What is Tai Chi?
Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise for health and relaxation which originates from ancient China. Gentle flowing movements are combined with deep breathing exercises in order to cultivate the inner energy of the body.
Sometimes called 'moving meditation' the gentle movements can be practised by young and old alike as it does not cause strain on the body that is often associated with more aggressive forms of exercise.
Deep breathing and stretching exercises are also incorporated to help rid the body of toxins, but the most obvious benefit to most people is the deep feeling of relaxation which accompanies the practise.
Tai Chi has become popular throughout the world as an antidote to the increasing pressures and stress of modern life. Tai Chi exercises can be practised anywhere as there is no need for any elaborate equipment, all that is needed is some space, some clean air, and a little time.
Lee Style Tai Chi
The Lee style was one of the first to come to the West, it was brought to Britain by a Taoist practitioner called Chan Lee. Together with his adoped 'nephew' Chee Soo he opened a Tai Chi school in Holborn, London which ran for five years until the war in 1939.
After the death of Chan Lee in the 1950's Chee Soo became the President of the International Taoist Society. Over his sixty years as a Taoist teacher Chee Soo devoted himself to the promotion of Tai Chi and Taoist philosophy. For many years he was the only Taoist Grand Master in the West to be recognised by the Masters in Beijing.
The TCAA offer Lee Style Tai Chi training in the traditional form passed down from Chee Soo himself, exactly the way it was passed on to him by his teacher and the generations of Taoists before him.
The main emphasis in Lee style Tai Chi is on relaxation and health.