What can tai chi do for you?     enhances immune system [ read more ]     help you understand the world in a deeper way     beat back the degenerative disease of aging     improve your balance     increase your strength and flexibility     lower your blood pressure     escape the pain and limitation of arthritis     improve the quality of your sleep     get fit and strong 2500 years ago, the father of tai chi philosophy advised the emperor of China. His counsel was so wise and his foretelling so accurate, his name became legend in Asia. He set the strategies for battles, predicted the dates of earthquakes, and forecasted the arrival of storms and the duration of droughts. He tracked the rise and fall of flooding rivers, the vitality of food animals, and the survival of crops. He recommended allegiances and devised political moves. The secret power that allowed him to read the subtle magic of the world is still available, and known to such luminaries as Wayne Dyer, Warren Buffett, George Lucas, and many more.

More information about tai chi

Tai chi ch'uan (taijiquan in pinyin, or abbreviated simply as tai chi) is perhaps the most exalted of the Chinese martial arts and most powerful of the mind/body modalities, with dynamics powerful enough to both defeat physical assailants and beat back the degenerative diseases of aging. Translated, the name means Ultimate Cosmic Fist and indeed this transformative longevity practice offers sophisticated body mechanics, a practical philosophy that offers a healthier way of looking at conflict, challenge and change. Spiritually inclined practitioners will even find that at higher levels the practice has a mystical dimension.

Legend has Tai Chi Ch'uan originating with a Taoist sage named Chang San-Feng at the turn of the last millennium. Historically, what we know today as tai chi was likely created by Chen Wang-ting (1597-1664), a 9th generation member of the Chen family and resident of a small village in the north of China. Chen constructed the system upon a tripod of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Taoist thought, and proven martial techniques.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) differs from Western medicine in significant ways. Broadly put TCM costs less and has fewer side effects than its Western counterpart, and may be less effective for acute health crises and at least as effective for some chronic conditions. TCM sees the body in terms of systems rather than organs. In the TCM model the body is crisscrossed by meridians, channels through which a life force called qi flows like water through a garden hose. Practicing Tai Chi increases this energy, opens the hoses, and aligns them for maximum flow.

Recent medical research confirms what practitioners have known for centuries, namely that tai chi can lower stress levels and blood pressure, save us from morbid falls, boost our immune system, aid in managing ADD/ADHD, chronic pain, and depression. Studies also show that the practice also improves cardiovascular health, trains the muscular core, and enhances flexibility, stamina, and range of motion.

Taoists believe there is a guiding force or intelligence to the universe. They call this force Tao, which means The Way. In the Taoist view, pairs of opposing forces (yin and yang) arose from nothingness (wuji) in much the way the Judeo-Christian creation story chronicles God's manufacture of heaven and earth from nothingness. Examples of yin and yang include male and female, light and dark, and weak and strong. Every Tai Chi Ch'uan movement directly embodies this Taoist worldview. In fact, there may be no system of movement anywhere that more closely obeys philosophical rules.

China has a long and illustrious martial tradition. At times China has been little more than a conglomerate of warring states. Conceived by monks, doctors, scholars and warriors, numerous martial systems were derived from the movements of animals and the forces of nature. Early fighting techniques were tested in combat, and were lost if ineffective. The ones used in tai chi are many of the very best techniques to survive the ages.

Authentic Tai Chi was very nearly lost during China's so-called "Cultural Revolution" when the armies of Mao Tse Tung gelded, killed, or banished its masters. These days the art is practiced worldwide by people of all ages, and is changing and evolving to suit the needs of the modern world. At Pen & Sword Tai Chi, we strive to keep the deep, original teachings alive and kicking, while making them accessible to everyone. Training will bring you flexibility, harmony, strength, peace, insight, and longevity.

Copyright 2010 - Arthur Rosenfeld

TESTIMONIALS
		"I always thought that I was too much of a beginner to realize the health benefits of tai chi. Then one day I recalled how my knees had hurt so much when I climbed the walls of the old city of Dubrovnik on my visit there three years ago, and now I have no problem with my knees. I attribute it to the gentle bending and stretching characteristic of tai chi practice."      - Roberta Presser "After treatment for a malignant brain tumor I never thought I’d regain the mobility, physical strength or coordination I had before the cancer. I’ve been studying Tai Chi for a little over one year and it has had a dramatic affect on me physiologically. I have regained my balance and flexibility and my physical stamina continues to improve as I practice. For me, Tai Chi has been a life changing experience."      - Jodi Elam "Over the 5+ years that I have been training in Tai Chi with Arthur, others have commented that they have seen great changes in me personally. I have learned relaxing techniques, gained physical balance, better breathing and in general using Tai Chi in my daily life."      - Larry Rayman "Tai chi taught me how to move differently through the world--to slow down and enjoy being."      - Rodney Cohen, MD "Women with swords...how cool is that?"      - Anonymous "I started Tai Chi when my life was upside down. Profound changes started almost immediately. I live in the moment, I don't use force against force, I let things flow, and I've gotten strong and balanced and flexible. It's harder than it looks, but lots of fun."      - Michelle Dysch Age: 45 (began Tai Chi at age 42)         Single mother of 2 "Physically and emotionally safe, Arthur Rosenfeld's classes generate inner peace, confidence and are taught with skill, wisdom and humor. I am grateful to have found tai chi, this teacher, and this group."      - Mordy I am grateful to Sifu Rosenfeld and all the members of Pen and Sword for the training. The setting in the park is a great background for the patience, encouragement and unflagging training that is provided to the beginner and I suspect the more advanced student.      - John Fitz After having back surgry (Laminectomy L5, S-1) along with three bad Cervicle Disks, this class has helped me stay fluid rather than a sedentary life that I was becoming use to after retiring, working almost 28 years of new installation and repair of water and sewerage systems. Due to me having new central air replaced, I will miss tomorrow's class, for which I regret, I shall return next sat      - D.J. Aubry

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