YANG TAIJI
MY ENCOUNTER WITH ANCIENT WISDOM
I have been enrolled in a Yang style taiji class since September 2018. Yang style tai chi, or taiji is a school which traces its origins back more than 300 years to Chen Village. It is an internal Chinese martial art practiced mainly for its health benefits. Yang style is practiced worldwide and is the most popular of the traditional schools.
The term ‘taiji’ refers to a philosophy of the forces of yin and yang, related to the moves. In the forms, leverage through the joints is based on coordination and relaxation rather than muscular tension. The slow, repetitive work involved in the process of learning how that leverage is generated gently increases the internal circulation (breath, body heat, blood, lymph and peristalsis).
The training concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind. I was amazed to discover my hips are tight — not good when it comes to this type of taiji. But the good news is I’m loosening up, and on a day-to-day basis, I’m walking more comfortably. I’m hot by the end of a one hour class. This is good, too, as it means my circulation is improving.
My mind benefits by focusing solely on the movements of the form, which brings mental calm and clarity. That’s what I’m aiming for — mental clarity. If I can train myself to remember the forms, maybe I’ll also improve my memory. That’s my goal.
For this journey into health, I’m in good hands, as my knowledgeable and very patient instructor is Sifu Gordon Muir. He is president and head instructor for the Victoria Taiji Academy. Gordon has been teaching tai chi and qi gong part-time for 35 years, and full-time for the last 15 years. He studied in China over a 14 year period. His resume includes being taught by three prominent masters, including Master T. T. Liang, Master Zhang Xue-Xin and Grandmaster Liu ChengDe of Jinan, China.
Sifu Muir moves so smoothly from one posture to the next that I get fooled into thinking it’s easy. And of course it will be easier and easier as my body adjusts.
Come and join Sifu Muir and me and learn yang taiji and become healthier.
Goward House Society is a non-profit organization that operates as an adult activity centre for those aged 50+. For info, call: 250-477-4401, or visit gowardhouse.com.
QI GONG
Qi gong is the life energy that flows through the body. It is also a holistic method of health care comprised of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing and meditation. As a branch of traditional Chinese medicine it is used to increase strength, flexibility and endurance while relieving stress. Qi gong is similar to tai chi, but easier to learn, as the movements are simpler. Goward House is pleased to introduce you to this ancient art of health maintenance: Thursdays, beginning Feb. 7 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at Goward House 2495 Arbutus Rd. Register: 250-477-4401.