Enfys Tai Chi

WUJI YIN YANG & QIGONG
Wuji is an ancient practice emphasising flowing, rounded movements and internal energy cultivation to promote health, harmony and a connection to the universe. The practice involves sinking the centre of gravity, connecting with the body’s energy and performing slow, graceful movements that integrate the Taoist philosophy such as Yin Yang and the five elements. Taoist sage Zhang San Feng is said to have developed Wuji before he invented Tai Chi.

A core practice in Tai Chi is the Wuji standing posture, a mediative stance that balances activity and relaxation for free flowing energy (Qigong). We always start and finish a Tai Chi session standing in a relaxed position with weight centered , a relaxed posture, with a sense of stillness and almost nothingness to create this subtle movement.

The goal is to create balance between integration and responsiveness for health, vitality and longevity. It is often considered an internal martial art!

The theory of Yin & Yang stems from observing the natural world around us. It appears in nature groups itself into pairs, for instance you can’t have up without down, one cannot exist without the other.
The Yin & Yang symbol is black and white, the black is Yin and White is Yang, plus it transforms from each other ie Yin to Yang - day to night.

What is Tai Chi?
Tai chi as we know it today originates from the 13th Century and it is claimed a monk Chang San-Feng developed it after witnessing a fight between a crane and a snake: the graceful moves of the snake versus the aggressive attack from the crane. Tai Chi and Qigong (traces its origins before Tai Chi, is meditation that’s incorporated into the Yang style exercises)

The are many forms of Tai Chi and each form has a different effort , speed of movement and even incorporates martial arts styles. There are fives main styles of Tai Chi - Yang, Sun, Chen, Wu and Hao, all have their different emphasis and benefits. However I teach the Shibashi (or 18 movements Yang style) taught through Age Cymru instructors.

Shibashi means 18 movements (Shi=10, ba=8 & Shi = movement) comprising a series of postures linked by slow, graceful movements, accompanied by breathing techniques that focus on concentration. It is preformed in a sequence and it is claimed that it can help to restore and enhance the flow of ‘Chi”, or vital energy. It is also described as exercising the mind, body and spirit to help improve wellbeing.

A Havard Medical Publication May 2009, described Tai Chi as medication in motion and as a form of rehabilitation for many health conditions.

About me - my story.... At first I took up Tai Chi as a hobby with the amazing Gary at the Caerphilly Miners Centre in Caerphilly. Gradually I become more interested in training with Age Cymru on a voluntary basis within the community. The sessions with Age Cymru are free to attend and a donation towards hall hire is welcomed by not compulsory.

I have always been interested in some form of martial art and was a Junior Brown belt Judo Champion (representing Wales) and Tae Kwon Champion (British & Welsh).

I have a medical background as a Podiatrist, Acupuncturist and trained as a First Aid Responder within the Welsh Ambulance Trust, where I still volunteer as a first aider at car show events.

Since retiring from my business I have now continued in volunteering and starting to provide Tai Chi in Caerphilly.

I enjoy keeping fit, yoga and gym activities (I am a member of Creazione). Tai Chi classes at the gym are on Friday 12-1 ( try the fabulous Cafe ) and at Senghendd Community Centre on Tuesdays 2-3pm - all free to try!!! Hope you will join me soon!!!

Great news I will be holding a Tai Chi session at the Ffos Wellbeing events in Caerphilly on July 15th!! There willl be Yoga, Pilates, Sound Bath and Tai Chi on Wednesdays throughout July!!! A great way to try new therapies for your wellbeing.. I will also be doing some blogs on Tai Chi, its origins and information about all the moves used in Shibashi (18 moves) in Tai Chi Gong and why it is so good for the mind and body..

Tai Chi can be done by any ability and even seated!!! I have classes in Caerphilly and trying to find venue for an early evening class !!! Exciting times ahead !!!

Simple exercises daily only takes minutes for quick pick me up and start to the day !!

Tai Chi for every day and everybody