An early Tai Chi master once wrote that the ultimate purpose of learning Tai Chi is to live forever in the Spring season of your life.
Tai Chi is known historically as an internal martial art with a legendary reputation of cultivating Neigong or Internal Energy and thereby achieving exceptional health benefits. These teachings were at the core of the traditions that originated from the Emperor of China's Imperial Bodyguards after the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. Unfortunately, this art has been lost in most modern Tai Chi teaching. When the legendary officer of the bodyguard, Wu Chien Chuan, taught Tai Chi to Yang Wabu in Hong Kong, Wu taught him the method of cultivating Neigong through “Internal Discipline” which should be a common thread through all Classical Tai Chi forms. Internal Discipline is of particular importance when one wants to develop the full health benefits of Tai Chi and to learn martial arts applications of Tai Chi. We are pleased to offer instruction in what is called "Classical Tai Chi" by Mr. James Roach a 30+ year practitioner of the Wu Style Tai Chi.
Most "Tai Chi" classes are good exercise but most also lack the common thread of "Internal Discipline" for "Internal Energy". Even experienced students and afficionados tell us "until now I have merely been doing external Tai Chi"
Internal Discipline is the most challenging aspect of learning Tai Chi. See our separate page devoted to the concept of Internal Discipline. Definition: It is the central element of the practice which dictates how a movement should be made from the internal core of the body—the abdomen and the back—not from the external parts of the body, such as arms and shoulders.
This discipline is essential to obtain the full benefits of Tai Chi. Without it the entire logical structure of Tai Chi disintegrates and can no longer be considered an internal martial art.
When Master Wu taught Tai Chi to Young Wabu, Wu taught him the methodology of cultivating neigong through Internal Discipline. Wu learned the Tai Chi from his father who learned from the Yangs—without alteration (see FAQ). The Yangs learned the art from the Chens. Internal Discipline should be a common thread through all the classical tai chi forms. And is of particular importance when one wants to develop the full health benefits of Tai Chi and to learn martial arts applications of Tai Chi.
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