Hasayfu Hung Ga

Tai Chi Chuan

Tai Chi Chuan translates as Grand Ultimate Fist.  It sounds fierce, and it can be, but it is perhaps best known for it graceful, slow movements, and its benefits for improving health.  There are several styles of Tai Chi, and Lam Tang specializes in Sun style, and Wu style.

Once you begin moving, the whole body is light and limber.  In Tai Chi practice, the entire body coordinates into one synchronous unit.  When you begin to move, the movements are similar to the universe as it moves and exercises its influence in a coordinated manner.  As long as the Earth and the other planets revolve and rotate around the Sun in their specific ways, all is in harmony.

Tai -Chi was created as a system of mental and physical discipline which we can understand and follow, and which is based on universal principals of balance and harmony.  The body must be coordinated, relaxed, comfortable, peaceful, and mentally alert.  In this way you will be able to maneuver the body in any direction, at will.  This will eventually lead to building the fire of internal energy and the process of internal power projection.

The internal energy should be extended, vibrating like the beat of a drum.  The tai chi meditative movements must be very smooth and even, just as if you were trying to draw a perfect circle without the aid of an instrument

……Sifu Saleem Alamudeen


Tai Chi FAQ’s

What is the difference between T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Tai Chi and Taijiquan?

None. They are different spellings and shortened versions of the same term (taijiquan is the modern pinyin spelling and tai-chi is sometimes seen too)

What does Tai Chi Chuan mean?

It has been translated as ‘Supreme Ultimate Martial Art’ but I prefer ‘Martial Art Using the Principle of Yin and Yang’.

What is the age range in classes?

This varies from class to class but expect a broad range of ages, (teens and 20′s up to 80′s & 90′s) but it is not common for the art to be taught to children as the training is a little slow for their tastes. Some classes are specifically targeted for the over 50′s generation.

Do you have to be fit to start doing Tai Chi?

No, in fact many of the Tai Chi movements can even be adapted to wheelchair users, although some individual attention is required. Do however check with your doctor if you are in any doubt before starting any program of physical exercise. Also let your instructor know of any disability you may have that may restrict your ability to perform certain movements.

Is Tai Chi a health exercise or a martial art?

It is both (although some teachers teach only the health aspects)! Probably 90% of people starting Tai Chi are there purely for their health, but many go on to embrace the complete art. However, if all you are interested in is self-defense, Hung Gar is a faster way to achieve this.

Are classes suitable for men and women?

Generally there is a mix of men and women in a class. Women-only classes are a rarity in Tai Chi and it is generally beneficial to have a mix of Yin (female) and Yang (male) energy within a class.

What do you wear for Tai Chi?

Lam Tang has a school uniform. This information will be provided upon registration.

I’ve heard that Tai Chi is an internal martial art?

Taijiquan is one of the three Chinese Internal martial arts (Liu Ho Pa Fa). The other two being Xing I Quan and Ba Gua Zhang. It is a characterized by soft relaxed movements and trained at a slower speed than other martial arts.

What should I expect in a typical Tai Chi class?

Chi Kung (Qigong) may be stationary or moving meditation, and practice of the Tai Chi Form.  There will also be Pushing Hands (tui shou) – a two person exercise usually taught from intermediate level training.  At higher levels, there are weapons forms.

The Six Traits of Tai Chi

  1. Smoothness
  2. Balance
  3. Relaxation
  4. Continuity
  5. Centering
  6. Blending of mind, body and breath

The Principals of Tai Chi

  1. All movement is governed by the waist
  2. Always tuck your tail bone
  3. Never have your knee past your toes
  4. Drop your chin, suspend your head
  5. Hollow your chest (bow your back)
  6. Move your upper extremities in harmony with your lower ones
  7. Steps should be as if you are moving on ice, light by strong
  8. Always practice the rules of substantial and insubstantial
  9. Breath evenly, long, deep and quiet
  10. Relax the mind and the body will follow