Tai-chi is a self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do Tai-chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pausing.
Anyone, regardless of age or physical ability, can practice Tai-chi. It doesn't take physical prowess. Rather, Tai-chi emphasizes technique over strength.
What are the benefits of Tai-chi?
Tai-chi is used to:
Increase flexibility
Improve muscle strength and definition Increase energy, stamina and agility Increase feelings of well-being Reduce stress
Current research is also beginning to show that Tai-chi can help improve balance and coordination, reduce the number of falls, improve sleep quality, slo bone loss in women after menopause, lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular fitness, relieve chronic pain and improve everyday physical functioning.
The series will be under the instruction of Bataan Faigao from Rocky Mountain Tai-chi who studied with Grand Master Cheng Man-ch’ing from 1968-1975 and has been teaching in the Denver-Boulder area and in many cities in North America and Europe since 1976. At Naropa University, he is a core faculty member and Chair of the Traditional Eastern Arts Department. He is also the director of Rocky Mountain T'ai-chi Ch'uan Foundation, Inc. He edited and published Full Circle, a literary journal devoted to the study of t’ai-chi ch’uan (1984-1989).
Bataan's Philosophy of Teaching
"Tai-chi Ch’uan is a journey of spiritual discovery. I encourage students to work hard and to adhere to principles. I teach Tai-chi Ch’uan as a complete system for health, meditation, self-defense and as a way of the tao. Learning this art is a process that takes care of the external to get to the internal, going back and forth from form to application, understanding and experience."