About
What is Tai Chi?
Tai-chi Chuan (Taiji Quan) translates as Supreme Ultimate Fist. It is a Chinese martial art said to have been created by Chang San-feng the mystic figure of Taoist legend said to have lived in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
Tai Chi Chuan is considered a ‘soft’ or ‘internal martial art’ and relies on the principles of correct postural alignment and genuine relaxation or song (release) to produce power. Whilst immensely dynamic in practice and application, in modern times Tai Chi is practiced predominantly for it’s robust health benefits and is famous for it’s solo form practice, characterised by slow fluid movements.
Yang Style Tai Chi
Yang Lu-chan (1799-1872) is the founder of the Yang family martial art. Lu-chan is said to have studied his art from Chen Chang Xin of the Chen village. Yang Lu Chan taught his art to his sons, Yang Ban Hou and Yang Jien Hou.
Jien Hou’s son Yang Shao Hou created the ‘small frame’ form which was mainly developed by the teachings which Shao Hou had received while living and training under his uncle, Ban Hou.
Lu-chan’s grandson Yang Cheng-fu (1883-1936), took the family art outside of closed doors and choreographed the popularised Yang-style Form as it is known today.
Professor Cheng Man-Ching (1901-1975), was a student Yang Cheng-fu. ‘The Professor’ choreographed the Yang-style Short Form consisting of 37 postures.
Huang Sheng Shyan studied with Man-Ching in Taiwan and was to become his most accomplished student by many accounts. Sheng Shyan went on to distill his knowledge and experience into a number of exercises which he designed, including his famous 5 Loosening Exercises, or Song Shen Wu Fa, which are a fundamental part of his style, setting it apart from other lineages.
The Heaven Man Earth Taiji Quan system is founded by Sifu Adam Mizner who has trained extensively with a number of masters from both the Huang Sheng Shyan lineage and the Yang Shao Hou lineage.
‘’A great teacher can make the complex seem simple. Paul has a way of translating the wisdom of the ages in a way that is tangible and fun. The school has a dedication to learning the deeper layers and mechanics…‘’
- TaiChi student & Dr of Osteopathy, Nick Arora