白馬太極學會
White Horse Tai Chi

Why choose Tai Chi?

 

There used to be a time not that long ago when Far Eastern culture was mainly in the form of food and films.  Karate and judo were amongst the first to be accepted and with the rise of Bruce Lee came the popularity of Chinese martial arts.  For a long time, Bruce Lee was what Chinese martial arts was about and to many in the West, the perception still exists. Demonstrations from Shaolin monks were also very popular.  However, martial arts in the Asia is not a recent phenomenon.  Back in the late Nineteenth Century, a British engineer by the name of Edward Barton-Wright spent three years in Japan and came back to Britain with a hybrid martial art he created for the British gentleman.  He called it Baritsu and the art is still being practiced. 

 

Taiji has for a long time been perceived as an exercise for old people and something you see Chinese people do in the parks.  Whilst Taiji has been taught in Britain for many years.  It has for a long time been considered as just a health exercise.  It was not until the early 90’s, when it was slowly seen as a martial art.  When my Master the late Dan Docherty and others started teaching Tai Chi as a martial art.  Films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon have helped raise the profile of Tai Chi and Daoist culture.

 

Is Taiji a health exercise or it is a martial art?  The answer is that it is both.  Because when you have movement, you have exercise.  When you exercise, you are cultivating health.  The practice of martial arts requires movement, but this movement is slow and gentle.  There is a misconception in that martial arts is all about fighting.  However,  in Chinese culture, it is about defence and avoiding the need to fight.  So contrary to popular belief, Chinese martial arts is a message for peace.  Taiji is suitable for all ages and you may practice in groups or on your own.  Some practice Taiji for health, the chance to socialise or as a form of release.  In the modern world we live in, many people suffer from stress, joint pains and heart conditions.  Taiji can help you manage these conditions and more.  There is no need to dress up, just come in with loose comfortable clothes. 

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Why chose White Horse Tai Chi?

 

There are many schools in Britain that teach Taiji.  However,  one should be careful as to what they sign up for.  Any set of slow movements can sold as Taiji or Qigong.  So whilst it may look like Taiji, they might not have the substance.  The terms Daoist/Taoist, scientific or authentic are used to sell to the uninformed, something that might not be what it says it is.  Furthermore, a lot of harmful material exists on social media which further distorts and perverts what Taiji actually is.  White Horse Tai Chi is different because the aim is to teach and live in the true nature of the art.  Tuition fees are simple and clear.  There are no hidden fees, annual membership or even compulsory purchase of a uniform.

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What can White Horse Tai Chi do for you?

 

There are many reasons why people choose to take up Taiji.  You might ask yourself why do you want to take up Taiji?  What are the classes like?  Well they are casual in nature and students practise in a pace that comfortable for them.  We promote an open and supportive environment.  It is important that students ask questions and have some idea of what they would like to do or achieve.  The teacher can only open the door, but the Taiji journey is yours to make.

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Disclaimer

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