What is T'ai-chi? T'ai-chi Ch'uan is an ancient Chinese art which combines meditation in movement and healthful exercise. The training includes the practice of a 37 posture form which teaches relaxation, balance and strength, and also a partner practice that builds sensitivity, timing and energy. Everyone with an interest in T'ai-chi is welcome. No prior training is needed. This version of T'ai-chi Ch'uan was developed by Professor Cheng Man-ching. His teacher was Master Yang Cheng-fu, grandson of the founder of the Yang system. The Yang system is the most widely practiced version of T-ai-chi Ch'uan with over 100 million students. In addition to being widely known in T'ai-chi Ch'uan in China and the west, Professor Cheng was also a highly esteemed doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, poetry, painting and calligraphy. Recent medical research has demonstrated T'ai-chi’s contribution to healthy aging, including a reduced incidence of falls. A 1996 article in the Harvard Health Newsletter showed a reduction in falls of 47.5% in older practitioners. Other documented benefits include increased relaxation, calmness, flexibility and balance. Regular practice and class attendance is needed to realize the benefits of T’ai-chi. Participants will learn the basic movements of T'ai-chi which are a series of postures done in sequence, that looks like a slow motion dance.
