker: http://www.acupuncturechnmedicine.com/about.nxg
Ken teaches T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Chi Kung at many locations throughout the Hartford area and his students range from athletes to senior citizens. He is certified to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis and Tai Chi for Osteoporosis and Fall Prevention.
Click here for the Tai Chi class schedule
T'ai Chi Ch'uan/Taijiquan
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