What We TeachThe International Taoist Tai Chi Society offers training in the internal arts and methods developed by our founder, Master Moy Lin-shin, for the purpose of restoring and maintaining holistic health.We offer training in the following internal arts, all of which are deeply rooted in spiritual tradition of Taoism:
The taijiquan that we practice in the Society is the jewel of the internal arts and methods transmitted by Master Moy. Taijiquan is usually known as a "soft style" martial art or as a low impact exercise. Yet, in Master Moy's hands, it became a very special and effective form of health training, one that can work on the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of our being. Improving the health of all ages and abilities The Taoist Tai Chi™ internal art of taijiquan is the primary training method which is offered at all branches and locations of the Society around the world. People of all ages can learn and benefit from the gentle turning and stretching movements of this art, and the form can be adapted to match any level of ability. It is a self-regulated form of exercise that lends itself to the needs of all participants. The Society also offers "health recovery classes", which are specialized classes to enable people with chronic illnesses, or those who are recovering from injuries, to incorporate Taoist Tai Chi™ internal arts and methods into their recovery as a complementary therapy. Movements can be adapted for those with reduced mobility. These classes are offered at selected branches and sometimes as part of hospital and other therapeutic programs. A member-based, non-profit and volunteer organisation The Society's activities and training programs are offered on a membership basis. All branches and chapters of the Society are part of properly incorporated non-profit or charitable organisations. Classes and many other activities are offered as part of membership. Young and old alike enjoy the friendly and welcoming nature of the Society. The membership costs consist of an initial registration fee plus monthly dues which give unlimited attendance at all regular taijiquan classes. There are special rates for senior citizens, pensioners, students and for people with special needs and financial hardship. Details of fees and class schedules can be obtained from the nearest local branch in your country, or check our Contacts page for locations. A comprehensive training path The Society and its affiliated associations offer their members a continuum of training possibilities. A member can choose to treat taijiquan simply as a health exercise and an opportunity for social interaction with fellow members. Or, if the practitioner wishes to go further, he or she can explore a comprehensive suite of internal arts and methods for cultivating body and mind. Master Moy, in transforming the traditional Yang style taijiquan into the Taoist Tai Chi™ internal art of taijiquan, sought to restore in this sequence of movements the original goal of training in Taoist monasteries: to advance the internal and the spiritual development of the practitioner. As such, training in Taoist Tai Chi™ internal arts and methods, and in taijiquan in particular, offers an opportunity to go beyond recreation and health-improving exercise - it can become a vehicle to tame the heart and help us recover our original nature. In the Taoist tradition such a training path is referred to as "cultivating both inner nature and life" (xing ming shuang xiu). A healthy body is considered to be one where the internal organs are interacting in a balanced and harmonious manner. Negative emotions, cravings and selfish desires can disturb this harmony. Master Moy's arts help to strengthen the internal physiology, and at the same time help to develop a mental attitude that reduces the disturbance to their harmonious interaction. Master Moy's teachings can have far-reaching effects on our whole being. These include: quieting the mind, developing the strength of the internal organs and physiology, harmonizing the internal circulations, removing prejudices, cultivating virtue, understanding the true meaning of selflessness and developing compassion for all sentient beings. This training path encompasses physical training, meditation and practical actions in daily life. However, it is up to each individual member to decide how far he or she wishes to travel along this path. |