The Secrets Of The Youngest Of The Five Major Styles Of Tai Chi.
Yoshi Kundagawa :
Sun style T’ai Chi was developed by Sun Lu-t’ang in the late 1800s. He was already highly experience in other martial arts before he developed this style. It is the youngest of the five styles of Tai Chi and it is known for incorporating elements derived from Xing Yi and Ba Gua, two other forms of internal martial arts.
Sun tai chi uses very fluid, flowing movements with no jumping or vigorous bending as used in the other styles. It can be recognized by its ‘soft’ looking movements that can be described as graceful. Movements are short and compact and hand movements are performed in conjunction with simple stepping movements. Stance is always upright and the feet are rarely any wider than your shoulders and stepping is very soft with one foot following the other, almost rhythmically. Using the open/close palm technique the hands are moved in gentle circular movements. The Open/close hand system helps to concentrate chi in the dan tien, which is the area of the abdomen just below the navel and in the palms of the hands for delivery of short, deadly strikes.
Although Sun tai chi was not meant to be used for fighting but for health both physical and mental, it was used in combat for many years. Today, though, it has become immensely popular and people of all walks of life who find that Sun Tai Chi is an ideal form of exercise with its slow gentle moves. Even younger, fitter people are practicing it as tai chi can form a fascinating approach to self-defense as well as an exercise regimen. There is no denying the relaxation and calmness achieved by regular practice of Tai Chi. Being so gentle on the body with no overly difficult postures, Sun style tai chi is often used as exercise for senior citizens or for people undergoing some form of physical rehabilitation. A 32 movement set of Sun style tai chi has been formed and approved by the US Arthritis Foundation and was created by Australian teacher, Dr. Paul Lam, and called “Tai Chi for Arthritis”.
Sun Style Tai Chi is practiced worldwide with many styles of classes being held from Sun Tai Chi Schools dedicated to the whole principal, classes being held within other martial arts schools, classes being held for the elderly and teachers giving private lessons. Many group classes are now being organized by health groups and in conjunction with local councils, Sun Tai Chi in the Park days are becoming common place. With no equipment necessary, other than loose comfortable clothing and soft flexible shoes, the form can be practiced anywhere.
Whether you are looking at a different form of martial art for self-defense, wanting to improve your fitness with the rigors of high impact training or are looking to relieve stress and the internal calmness achieved by regular practice, Sun style Tai Chi can offer some amazing benefits.
Sun style T’ai Chi was developed by Sun Lu-t’ang in the late 1800s. He was already highly experience in other martial arts before he developed this style. It is the youngest of the five styles of Tai Chi and it is known for incorporating elements derived from Xing Yi and Ba Gua, two other forms of internal martial arts.
Sun tai chi uses very fluid, flowing movements with no jumping or vigorous bending as used in the other styles. It can be recognized by its ‘soft’ looking movements that can be described as graceful. Movements are short and compact and hand movements are performed in conjunction with simple stepping movements. Stance is always upright and the feet are rarely any wider than your shoulders and stepping is very soft with one foot following the other, almost rhythmically. Using the open/close palm technique the hands are moved in gentle circular movements. The Open/close hand system helps to concentrate chi in the dan tien, which is the area of the abdomen just below the navel and in the palms of the hands for delivery of short, deadly strikes.
Although Sun tai chi was not meant to be used for fighting but for health both physical and mental, it was used in combat for many years. Today, though, it has become immensely popular and people of all walks of life who find that Sun Tai Chi is an ideal form of exercise with its slow gentle moves. Even younger, fitter people are practicing it as tai chi can form a fascinating approach to self-defense as well as an exercise regimen. There is no denying the relaxation and calmness achieved by regular practice of Tai Chi. Being so gentle on the body with no overly difficult postures, Sun style tai chi is often used as exercise for senior citizens or for people undergoing some form of physical rehabilitation. A 32 movement set of Sun style tai chi has been formed and approved by the US Arthritis Foundation and was created by Australian teacher, Dr. Paul Lam, and called “Tai Chi for Arthritis”.
Sun Style Tai Chi is practiced worldwide with many styles of classes being held from Sun Tai Chi Schools dedicated to the whole principal, classes being held within other martial arts schools, classes being held for the elderly and teachers giving private lessons. Many group classes are now being organized by health groups and in conjunction with local councils, Sun Tai Chi in the Park days are becoming common place. With no equipment necessary, other than loose comfortable clothing and soft flexible shoes, the form can be practiced anywhere.
Whether you are looking at a different form of martial art for self-defense, wanting to improve your fitness with the rigors of high impact training or are looking to relieve stress and the internal calmness achieved by regular practice, Sun style Tai Chi can offer some amazing benefits.
