TAI CHI

What is White Phoenix Tai Chi?

Tai Chi translates to “Ultimate Energy.”  Sometimes used is the name Tai Chi Chuan or “Ultimate Energy Fist.” Often systems that utilize the Chuan in their name want to differentiate themselves from health and wellness objectives to focus on martial techniques. 

Tai Chi utilizes body movements, breathing, and focus on the body’s center of gravity, to generate physical power.  This is not mystical in nature; many sports utilize these same types of movements.  A baseball pitch, a golf swing, a bowler’s throw, a swimmer’s butterfly stroke are very similar movements to what a Tai Chi practitioner utilizes.  The differences are in the amount of “windup” and of follow-through that is allowable in a martial confrontation. 

Tai Chi utilizes flowing movements that move with an attack rather than a more rooted defense and counter.  This is similar to the Japanese Aikido systems but is less rigid in its’ “flowing” philosophy. 

When practiced Tai Chi is performed slowly and with focus.  When utilized as a martial system movements are executed with dynamic speed and power, thus the name Tai Chi.

There are different styles of Tai Chi and within these styles there are different families and schools of thought.  Study centers on forms or martial “dances” that contain a continuous flow of techniques.  Depending on the Style, movements can be large or small, dynamic or exceptionally slow, or a mixture of varying degree.

White Phoenix Tai Chi has been described as an “Old Yang Style.”  It has distinct dynamic Chen elements but the stance work is slightly smaller.

Our classes are flexible in their teaching focus.  If a student only wants to work with the material as a wellness program so be it.  If in contrast the student wants to pursue the “Chuan” or fighting aspect of the material, this is also available to the student.