Tai Chi Form Classes
Learn Tai Chi to Relax your body, Calm your mind and move the qi for better health.
Tai Chi, a Mind-Body Wellness Program in Central Connecticut
Established in 1989, Central Connecticut Tai Chi Ch'uan (CCTCC) was founded to teach Tai Chi, enabling individuals to engage in an activity that improves and sustains their mental and physical well-being. Central Connecticut Tai Chi Ch'uan provides programs throughout the year in various disciplines, including Tai Chi, Qi Gong (Chi Kung), meditation, and weapon-based classes like Tai Chi Sword and Sabre. Additionally, the center offers pushing hands and self-defense instruction. Courses are held at the main facility in Meriden and through external ten-week sessions managed by the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department.
Tai Chi, a Mind-Body Wellness Program in Central Connecticut
Established in 1989, Central Connecticut Tai Chi Ch'uan (CCTCC) was founded to teach Tai Chi, enabling individuals to engage in an activity that improves and sustains their mental and physical well-being. Central Connecticut Tai Chi Ch'uan provides programs throughout the year in various disciplines, including Tai Chi, Qi Gong (Chi Kung), meditation, and weapon-based classes like Tai Chi Sword and Sabre. Additionally, the center offers pushing hands and self-defense instruction. Courses are held at the main facility in Meriden and through external ten-week sessions managed by the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department.
Tai Chi is best described as "relaxed physical movement with a peaceful but focused mind." The name literally translates to "supreme ultimate fist." Created centuries ago as an internal martial art, Tai Chi Ch'uan aims to cultivate chi (internal energy) by harmonizing this natural energy flow with physical motion for self-defense purposes. This makes it known as the softest of all martial arts.
Tai Chi Form Instruction
The Tai Chi Form session initiates with loosening exercises intended to physically relax the joints, thereby facilitating enhanced energy flow. This physical preparation is followed by a meridian-cleansing Qi Gong routine to commence the cultivation of chi. The core of the class is dedicated to teaching Cheng Man-ch'ing's Yang Style, 37-Posture form. This specific sequence, derived from Yang Cheng-fu's original Yang Long Form, is globally recognized and practiced.
Understanding Qi and Qi Gong (Chi Kung)
Qi Gong (Chi Kung) involves the study of internal energy and the methods for fostering and concentrating this energy within the body. Numerous meditation practices, including stationary, standing, or movement-based exercises, have been developed to circulate and cultivate this vital energy, known as Qi or Chi. Qi is critical for both improving and maintaining health. As the natural force pervading the universe, it fills all things; humans, like all living entities, possess a personal Qi field that constantly strives for equilibrium. Disruption in this energy balance is believed to lead to illness. A balanced energy system requires the harmonious union of Yin and Yang, which are opposing yet unified energies.
The Practice of Pushing Hands
Pushing Hands is the most essential element of Tai Chi's self-defense training. This exercise teaches practitioners to avoid resisting incoming force. Instead, the goal is to withdraw and neutralize the opponent's energy while maintaining a state of being rooted, relaxed, and balanced. Ultimately, through heightened sensitivity, one learns to control and guide the opponent's energy, effectively destabilizing them and applying one of the numerous Tai Chi self-defense techniques. An expert at Pushing Hands is characterized by being soft and yielding, possessing a strong physical foundation (root), and skillfully directing internal energy to issue or send energy precisely where required.
Begin Your Practice
Transform your health and discover inner peace through time-tested practices that have helped millions worldwide achieve better balance, reduced stress, and enhanced vitality through gentle yet powerful movement and energy work.