About Tai Chi

Tai Chi is the Chinese word meaning the "grand ultimate" and represents the Chinese belief that Tai Chi is the most refined and the best form of exercise for both health and self defense.  Time Magazine's August 5, 2002 issue by Christine Gorman called Tai Chi the "perfect exercise".

Tai Chi is sometimes written as Tai Qi, T'ai Chi or Taiji, though the pronunciation is the same.  Likewise, Tai Chi Chuan (the martial art) is also sometimes written as Tai Qi Quan, T'ai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan.

Many students are interested in Tai Chi as a meditative exercise for the mind and body -- fostering a calm and tranquil mind through the precise execution of Tai Chi postures.   Tai Chi, for these students is a  "meditation in motion."  Studying Tai Chi allows practitioners to improve balance, body alignment, and motor control.  The goal of Tai Chi is to achieve balance in all aspects of life.

For other students, the slow-tempo martial (combat) aspects of Tai Chi are motivating.  The emphasis in Tai Chi is on being able to divert potentially destructive energy, such as a kick or punch, away from oneself in a manner that will redirect the energy or send it in a direction where it is no longer a danger.  Skills of long-term practitioners of Tai Chi are comparable to those of other martial artists.

There are 5 major styles of tai chi
 - Chen is the oldest style practiced today and is characterized by its supple whole-body twining, coiling movements and occasional explosive releases of power.
 - Yang style was developed from Chen and is known for itseven, extended large movements and no variation in pace.
 - Wu Style emphasizes quitness with moderate postures and deep rooting in steps.
 - Hao/W'u style uses simple, quick and short range movements mostly involving opening and closing of the arms.
 - Sun, the youngest style, has compact movements with high upright posture and lively footwork, usually with follow steps.

Flowing Waters Tai Chi teaches both Tai Chi Chuan and Tai Chi for Health.

Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan is the Chinese word meaning "grand ultimate fist".  Flowing Waters Tai Chi teaches the Yang style of Tai Chi Chuan developed in China hundreds of years ago.  Each posture in the 108 move long form represents a martial art application.

View sample Tai Chi Chuan postures, including White Crane, Brush Knee and Strike the Tiger.

View video clipof Tai Chi Chuan form here. 

Tai Chi for Health

Tai Chi for Health is a modified Sun Style Tai Chi form developed by Dr. Paul Lam to emphasize the health benefits, rather than the martial arts benefits, of Tai Chi.  Flowing Waters Tai Chi teaches two forms of Tai Chi for Health.  One addresses the special needs of students with arthritis or back pain and the second addresses the special needs of students with diabetes.