Tai Qi

The central element of the practice is the Internal Discipline that dictates how a movement should be made from the internal core of the body—the abdomen and the back—not from the external parts of the body, such as arms and shoulders. This discipline is essential to obtain the full benefits of Tai Chi. Without it, the entire logical structure of Tai Chi disintegrates and can no longer be considered an internal martial art

Legend attributes Chang San-Feng (1279-1368), a Taoist priest, to be the founder of Tai Chi Chuan. But official Chinese history attributes it to the Chen family. It was from the Chen family that Yang Lu Chuan (1799-1872) learned Tai Chi and later developed the Yang Short Form (37-Movements).

The central element of Tai Chi Chuan is the Internal Discipline that movement should be made from the internal core (Dan Tien) of the body—the abdomen and the back—not from the external parts of the body, such as arms and shoulders. This discipline is essential to obtain the full benefits of Tai Chi. Without it, the entire logical structure of Tai Chi disintegrates and can no longer be considered an internal martial art.

Dr. Rosenfarb took his very first Tai Chi Chaun Class at age 11. He teaches beginner classes to individuals wishing to learn the basics of Tai Chi, as well as teaching a traditional Tai Chi form called the Yang Short Form. Dr. Rosenfarb has studied other martial arts disciplines including: Okinawan Karate, Chinese Kung Fu, Korean Tai Kwan Do, and Japanese Aikido.

Tai Chi Chuan is composed of calm, relaxed movements designed to establish a balanced state of vital forces in the practitioner (the union of body polarity of the Yin and Yang forces; positive and negative). It helps the whole body to perform its functions efficiently, by promoting Qi and blood circulation and aiding in the balancing of the organs systems. Through these gentle movements, it has proven to promote immunity to many degenerative diseases.

A major contribution Tai Chi Chuan makes to our health lies in exercises which concentrate the mind, calm the disposition, facilitate the use the consciousness to move the body without awkward strength, make the muscle pliant, quicken the reflexes, improve the circulation, promotes overall awareness of the body and mind, and regulates the activities of other systems and organs. The entire sequence and composition of the movements of Tai Chi Chuan flows smoothly into each other and brings every muscle and joint.

People suffering from high blood pressure, gastric and enteric diseases, paralysis, kidney diseases, etc., can all benefit from the practice of Taijiquan. From the therapeutic point of view, Taijiquan is beneficial to the young and old, and particularly those people who are not able to participate in more strenuous exercise programs.

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