Commonly referred to as Tai Chi in English, Tai Chi Ch’uan or Taijiquan (太極拳 – literally translated as supreme ultimate fist) is one of the three major styles of internal Chinese martial arts. Beyond its application to defense, Tai Chi is practiced to improve health, relieve stress, and increase energy. Many of the movements are performed at a slow, constant pace, making it a perfect low-impact exercise for people of all physical abilities.
Curriculum
Inner Wave Tai Chi incorporates elements of Indonesian Pencak Silat into a comprehensive Tai Chi curriculum. Our instruction cultivates understanding and fluidity in the art through practice of four methods: Breathing Exercises, Taiji Forms, Push Hands, and Practical Self-Defense.
Breathing Exercises – Qi Gong:
Proper control of the breath coupled with static and dynamic postures helps to develop stimulate circulation, improve body awareness, and increase flexibility. When combined with meditation the student learns techniques for improving focus and promoting relaxation.
Tai Chi Forms
Forms, or set patterns of movement form the basis of the art. Through deliberate practice of these forms the student learns coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. Typically the forms are practiced at a slow pace to promote awareness and harmony in movement. However, students will also learn to vary the pace to reflect their intent. Inner Wave Tai Chi includes a variety of forms such as the short 24-movement form and a long 108-movement form.
Pushing Hands / Tuishou
Pushing hands are two partner exercises used to improve alignment, reflexes, timing,and coordination. By learning to listen to his or her partner, the pushing hands practitioner learns awareness of the self and the surroundings. Eventually the practitioner can learn to absorb and redirect force and ultimately cultivates sensitivity to both internal and external stimuli.
Practical Self-Defense
Students who express an interest in the martial foundations of Tai Chi will learn how the motions from the forms translate directly to a system of self-defense. Application of the techniques from the other three training methods helps to contextualize the motion of the Tai Chi form and provides a concrete aid for learning the movement.