Tai Chi Chuan (The Grand Ultimate Fist) is a Taoist Martial Art,
which in modern days is mostly used for health & well-being. Based
on the philosophy of Yin/Yang or Soft/Hard, Tai Chi is a powerful tool
for gaining understanding of the interplay of forces between two people
when contesting against each other.
The health benefits of Tai Chi should never be underestimated. The
movements reduce body tension whilst increasing strength and balance.
On another level the breath work, or Qi Gong, helps to de-tox the body
and, for those who believe in the Traditional Chinese medicine system,
Tai Chi is reported to help the flow of energy through the body.
The Tai Chi Form taught at the Sho Shin Do school is known as the
Special Beijing 24. Based on the Yang family short form 24, this form
has been manipulated by the Chinese Government Sports Bureau to
emphasise the health benefits gained through practise. Elements of the
Chen & Wu schools of Tai Chi have been blended into the form for
this purpose.
The Beijing 24 is aimed at the beginner and uses 24 representative
moves from the Yang style. Although it has been simplified by reducing
the repetition of moves and some of the more difficult kicks, it
contains the important and traditional characteristics and features of
Yang style forms.
