What is Tai Chi?
Originating in China, tai chi is an ancient form of self-defense and energy cultivation. It is best thought of as playing: playing with movement and breath; playing with energy; playing with consciousness.
With tai chi, you experience a gentle and thorough exercise through which you may attain exceptional physical health and vitality. Tai chi will also enhance your becoming more centered and balanced. It integrates and rejuvenates you as nothing else can.
Satisfying to learn and simple to do, pra cticing the calming movements of tai chi also refines your inner self while producing tranquility of mind. Tai chi is an enjoyable, moving meditation that puts you in touch with your personal power and discipline while producing insight to help you accomplish what you want in life.
What is Golden Flower Tai Chi?
There are many styles of tai chi. The Golden Flower Tai Chi School offers authentic tai chi from the Yang Family lineage taught in a way that is accessible to most people. The Golden Flower Tai Chi Form is a series of slow, flowing movements that express the fundamental principles of tai chi. It is derived from the three main interpretations of the Yang Tai Chi Form: the Short Form; the Traditional Long Form; and the Small Circle Long Form. The Golden Flower Tai Chi Form is easy for the beginner and yet, at the advanced level, challenging to the adept.
The Golden Flower Tai Chi Form was developed by Master San Gee Tam, founder of the Golden Flower Tai Chi Association, who has been teaching tai chi since 1975. His tai chi foundation includes over 13 years of full-time individual training with Master Chu King Hung, a direct lineage representative of the Yang Family. In developing the Golden Flower Tai Chi Form, Master San Gee Tam's intention was "to present a method based on sound traditional tai chi principles appropriate to what most people want and need."
Although you can learn the Golden Flower Tai Chi Form in about six months, you are encouraged to take your time and learn at your own pace. There is no actual grading system in tai chi as in other martial arts - for instance, the colored belt grading system of Karate. However, the Golden Flower Tai Chi Form is organized into stages so that you can set clear goals and know what you have accomplished. Although the teaching has been adapted to accommodate some Western expectations, it is important to keep in mind that tai chi is an Eastern technique that requires patience and practice. Tai chi is a continual process of learning and understanding. It is of no use to be in a hurry.
The purpose of the Golden Flower Tai Chi School is to make the deep knowledge passed down as the art of tai chi available to anyone who sincerely seeks radiant health and natural wisdom.