Our studio represents the Northwest

Arkansas Branch of WuWei TaiChi

Taiji, also called Tai Chi Chuan, is a unifying discipline of martial arts, healing and philospophy.  It is a non-competitive system of gentle exercise and stretching that emphasizes deep relaxation of the mind and body, deep clear awareness, and precise body alignment. Through these, it teaches one to develop a supple strength and to reach a state described as "the soft overcoming the hard".

  By bringing the mind and body together, Tai Chi can reduce stress. During Tai Chi, you focus on movement and breathing. This combination creates a state of relaxation and calm. Stress, anxiety and tension should melt away as you focus on the present, and the effects may last well after you stop your tai chi session. You can even draw on the soothing concepts of Tai Chi without performing the actual movements if you get stuck in stressful situations such as a traffic jam or a work conflict. 

  Learning Tai Chi may help your overall health, although it's not a substitute for traditional medical care. It is generally safe for people of all ages and is appealing to older adults because the movements are low impact and put minimal stress on muscles and joints. Tai chi may also be helpful if you have arthritis or are recovering from an injury. 

  To reap the greatest benefits from Tai Chi, consider practicing it regularly.  But if your schedule is erratic, do Tai Chi whenever you have a few minutes.

Relaxation                                                                       

  The central idea of Tai Chi is relaxation of one’s body and mind, which leads to deep clear awareness and precise body alignment.  Relaxation should not be confused with collapsing. If you collapse, your body contracts and is weak. Through Tai Chi you learn how to feel open and strong. 

Styles of Tai Chi                                                      

  There are five officially recognized styles: Chen, Yang, Wu, Wuu and Sun.  Michael offers instruction in two styles, Chen and Yang and studies Chi Gong and Sword

   *Chen is the original form of Tai Chi, and is characterized by fluid athletic movements.

   *Yang is derived from Chen and retains it's essential qualities with less emphasis on athleticism.