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Some comments from our students

“I study at the NY School of T’ai Chi Chuan. As I learn and practice more, I feel the life energy move through blocked areas, bringing me increased stability, focus and strength. My mind is clearer, my body is enlivened and I feel a deeper sense of well-being. My commitment to it is to enjoy and extend my life. …Best T’ai Chi teachers you’ll find anywhere. Try this and feel good!”
— Robin Wilson

“I have been taking Tai Chi for almost a year. During that time, I have experienced numerous benefits and am very happy with the results. The reason I began taking Tai Chi was to help improve my balance and deal with stress. When I began taking Tai Chi, I was no stranger to Eastern practices and had been doing yoga and meditating for years. Tai Chi struck me as beautiful to watch and it was readily apparent that to do it well required gracefulness. However, I must admit that I did not see many other physical benefits. My misconception regarding this was proved wrong almost immediately. In terms of my health, I have had arthritis in my upper back for several years and it was with this condition that I immediately experienced Tai Chi’s benefits. My shoulders began to make cracking-like noises that were immediately followed by waves of relief. As classes progress, the instructor began to introduce Chi Gong exercises. These exercises seemed more subtle than yoga poses. However, that is not to say that they were any lesseffective. The flow of motion that was required seemed to produce a state of physical soothing that was akin to what I felt after an extended meditation. In particular, my hips felt more relaxed and I noticed increased mobility in that area. I truly appreciated the benefits Tai Chi has provided and look forward to what hopefully will prove a long and fruitful endeavor.”
— Thomas Flynn

“I first learned T’ai Chi from the New York School of T’ai Chi Chuan and have been practicing for over ten years. T’ai Chi has had positive effects on almost every aspect of my life. Physically, T’ai Chi practice has reduced long-standing stress injuries and given me better balance and grace. But perhaps more importantly, the practice of T’ai Chi taught me lessons of patience, relaxation, and awareness that I carry into all of my interactions. I can’t thank the teachers of the school enough for introducing me to my practice and giving me such a powerful tool for all of the stresses of my life.”
— Nick

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What is T’ai Chi Chuan?

T’ai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese system of movement for health and vitality. Its practice results in increased awareness, sensitivity, and an unexcelled art of self-defense. The T’ai Chi form consists of a series of postures performed in a slow, continuous sequence. Unlike exercise which relies on muscular force and tension, the graceful movements of T’ai Chi emphasize relaxation, straightness, and true balance. The T’ai Chi form taught by the New York School of T’ai Chi Chuan, and its parent organization, the T’ai Chi Foundation, was refined from the Yang Family form by Master Cheng Man-Ch’ing. This form, commonly known as Yang Style Short Form, takes only 7–10 minutes to perform and is a complete physical exercise, balancing and rejuvenating both the internal organs and external musculature. No special clothing or equipment is required. It can be done in a small space and is suitable for men and women of all ages.

Literally translated as “Supreme Ultimate Fist,” T’ai Chi Chuan has been called the queen of martial arts. Its basic tenet is simple and evident in Nature— “In Softness there is Strength.”

While buildings and hard trees
Tumble before the typhoon
Blades of grass and willows yield
And remain unharmed.

Normally, human beings waste most of their energy holding unnecessary tension in the body and mind. In time, the body’s youthful pliability and straightness give way to stiffness and imbalance. Circulation becomes impaired, organs deteriorate, illness and injury become frequent, the mind loses its attentiveness. For thousands of years, the principles and practice of T’ai Chi Chuan have been helping people to eliminate tension, regain their health, and experience the full potential that is the birthright of everyone.

© 2024 T’ai Chi Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.
Do not reprint without written permission T’ai Chi Foundation, Inc.
Please credit: Neil Gumenick

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DVD: Tai Chi Chuan Principles and Practice

This video is an excerpt of the DVD, Principles and Practice of T’ai Chi Chuan, produced by Rick Brown for the T’ai Chi Foundation. The video includes excerpts from the full T’ai Chi Foundation video of the same name, which is available for sale here: t’ai chi store.

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Where Can I Learn T’ai Chi?

We have locations in New York City, around the country, and around the World. For our complete list of T’ai Chi schools and centers, please visit our T’ai Chi Locations Page.