Cornbrook Arts

Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), more commonly known as Taiji (Tai Chi), is a way of exercise for health, a form of meditation in movement, a martial art and a means of personal development.

For the body, Taiji is a gentle but efficient form of exercise. It is also a method for understanding posture, and the practice of the movements allows us to correct our misalignments. Through the exercises and movements our bodies become more relaxed and unified so that we become more healthy and strong.

Through practice our awareness is developed progressively, firstly through the body, then the mind, then gradually this awareness expands to our surroundings and relationships in dealing with others. We do not need to compete or fight. We just need to know when to be strong and when to be sensitive.

Awareness, which develops an open and flexible mind, combined with natural movement, which develops an open and flexible body, are the tools for true martial arts or self-defense. It has been said, "The best form of self-defense is to be somewhere else." At one level this is true, but when the conflict is internal stress or emotional turmoil we can not run away from it.

Taiji leads us to a state of calmness and inner strength by being in the present moment. This becomes the starting point from which we are able to take appropriate action in dealing with both the inner and outer conflicts encountered in daily life.

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