Information

• Classes
• Tai Chi Benefits
• Ten Guiding Points
• Master T. T. Liang

For more information or to arrange for private instruction, contact me at:

Classes:

• Hamilton Senior Center - Please contact the Senior Center for further information. Classes will start again in the fall 2007.
• Private Instruction is flexible and can be scheduled accordingly (call me or e-mail me to discuss).
• RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness - This facility is located in the old Ames Shopping Center at 3100 Quakerbridge Road. You may contact them for further information. View the current Tai Chi schedule. See the RWJ Newsletter article on Tai Chi.

Lee Atwater is a Certified Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor and has attended Dr. Paul Lam’s workshop for special training.

Please check out my suggested reading, videos and music section if you would like to know more about Tai Chi!

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Tai Chi Benefits

Continual Tai Chi practice can stimulate your internal organs and improve circulation through the increased flow of Chi - your life force or internal energy. Regular practice of Tai Chi can help you:

[ Relax and relieve stress, lowering the incidence of anxiety and depression (Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 1989 Vol 33(2) 197-206).

[ Improve breathing capacity (Hawaii Medical Journal Vol 51, No 8, Aug 1992).

[ Lower high blood pressure (American Journal of Chinese Medicine 1981 Spr Vol 9 (1) and Hawaii Medical Journal Vol 51 No 8, Aug. 1992).

[ Boost the immune system (Prevention Magazine v. 42 May 1990, p. 14-15).

[ Improve balance and coordination twice as effectively as other balance training (Prevention Magazine, v. 46, Dec. 1994 p. 71-72 and USA Today, May 1996).

[ Improve postural control while stretching, toning and relaxing the body in a cumulative way that no other exercise can achieve (American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 1992 April Vol 46 (4) 295-300).

[ Achieve a better physical and emotional balance, develop inner awareness and mental focus and increase joint flexibility (suitable for arthritis sufferers – American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, June 1991, 70 (3) p 136-141).

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The Ten Guiding Points of Tai Chi

1. Relax – loosen the muscles, release tension and give up your energy externally but preserve it internally.

2. Sink – the whole body, upper torso, waist, thighs and legs, should be relaxed and all energy concentrated in the “Bubbling Springs.”

3. Chest sunk, back straight, shoulders down and elbows lowered – combined, this allows the chi to sink to the tan t’ien.

4. Suspend from above – a light and nimble energy should be preserved on the top of the head and the lowest vertebrae should be erect.

5. Use the mind – all the movements are directed by the mind without using external muscular force (arms become like iron bars wrapped in cotton). “From the most flexible and yielding, one will arrive at the most powerful and unyielding.”

6. Body acts as one unit – upper body and lower body follow each other. Energy is rooted in the feet, develops in the legs, is directed by the waist and is expressed through the fingers.

7. Full and empty – when practicing it is important to distinguish between insubstantial and substantial.

8. Line of vision – your eyes must always look forward to an imaginary opponent. The head and body must move as one unit.

9. Flow – all the movements of the form must be connected without severance – practiced slowly, effortlessly and continuously to allow the chi and blood to circulate.

10. Meditation in action – when practicing you must control your movements by tranquility and direct the movements with mind intent rather than external muscular force.

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- Master T. T. Liang

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