T’ai Chi Ch'uan (Taijiquan) is classed as an internal martial art. The movements are soft and yielding and rely as much on the development of internal energy or chi as they do on physical technique.
Because the movements are practiced in a slow, focused manner this calms the chatter of the mind and focuses attention so that the movements become like a moving meditation. The body remains relaxed yet energised and the joints open, that is to say for instance that the knees stay unlocked and the elbows and wrists bent, through out the entire movement range.
This mode of moving encourages better circulation, lowers blood pressure and increases the lymph flow around the body and has proven health benefits.
T’ai Chi consists of a series of postures, all of which have martial applications, if you wish to learn them, which are strung together like a rope of pearls to form one continuous flowing pattern of movements. The movements alternate between collecting or gathering energy and expanding and emitting energy, the constant interplay between yin and yang.
The study of T’ai Chi leads to greater self awareness, better concentration, greater balance and grace and better co-ordination. Increased mind / body connection is also encouraged and a growing recognition of the life force or chi.
Phil teaching an early morning Tai Chi and Chi Kung class in the Franciscan Retreat Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Phil and friend take a moment to greet the sun with a little T'ai Chi Ruler exercise.
Avalon Room, First floor, the Glastonbury Experience Courtyard,
(entrance at back, to the left, above the Blue Note Cafe)
2-4 High Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9DU
Tai Chi can be practised for health as it promotes relaxation, increased blood circulation and good posture as well for meditation, and as a martial art.
Students will learn a number of different forms of Chi Kung, which are short series of gentle exercises, performed with focused breathing and attention, some very gentle floor exercises to re-balance your nervous and enhance ease of movement, as well as the Cheng Man Ching style T’ai Chi form as the series of postures is called. You will There will also be an opportunity to work with a partner and learn two person work.
The class caters for the absolute beginner as well as the more advanced student and for advanced students there is the opportunity to extend your T’ai Chi skills into weapons practice. There are also explorations of the other two internal martial arts Hsing I Ch'uan and Pa Kua Chang as well as Yang and Sun Style T'ai Chi. Please wear loose and comfortable clothing to the class. The classes are suitable for adults of all ages and abilities.
"May the joy that is everlasting gather in this hall...the joy of continuous growth...Let us here correct our past mistakes and lose preoccupation with self. With the constancy of the planets in their courses or the dragon in his cloud-wrapped path, let us enter the land of health and ever walk within its bounds." Cheng Man Ching
A unique and powerful form of Chinese Chi Kung. We teach this form in our T'ai Chi Chuan classes and now you can learn it at home by purchasing our 45 minute DVD. £18.95/ $29.95 click here ->
An online version this DVD for viewing on tablets, smartphones and computers can be purchased or rented on the link below
https://masterworks.vhx.tv/products/tai-chi-ruler
Below are some sample clips from the DVD. Please have your speakers on.
Hand crafted rulers made from Irish wood and lightly waxed.
Choose from a variety of woods such as:
Ash, Yew, Beech, Cherry, Spalted Beech, Pine, Yew and Sycamore.
Subject to availability - NB: Stand not included
Note: We have these specially made and cannot guarantee that the wood you choose will always be available. Each piece is unique.
YEW
Long lived. Some trees can live for thousands of years. Yew signifies Regeneration.
ASH
In Viking mythology the Ash is Yggdrasil – the World Tree. It has Protective and Healing properties.
BEECH
Sacred to the Greek god Zeus the Beech is seen as a symbol of prosperity
ELM
Associated with the Earth Goddess, the Elm is said to be the abode of the faeries. Good for stability and grounding
SYCAMORE
Signifies perpetual renewal and is seen as dispensing immortality
CHERRY
Signifies new beginnings and rebirth. The wood is said to be grounding, enabling one to become more centered.
PINE
Known as the 'sweetest of woods' it has medicinal properties and is known for alleviating feelings of guilt.
5 STAR REVIEWS
Review 1 Great video from Phil Young and Masterworks International. The exercises are clearly explained and demonstrated, so it takes little time to get right into it and start your daily dose of mental and spiritual tranquility! ...... Buy it, watch it, practice, and feel the stress just flow away!
Review 2 This is a GREAT DVD! The DVD is beautifully produced, set outdoors by a small river, and truly a pleasure to watch. The T'ai Chi Ruler set consists of 6 very simple exercises, includes variations and increasing levels of difficulty, and can be done with or without the "ruler."
I was surprised at how quickly I felt the energy from this practice, and easily believe Masterworks' claim that it will be particularly useful for energy healers, as well as those looking for an easy-but-effective practice to improve their overall health.....
Review 3. I've been doing tai chi ruler as taught in this DVD every day for 18 months now. It is a truly amazing practice that continues to grow my energy field, little by little, day by day. I have tried a number of daily chi gung practices over the years, and this one rates far above the rest in ease, effectiveness, and palpable energy cultivation. Tao Bums
Review 4. Just wanted to say that I did receive both the DVD and the Ruler. In the short time that I've been using them, I've already begun to feel benefits. Thanks for making these tools available! Al -Roxbury
Review 5. I have had your Tai Chi Ruler DVD (which is stunningly beautiful, by the way) for several years, but I decided it was time to get "serious" about using it, and developing a practice. Thank you for putting out the DVD, and thank you for selling the rulers. You are putting a lot of "good" out into the world, by promoting this practice. Richard - Texas
Review 6. The actual ruler arrived in the post today. Yaye! It is BEAUTIFUL! The photos really don't do it justice. There is a natural softness and sweetness to the design. It feels fabulous to hold and the center naturally attracts the eye during practice. There is nothing hard or mechanical about it. It feels gently human and inviting both to look at and to hold. Linda
Review 7. Great introduction to a simple but profound practice. I completely agree with the other reviewers. This is a wonderful practice that is easy to learn and gives a quick experience of feeling the chi. It also gives significant health and energy benefits if you do it regularly. I particularly like practicing with my husband for 10 minutes or so before we go to bed. It helps a lot to settle the brain after a day spent on computers and cell phones or traveling.
Chi Kung or Qigong, as it is also spelled, consists of a variety of exercises designed to increase the flow of chi or life force in the body. The exercises are usually performed slowly with an enphasis on the breath. Unlike yoga, which tends to have more static postures, chi kung exercises are frequently performed with precise movements that open and relax the body, increase body awareness and activate acupuncture meridians to improve health.
available at http://www.learnpolarity.com
Now available for rent or purchase - includes both the Eight Brocades of Silk and the Five Element Chi Kung sequences.
Click the rent or buy button on the video below.