Tai Chi

Since tai chi is a martial art, can I do it?
Yes, tai chi is a martial art, and yes, you can do it. Age, flexibility, strength and balance are not critical to have before beginning practice. Tai chi is adjustable to virtually any physical capability as it seeks to initiate and increase these vital characteristics of exercise.

I have skeletal health issues, is this a problem?
No exercise can promise the impossible, but no, certain skeletal issues are not an issue if the teacher is aware and can make allowances within practice to avoid further injury. Many of the students who continue study are actually individuals with various arthritic or other skeletal issues. Hips, knees and ankles are designed to take the weight of the human body, but not at every angle. Tai chi helps increase strength of limbs by aligning the body in its most economical position and thereby aide in healing and exercise of certain skeletal issues.

I want to work on cardio. Does tai chi offer anything for cardio work-outs?
Bluntly, no, tai chi does not have specific exercises for cardio or pulmonary stress exercise. Certain drills can be increased in speed or duration to achieve a similar result, but it is best, if one seeks cardio exercise to augment the strength and flexibility training within tai chi, to add this to a personal regimen.

Isn’t tai chi just for old people?
Not in the least. Tai chi is a martial art that is adjustable through every age and because of the low impact and low stressors of the system is accessible to seniors. However, as a martial system is comparable to a form of Chinese wrestling. For those interested in the sparring aspects, there are many other aspects that would not be suggested for individuals seeking to just increase mobility or strength.

I learn slowly, is this a problem?
Not in the least. There are several details to learn to perform and practice tai chi in a safe and healthy manner. It is assumed that learning speeds and styles are different for every person and time is not an issue. Safely practicing and learning the art is most important so repetition is encouraged and enforced to help individuals imbed the exercises not just within mental memory, but muscle memory as well.

Please send in or stop in and ask any questions you may have. You may also e-mail the instructor directly with any questions or concerns at: Bridgette Harmon

What is Taijiquan?

The first question generally asked when contemplating beginning study: just what is taijiquan?
In literal translation (excusing synonyms of the art of translation) is: most extreme fist. Were the creators expressing their over-confidence in their art? No. Instead they were honoring a major influence in the creation of taiji: Taoism. The symbol we commonly call the yin-yang in western culture is, in Chinese, called Taiji. The last character in the name of this martial art simply recognizes it as a martial art, versus a symbol.

The importance of recognizing what the name means continues in delineating other major influences.
Taijiquan is a holistic art incorporating not only Taoist spiritual and balancing influences, but Traditional Chinese Medicinal theories and other established martial techniques into the originating Chen Family Style Shadow Boxing. Along with its sister arts, Taijiquan is classified as an internal martial art, focusing initially on the whole body balance and the development of self awareness (getting in touch with your chi or qi). Study then continues into forms and practical applications, always basing the next level of study on the preceding level and maintaining the principles first taught in the self awareness stage.

Though there are several sources recognizing a fictional founder of the art, in China the accepted and proven origination is with Chen Wang Ting, circa 1600. The art has since grown into five major family styles and several sub categories of these five. Chen, the originating style, is the style taught here. Further information about the history and teachers is imbedded in practice and lecture within classes.

INSTRUCTOR BRIDGETTE HARMON

Bridgette came to Taijiquan and martial arts later than perhaps most martial instructors, beginning study in Spring 2002 during collegiate studies with Master Salvador de la Rosa III. Six months into study she placed third in the beginners level forms competition at the 2002 Taiji Legacy Tournament and has since been a senior student and assistant instructor to Master de la Rosa in his collegiate courses and independent classes.

June 6, 2009 marks Bridgette’s acceptance as a disciple to Master de la Rosa, recognizing her as a 13th Chen Family Lineage Successor.

She practices and teaches Old Frame First and Second Routines, Short 18 Form, Broad Sword, Qigong meditation and two man drills Push Hands. Bridgette’s study of the system of continues with New Frame First Routine, Straight Sword, Pole and other Taiji weapons forms.

With a multidisciplinary approach to teaching and learning, Bridgette has great interest in all martial systems and looks forward to learning from all styles, teachers and students.

Her philosophy in learning and working with the martial arts is there is only one secret: work hard. Work hard, practice again and again, and through this you shall achieve.

Dear Students:

I'd like to thank you for your interest in Chen Tai Chi and welcome you to participate in
class as often as you are able.
This e-mail includes several links to help you determine your interest and focus in learning
tai chi.
The style I teach is called Chen, from the family who developed the style and I learn and
teach the forms as taught by Grandmaster Chen Zheng Lei. Thus, most of the information
will be in line with what Chen Zheng Lei teaches and with what I have found interesting.
Should you find sites or information that you find helpful, poses questions or disagrees with
what I have linked to you, please let me know as various sources are always more useful
than a narrow field of experience.

Firstly this is a text heavy site that has a good amount of information on Chen Tai Chi:
http://cdweinmann.tripod.com/glossary.htm

Secondly, this is a site about my Grandmaster, written from the point of view of a different
style, though still a fan:
http://www.thewushucentre.net/information_pages/chen_zhenglei.html

Last, these are videos, through youtube, that show various aspects of what tai chi is, what
it can do and who can do it. For now I am limiting the links to Chen style to stave off
confusion, but please be aware that there are several styles (5 major ones) and on-line,
they will have links to them. Don't be afraid to watch, just be aware that difference will be
apparent, even within Chen.

Chen Zheng Lei's 18 Form, a shortened form, to get the idea of what you're doing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5tIEPaMHZM

Chen Peng Fei, son of one of the Tai Chi Tigers, at 3 years old...just to show it's not just for old people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM-EKKy4354

Same boy, now 12 years old:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljNEAYEt5m4

This is the second routine of the old frame. It is more explosive, though here performed slowly
to better see the movements. I attach this so as one may see better the martial aspects.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSncrvodX4s

There are many videos and much to read, so don't be afraid of research but don't exhaust
yourself trying to absorb it all at once. I'll be more than happy to discuss aspects and questions
whenever they present themselves.

Thank you again for you interest, and I look forward to seeing you!

Bridgette Harmon
(210) 232-4692
Maeve04@hotmail.com