West Wind Tai Chi

West Wind T'ai Chi is a school for learning Yang style T'ai Chi Ch'uan, an ancient Chinese martial art. The Yang style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan is the most widespread style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, followed by Chen style, Wu style, Sun style and several others. Yang style tends to focus more on health improvement, at least in the early stages of learning. The various styles are named after the family lineages which developed each respective style in China beginning a few hundred years ago. The origin of T'ai Chi Ch'uan itself is very uncertain, with various theories suggesting inception anywhere from 1000 B.C. to the early 1600's. The first definite family lineage style was the Chen style, followed by the Yang style and then the others. Yang style T'ai Chi Ch'uan is taught at West Wind T'ai Chi. The forms and postures taught are based on those transmitted and developed by the Choy Family lineage, including Master Choy Hak Pang, Master Choy Kam Man and Sifu Frank Choy, and by Sifu Marshall Clymer, a senior disciple of Master Choy Kam Man. Master Choy Hak Pang was a student of Grandmaster Yang Cheng Fu as well as other reknowned teachers.

T’ai Chi Ch’uan is a multi-faceted art form which affects the practitioner physically, mentally and spiritually. Early stages of practice focus on the physical aspects. It may be described as a gentle, low impact, mildly aerobic exercise. It improves physical health by conditioning of joints and muscles, emphasizing correct posture, increasing blood circulation, encouraging deep breathing and numerous other ways. It teaches the practitioner to concentrate intensely, and improves self-esteem by providing an important foundation for martial self-defense techniques. With sufficient practice and dedication, it begins to affect the way a person percieves the nature of life and interacts with society and their environment. T'ai Chi is based on the philosophy of yin and yang, which suggests that balance and moderation are the key to harmony and happiness. Excessive behaviours result in disharmony and sadness.

Classes at West Wind T'ai Chi begin with a short period of meditation and Qigong (pronounced "chi gung"), which focuses on breathing and energy stimulation. After meditation, "forms" are practiced. A form is series of T'ai Chi Ch'uan movements. In each class, only a few new movements are taught, in addition to repetition of previously taught movements. The movements focus on balance, stability and coordination. Foot placement, shifting and turning of the body center, and circular hand and arm movements must be precise, thus requiring extreme concentration. Students often discover they have inate physical abilities and coordination never thought possible. Students learn how to use mind intent and total concentration to relax while executing the physical movements. This leads to increased strength and flexibility while at the same time using the approach of energy conservation.

Students first learn the “free-hand” T’ai Chi Ch’uan forms, beginning with the “Short Form” (25 movement form), which is taught in 12 one hour classes over a 3 month session. Next, the “54 Movement Form” or the traditional Long Form (108 movement form) can be studied. The Long Form is taught over a 7 month session beginning in October and ending in April. After proficiency in the free-hand forms is attained, students can study T’ai Chi weapons forms. The principle T'ai Chi weapons are the sabre and sword. The sabre form consists of 39 movements and is taught over a 3 month session.

T'ai Chi Ch'uan can be practiced just about anywhere. No special clothing is required. Regular practice keeps you in good physical condition, helps you relax, teaches you how to stay focused, and empowers you with valuable self-defense skills. Training with the help of a qualified instructor in a class or private lesson setting is the best way to learn T'ai Chi. Learning T'ai Chi from videos and picture books is inefficient and often results in frustration (although much good background information can be gleaned). If you would like more information about classes or private lessons at West Wind T'ai Chi, or T'ai Chi in general, click the links (above left), call 907-479-5066, or use the email link (below).

West Wind T'ai Chi School of T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Summary and Mission Statement