TAIJIQUAN (TAI CHI CHUAN) is a Traditional Chinese Martial Art; The term TaiJiQuan translates directly into Grand Ultimate Fist (or ‘grand ultimate boxing’). TaiJiQuan began in ancient China as a martial art practice for developing physical strength and agility, as well as mental clarity and emotional harmony. It’s characterized by flowing, elegant movements designed to enhance health, inner balance and meditative awareness. It involves gentle, rhythmic movements combined with controlled breathing. Slow, gentle movement helps to nourish, protect, and heal the body.At it’s core, this mind-body practice utilizes mindfulness and breath regulation in order to experience deep states of relaxation.

TaiJi improves flexibility, strength and pain management, and sleep patterns, as well as reducing feelings of depression and anger, intrusive thoughts, and difficulties with concentration. TaiJi is founded on Taoist philosophy and has roots that date back a few centuries. As much as it is a martial art, it is also a type of moving meditation, and a form of exercise, all at the same time. Commitment to practice fosters resilience, fluidity, and ease. TaiJi’s complicated routines test coordination, memory, and endurance. A profound sense of harmony, inner power, and tranquillity can be found with practice and patience.

Complementary and integrative treatments, such as mindfulness meditation and acupuncture, have received increasing attention in clinical settings as alternative or adjunctive treatments for seniors and those suffering an ever-widening list of physical infirmities.
Because of it’s low impact/slow movement nature, individuals with chronic conditions and varying levels of fitness of all ages are able to participate.

QI GONG (pronounced “chee gong”, also written as Chi Kung),is a system of breath and meditation exercises practiced in China for over 5000 years, improving health and mental abilities. It is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that promotes wellbeing and longevity via movement meditation and self-massage. Qigong, also known as energy cultivation or breath practice, entails short, simple movement patterns that are timed with the breath, as well as focused silence, to alleviate tension and improve circulation of the life force energy known as Qi. This self-care exercise directs attention inward in order to reestablish balance and vigor.

TaiJi, like acupuncture, aims to promote the flow of energy or “Qi (Chi)” through the body. Practiced together these are considered the ultimate energy workout.

Here at Black Mountain Spirit, The Attaining Softness TaiJiQuan Association (ASTA) practices the Yang Family style of TaiJi, which is one of the most widely practiced. Yang Family style employs more naturally spaced stances while stressing weight shifting, making it more accessible and helpful to people of all fitness levels.

“It is our hope that through the presentation of this exercise experience that our contribution will help to alleviate mental, emotional, and physical suffering in program participants, or remove it altogether.”                                 GrandMaster Marc Phillip Black