Calgary TaiChi & Martial Arts College
蔡耿章卡城太极武术院
Promoting Chinese Culture through Chinese Martial Arts
Cai Tai CHI
蔡氏太極拳由根練起。蔡師傅總結傳統太極拳精華引領學生由丹田練起,通過積累丹田内氣螺旋式推動全身經脈氣血疏通。許多學生練習后,消除腰酸背痛,肩周炎,腰間槃突出,膝關節痛等退化疾病,還減輕高血壓和糖尿病!等疾病,太極拳不是為了練習動作,而是為了内氣積累於丹田,蔡師傅教你正確太極入門方法,由丹田練起。
Cai Tai Chi, founded by Master Cai, is practiced from the roots and has been at our college for over 20 years. Master Cai condensed the essence of the tradition of Taijiquan and today teaches classes where he leads students in accumulating their body’s energy, their qi, in their body’s focal points, their dantian, promoting the flow of energy and blood throughout the body. After practicing Tai Chi, students can eliminate degenerative diseases such as backache, frozen shoulders, lumbar bulges, knee joint pain, and can even reduce the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. When you learn Cai Tai Chi, Master Cai will not only teach you movements but also instruct you in the accumulation of internal energy in your dantian.
Styles of Taijiquan
Cai Tai Chi Chen style is the original style of Tai Chi. Its movements are circular and spiral. They alternate between fast and slow motion, and are performed with complimentary firmness and softness. The waist leads the whole body to turn. It can be practiced for health enhancement, and as a means of self-defense.
Cai Tai Chi Yang style is the most popular style of Tai Chi. Its movements are poised, expansive, smooth and agile. It is a softer version of its Chen ancestor, and mainly practiced for health and longevity.
About Taijiquan
Taijiquan; with a documented history of over 300 years, is a familiar exercise to many people. It incorporates the Yin Yang Theory, internal energy, breathing, and boxing techniques into a unique style of martial arts. From its earliest combative emphasis to its current focus on promoting health, Taijiquan has is recognized and accepted by people from all walks of life.
1. Effects on the Nervous system
Modern men live in a society driven by information, competition and efficiency. Under a chronic state of intense pressure, symptoms of nervousness and anxiety are common. Tai Chi is practiced "with serenity and mindfulness", and with full concentration on the movements. Not bothered by incidental thoughts, the mind is relaxed, restful and clear. Frequent Tai Chi practice can improve the self-regulatory capability of the nervous system, enhance vitality, increase energy and reduce stress.
2. Effects on the Cardiovascular and Respiratory systems
When a person's constitution deteriorates, symptoms like an increased heart rate, higher blood pressure and shortness in breath will surface. Tai Chi allows one to "relax both internally and externally", and to "sink one's energy towards the Dan Tian". This process changes the abdominal pressure, strengthens the contraction of the heart, improves circulation and ensures a full supply of nutrients to the cardiac muscles. Also, movement of the diaphragm provides a rhythmic massage to the liver, thereby eliminating any tiny blood clots and improving its functions. Consistent Tai Chi practice is a good preventative measure against heart diseases and arteriosclerosis.
3. Effects on the Loco-motor system
The skeleton, muscles and joints start to degenerate after middle age. The continuous, slow, and circular motions in Tai Chi help to stretch, extend and rotate the skeletal frame, joints and muscles. Persistent Tai Chi practice results in stronger bones, flexible joints and elastic muscles. It also delays the aging process.
4. Effects on the Digestive system
"Hollowing the chest to fill the abdomen" and "sinking energy towards the Dan Tian" are two basic principles of Tai Chi practice. This process brings about a change in abdominal pressure, facilitates peristalsis and increases metabolism. It also prevents various digestive disorders and constipation.
5. Effects on functions of the spine, waist and kidneys
An aching, stiff, or hunched back are signs of aging. Tai Chi emphasizes on "raising the head and lifting the pelvis" and "keeping the body centered and straight", resulting in a stretched and extended spine. Regular Tai Chi practices can maintain elasticity of the spine and prevent back problems. Also, the continuous turning movements from the waist strengthen the kidneys and fill the Dai Meridian (Belt Channel) with energy. A person with strong kidneys is full of vitality.
All in all, Taijiquan is truly a wellness-promoting exercise which abides by both martial and physiological principles. It is healthy, scientific, fascinating and keenly pursued by a wide spectrum of the population.