What is Taiji Quan?

Taiji Quan (or “Tai Chi Ch’uan”) is an ancient form of Chinese internal martial arts. It combines the powers of meditation with physical movement, emphasizing balance, breath control, relaxation and cultivation of internal energy or “qi”. The aim is to create a harmony of physical movement with emotional and spiritual well-being.

While the movements of Taiji Quan are slow, graceful and rhythmic in nature, in fact Taiji Quan is also applicable as an effective system of self-defense. Students at Wushu West can learn either chen-style Taiji Quan (the original form of Taiji Quan dating back over a thousand years) or yang-style Taiji Quan (a more modern, but very popular style).

Why Practice Taiji?

With even a small amount of practice the benefits of Taiji Quan can be experienced. Physically you will feel stronger, more coordinated and have a better sense of balance.

Taiji Quan has also been shown to improve the health in those who practice it, providing arthritic relief, helping support weak joints and ligaments, working to guard against osteoporosis and lowering blood pressure.

But aside from the physical benefits of Taiji Quan, practitioners often experience a revitalized mental state as well. Students state that their focus and concentration increases with Taiji practice, and they have a feeling of well-being and calm through many of their day-to-day activities.

Bagua Zhang

Bagua Zhang, or Eight-trigram Palm, is based on the eight trigrams of broken and unbroken lines used in Taoist I-Ching divination. The spinning and twisting movements of baguazhang follow one another in circular patters requiring a fluid combination of dexterity, strength, and agility. Students at Wushu West learn the cheng (dragon) style of baguazhang.

Over the years I have experienced both physical and emotional benefits from my practice of Tai Chi. As a hiker, I always had much trouble and anxiety when the trail demanded balance — like crossing a stream on a log, or with stepping stones far apart. With the centering and grounding of Tai Chi my confidence and ability have improved tremendously. I feel stronger and calmer in the attempts. Which ties in with the emotional benefits: as an individual I now have more access to that internal place of energy — a soft force of centering and contemplation. I began to notice that I moved in a way that reflected my emotional state. Tai Chi added to an increase in personal awareness and self-discipline; a listening to the present moment. I began to notice others’ energy also, and use Tai Chi principles in my work as a therapist to help place people on solid ground. But not just any teacher can encourage this growth. Master Hao is a remarkable athlete, as well as a teacher who guides with insight, humor and an appreciation of everyone’s individual level.

- Joan Bonnar, Clinical Psychologist

The health benefits of Tai Chi has surprised me. I can remember when so many joints in my body (neck, legs, back) were giving me problems. Simple daily activities were not simple to do. I tried various Tai Chi classes and about eight years ago I came to know of Master Hao and joined her Tai Chi Quan class. Now at age 66 my body is more flexible and stronger than in my younger years and, most happily, free of pain in all my joints. Much of this credit goes to Master Hao’s deep understandign of Tai Chi movements and her inspiring way of imparting this understanding. It has taken me a long time to comprehend and train my body to do some of the most simple movements and to come to know that it isn’t the movement alone, but another level of energy that comes into play. With Master Hao’s excellent instructions I do not think all of this would have been possible. Thank you for this opportunity to share my experience.”

- Kazuye Suyamatsu, Artist