T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a set of naturally flowing movements for health and fitness, relaxation, meditation, and self defense, that originated in China nearly 1,000 years ago. Since then, it has been highly valued as one of the treasures of China.

The T'ai Chi Ch'uan exercise consists of about 100 movements which are preformed slowly in a continuous sequence with a spirit of calmness, balance and awareness.

Originally, the art was a closely guarded family secret. Today, it is practiced by millions of people, both young and old, in China and around the world.

Health and Fitness
Regular practice of T'ai Chi Ch'uan develops strength and flexibility of joints, muscles, and ligaments. T'ai Chi Ch'uan also enhances the performance of the cardiovascular system with a minimum of stress. It is classified as a low impact aerobic exercise, comparable to walking. Because of the gentle nature of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, it is often used as a therapeutic exercise when recovering from illness or injury, or for those who are just starting an exercise program and are "out of shape."

Relaxation
T'ai Chi Ch'uan teaches a way of relaxation, but is not like being asleep or totally limp. Rather it is relaxation with vitality. Under pressure, one is still relaxed, and when at ease and enjoying oneself, there is still tone in the body and alertness in mind.

Through daily practice of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, one learns to use the body more efficiently, and to achieve greater results with less effort. One then has more energy left over to ward off illness and enjoy the good things in life.

Meditation
In T'ai Chi Ch'uan the mind is focused on acurate body position, calm breathing, and on moving with as little excess tension as possible. This helps develop a calm and balanced attitude which carries over into the regular activities of daily life. Though daily practice, the mind becomes alert, clear, and relaxed, and you gain a new sense of poise and serenity.

Self-defense
T'ai Chi Ch'uan is known as an internal system of self-defense because the strenght comes from the development of inner coordination and stability in motion, rather than external speed and strength. Correct T'ai Chi Ch'uan does not pit force against force. One learns to redirect the attacker's force back to the attacker, using as light a touch as possible. Students also learn to develop a stable center of balance, quick reflexes, and the ability to neutralize aggression without causing harm to the aggressor.

From whatever perspective one approaches T'ai Chi Ch'uan, one can exspect to benefit in many ways, from developing Physical and mental fitness, to finding a new harmony of mind, body, and spirit.

The Rochester T'ai Chi Ch'uan Center is a non-profit educational corporation dedicated to furthering the art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan and related mind/body disciplines.