In this stressful age, people need a way to learn to relax and maintain good health. Tai
Chi Chuan is perhaps the perfect exercise with its slow and graceful movements based on a powerful internal martial art. The movements of the form are practiced slowly with synchronized slow, deep breathing and good posture. This promotes a relaxed body, a peaceful mind and provides a light aerobic workout. The form also promotes balance and flexibility, which can help to prevent falls and Injuries. Tai chi can also help athletes to improve their performance as well as recover from injuries.
With practice, one learns how to master ones chi, or internal energy, a major part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which further promotes the health of the practitioner. There have been numerous studies and books written on the health benefits of Tai Chi Chuan. Tai chi is not merely a physical exercise but also helps promote mental clarity, emotional equilibrium and spiritual awareness. It also alleviates many contemporary health issues through its gentle movements, which induce greater relaxation, balance and blood circulation.
While practicing Tai Chi Chuan, the posture and detail of each form have to be correctly taught by a very experienced teacher—such as Shi Fu Wei, who is opening schools in several locations—as this is essential for the practitioner’s safe practice and health benefits. The forms developed from Zhang Style Tai Chi Chuan contain many components, including posture alignment, weight distribution, breathing techniques and, most importantly, the proper application of yi (mindfulness). Those that attend classes with Wei will learn the application of each form and how to apply mindfulness into each form, and how to effectively use proper posture, positioning, timing and concentration to deal with external force.
Wei has developed a very unique approach based upon traditional Chinese Tai Chi Chuan and martial arts skills to improve both mental and physical health. Zhang Style Tai Chi Chuan focuses on creating a strong health foundation through daily practice of forms, push hands study, and applications practice. Wei began his study of martial arts in Taiwan at a young age and has studied under many renowned Tai Chi Chuan and martial arts masters. Wei’s near three decades of teaching experience as well as his deep understanding of both the martial and internal aspects of tai chi will provide his students with a unique and fun-filled learning experience.
The Silent Fist Tai Chi School, run by Shi Fu Wei, is opening several locations and will be expanding class schedules to meet student demand. For information about group classes in Huntington, call 631-902-1368; to schedule a free introductory lesson and for private lessons on Long Island and NYC, call 631-983-6198.
