Over the 12 weeks you will be shown the Eight Brocades, how to develop your inner Chi (AKA qi) plus you will learn the proper way to breathe and make proper Tai Chi movements. And of course, you will learn the Standardized 24 form of Tai Chi.

 

Chi (qi) is defined as life force or inner energy or breath. "There can be no energy without breath. There can be no breath without energy. It is said that the Eight Pieces of Silk Brocade date back approximately 2,500 years and other stories claim it was started by the Shaolin Priests in the 500's. To stay fit, and prepare for other martial arts, the priests performed a series of exercises called the Eighteen Hands of the Lohan. Somewhere in history it was decided that the most essential of these exercises were the first eight. Those eight exercises became the Eight Pieces of Silk Brocade. 

 

It is also said that somewhere in time between the 500's and the 17-1800's the moves or positions of the Eighteen hands of Lohan were connected in form to become what we today know as Tai Chi. In other words, there is a cloud of uncertainty over when and why Tai Chi really started.

 

NOTE: Although Tai Chi is not an aerobic session, there are positions that could be awkward or put a strain on certain parts of your body. Before beginning, be sure to consult with your medical practitioner. Also, keep in mind the 3/4, 1/2, 1/4 rules. To begin with, if you are in good physical shape, start by performing the exercises to only 3/4 of the full movement.   If you have a physical problem, perform the exercises to 1/2 of the full movement. If you are not feeling well and still wish to perform your daily routine (at home), cut back to 1/4 of the full movement.