Taiji Qigong

Taiji Qigong

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What Is Taiji Qigong? Taiji is a prominent part of Chinese culture and is closely linked with Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a series of gentle movements and simple postures designed to improve coordination, relieve stress, and advance physical and mental well-being. By exercising the body, mind, and spirit Taiji soothes and rejuvenates the practitioner while fostering a sense of balance. Daily practice of Taiji is a path to enhance total health. When Taiji is combined with Qigong the health benefits of both become paramount. Qigong is a form of meditative disciplined breathing derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine and widely recognised for its health benefits. Like Taiji, Qigong is a series of gentle slow rhythmic actions, usually done while standing. Using various postures, movements, mental imagery, and breathing, the art develops and utilises the body's Qi (vital energy) to promote good health. By increasing stamina, flexibility, balance, and alertness, practitioners work toward maintaining and increasing quality of life. Though a martial art, it is oriented toward overall well-being rather than physical defense. As a result, practice calms the mind, energizes the body and helps create a sense of physical and mental equilibrium.
	Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health was created by Masters Zeng Nailiang and Wei Xianglian. Master Zeng recently retired as head coach of the Chinese National Wushu Team. Ranked Eighth Duan in Chinese Wushu, he is one of the ten most famous Wushu coaches in contemporary China. He has coached both Asian and international Wushu champions. Master Wei holds the rank of Sixth Duan and is the Chair of the Fuzhou Huawu Gong Fu Center, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China. Masters Zeng and Wei developed Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health by integrating Taiji and Qigong. Both of these disciplines focus on the relationship between Yin and Yang, stillness and movement, softness and strength. They also focus mental concentration and meditative calmness. Therefore, they are both able to clear the mind and spirit. Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health has only six forms or postures and is easy to learn. It is designed so that it can be practiced using any or all six forms at any time and practically anywhere. Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health is an important element in preventing illness, improving health and increasing longevity. Health Benefits of Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health Combining Taiji and Qigong promotes: Better balance and mobility, Lower blood pressure, Increased circulation, Increased joint flexibility and range of motion, Pain management for arthritis and other joint problems. Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health is beneficial for everyone. It is particularly appropriate for older adults because all movements can be modified to accommodate individual physical limitations. Thus Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health can contribute to health and independent living. A seated version of Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health is also available for wheelchair users and others with limited mobility. Before Beginning Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program, even one as seemingly gentle as Taiji Qigong. This is a wise precaution if you are at all concerned about your ability to perform the movements safely. Remember, this is a recreational program not a therapeutic one. Warmup. Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health is a much more powerful exercise than it first appears. You need to be prepared for the exertion required. Before practicing you should take about ten to fifteen minutes to warm up and stretch your joints and muscles. You should also cool down after exercising by repeating the warmup routine and walking around, or in place, slowly. You can make up your own warmup routine by incorporating some of the Forms as you learn them.

	Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health is: Easy to learn and remember because it consists of only six postures, or movements. As well, any of the six movements can be practiced on its own without going through the entire set. Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health has bilateral symmetry; the movements are repeated on the left and right side, so it is an exercise that involves the whole body. The practitioner is not required to hold a stance with deeply bent knees in order to maintain a particular height throughout the set. While doing Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health you are continually bending and straightening your knees, gently crouching and standing up, so the muscles are first challenged and then allowed to rest. If you do it consistently, you can definitely improve your health. Suitable for all ages, all physical conditions and can be done in two square metres of space. You can practice with a high or a low stance and repeat it as many times as you want. Alternatively, just do three or four movements or practice a form when you have a spare moment. It can help to relax your mind and body and give you a feeling of happiness. Made up of relaxed, gentle, circular, and slow movements that offer a beneficial way to relax. Because of this focus, Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health is a good way to relieve stress. The constant rhythmic changes from motion to stillness, from tension to relaxation, from fast to slow can create a sense of mental balance and calm. As an added bonus, forming friendships through training with others can be a way of achieving happiness.
The Instructor Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health is taught by Bill Temple, Head Instructor at Prairie Phoenix Martial Arts. He began martial arts training in 1980 and currently holds Dan ranking in Taekwondo. As a student of the martial arts he also trains in Iwama Aikido. With an extensive teaching background in both the public and private sector he brings experience, patience, and compassion to the class. Bill received his instructor's certification from Master Peng Youlian in June 2005. Bill has demonstrated Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health at the Rady Jewish Communtiy Centre and taught the program at Broadway Neighbourhood Centre and the Aboriginal Senior Resource Centre. He has also conducted an outdoor program for employees of the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation and is currently teaching at Villa Nova. Master Peng Youlian, Eighth Duan, is the only North American representative authorised by the creators of the form to certify instructors in Taiji Qigong: Six Forms for Health. He is President of both The Peng You Taiji Quan Association which receives national recognition from The Confederation of Canadian Wushu Organizations, and The Canadian Organization of Traditional Taiji Quan Associations.
	Class Schedule Monday to Friday: 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m., 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Other times available subject to demand. Arrangements may be made by groups to have classes taught at a site of their choice. Alternatively we can guarantee a specific time block at our facility.