Happy Ocean Tai Chi Academy
"T'ai chi ch'uan or tà ijÃquán, often shortened to t'ai chi, taiji or tai chi in English usage, is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits. It is also typically practiced for a variety of other personal reasons: its hard and soft martial art technique, demonstration competitions, and longevity."
-Wikipedia
Our Philosophy
Chi is the life force that comes from all living things
Tai Chi is the Tao to optimize the ability to use chi.
Since the beginning of time, the Earth has been shaped by rain, wind, lightning, and fire. These elements may exist in harmony or disharmony. When they are in harmony, life flourishes. Animals and people seek balance. Some animals migrate in search of the best food, water and shelter. Man, though preferring temperate conditions, has the creativity and intellect to modify his environment. For example, Man is able to bring water to dry areas or drain areas that are too wet, and is able to heat or cool his home.
In times past, Man lived a physically active lifestyle by
hunting, farming and maintaining his home. With the
technological advances of today's modern world, Man is
settling into an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. Our bodies need to be balanced. In order to be healthy, you need the right amount of food, exercise, rest, and emotional well-being.
Tai Chi is a balanced exercise system that helps you
achieve optimum health by challenging and integrating
your mind, body, and spirit. As you do these exercises,
you will find yourself energized rather than fatigued. You will feel mentally alert, and learn how to control your breathing for maximum health effects such as improved circulation. Your muscles will strengthen and your balance will improve.
Your practice will begin as you learn the Tai Chi Natural
Beginning Position. From a quiet, calm, balanced, and
focused stance, you will harmonize the line of yin and yan. From this exercise that may appear as non-movement, you are actually circulating chi and oxygen internally. The chi we are born with resides in our kidneys. Other sources of chi come from the air we breathe and the food we eat.
Tai Chi means extreme opposites...movement and non-
movement, hollow and solid, yin and yan. Yin represents
hollow, Yan is the solid. As you begin to move, you will
notice that your internal self is calm as you focus on
moving from solid to hollow in harmony to maintain your balance. You will also discover how your heart focuses your thoughts. Once focused, your thoughts merge with your chi to put the strength behind your movements. By combining all of these things, you will learn how to make the mind, body, and spirit work in harmony.
Tai Chi is not only a balanced exercise system, but is also a martial art with self-defense applications. These applications involves timing, intelligence, technique, and using your opponent's force to your advantage – no matter what your size, gender, or age. Although we all hope never to find ourselves in a situation to need these applications, it is still possible.
The practice of Tai Chi will help you develop the techniques, coordination, and internal energy necessary to defend yourself while optimizing your health. Your level of development is up to you. Whether you are interested in Tal Chi for fun or for serious study, our classes and DVD series provides you with the information necessary for you to reach your goal.