Tai Chi Chuan - Ballarat Kung Fu Academy

Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan is often translated as "Grand Ultimate Fist." However, this literal translation misses the essence of the name. A more appropriate translation would be "Martial Art based on the principles of Yin and Yang." Tai Chi Chuan is characterised by it's slow-motion training forms and its principle of yielding to force.

Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan Martial Art The primary purpose of Tai Chi Chuan is as a martial art. Its philosophy of yielding and blending with outside force allows a smaller person to overcome a larger aggressor. The unique training methods and approach can provide benefits even to experienced Martial Artists. Meditation The slow forms of Tai Chi Chuan are often described as moving meditation. Tai Chi Chuan can help you to improve your focus, reduce stress and clam your mind. Static meditation is also included in our classes. Health Tai Chi Chuan is well known for its ability to improve health without a high-risk of injury. Its low-impact forms mean people of all ages can practice and gain benefit. The slow forms also improve strength in a different way to conventional exercise.

A Yang style teacher corrects his student's form.

Forms

The forms of Tai Chi Chuan take the student through a complete, natural range of motion over their center of gravity. Accurate, repeated practice of the forms is said to retrain posture, encourage circulation throughout the body, maintain flexibility through the joints and familiarize students with the martial postures of Tai Chi Chuan.

The following forms are currently practiced by the Ballarat Kung Fu Academy.

Short 24 Form Based on the Beijing 24 Form, the short form practiced at the Ballarat Kung Fu Academy is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of Tai Chi Chuan, with simple applications and movements. It also provides good all-round practice for when time is short.

Chen Pan Ling 99 Form

The 99 Pattern Tai Chi Chuan form was formulated in 1941 at the Nanking Institute as part of an effort to standardise Chinese martial arts. After Chen Pan Ling left the mainland for Taiwan, this form became very popular. It contains aspects of the most prevalent Tai Chi Chuan styles in China at the time of its creation. A challenging form, it contains a wealth of information and application.

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