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Reflections on Tai Chi in Perth
What is a gentle martial art?

Taichi Western Australia Sifu Vincent Cordeiro practises Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan in Perth

Tai Chi is many things to many people. Tai Chi is a martial art, a moving meditation exercise, a healing system, a stress management tool, and for some, a way of life.

Ninjado.com is proud to be associated with Kung Fu and Tai Chi veteran Sifu Vincent Cordeiro. Teaching predominantly the Wu Style of Tai Chi in Perth, Western Australia Sifu Cordeiro brings a dynamism to this graceful martial art.

>> Sifu's Personal Tai Chi Courses in Perth
>> More on Ninjado.com's Courses in Perth

Origins of Tai Chi

Tai Chi traces its origins back 2000 or so years ago with the migration of buddhist scholars from Inda to China. During one such visit by historically reknowned monk Bodhidharma, it was said that he imparted a series of calisthenic exercises to Chinese monks to improve their stamina and endurance for the rigorous meditative sessions they engaged in.

These calisthenic exercises were to be the base of most of today's modern martial arts systems. In fact, most martial arts could academically be traced back to the monk's innovation of exercise into a martial system. With this line of reasoning, it could be said that Tai Chi is one of the oldest martial arts or martial exercises.

"The strength of the willow is manifest only during the storm." - Jujutsu doctrine influenced by Taoist philosophy

What is Tai Chi Ch'uan?

Translated, Tai Chi literally means 'the form of the Ultimate Lifeforce.' This 'lifeforce' or Chi is the energy in which the Chinese believe binds the Universe. This Chi energy always has both a positive and a negative element called the 'Ying' and the 'Yang.' The Ying-Yang philosophy probably having origins in Taoism guides schools of thought relating to acupuncture, some martial arts, Tai Chi, I-ching, and Feng Shui.

"In a very real sense one can consider Tai Chi Chuan to be a physical expression and manifestation of the principles and philosophy of Taoism." - Taoism & the Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan

Present Day Tai Chi

Tai Chi as it is practised today looks like a sedate and slow moving dance. Taken as a form of Yoga, Tai Chi has graceful set movements with smooth transitions between each set. Beyond the physical moves however, Tai Chi's main goal is to allow the practitioner to master the flow of Chi through the Chi Meridians within the body.

Goal of Tai Chi

The belief is that mastery of Chi energy allows the practitioner to transcend normal existence. In an esoteric sense, such a goal rivals the medieval alchemists in Europe who were searching for immortality through what they called the 'Philosopher's Stone'. While this Philosopher's Stone purportedly could turn such metals like lead into gold, it was also an elixir that granted the user ever-lasting vitality. Obversely, the Chi Master could use his Chi energy to heal, to defend, or to attack. On a macro level, the Chi Master would maintain a balance to the fabric of society through his understanding of the forces of Chi.

How about Tai Chi for Me?

Tai Chi is in incredibly personal sport. Whether on a chilly morning in Beijing with fifty other people around you, or in your backyard in Perth; you have yourself, your teacher, and you have your Tai Chi. Once you've gotten used to the basics, as was previously mentioned, Tai Chi as a moving meditation is extremely cathartic. Your heart rate slows, endorphins are released, your muscles warm and stretch, and you achieve a harmony with your breathe.

"Then again, I cannot show you the martial arts. The martial arts must be experienced." - Colin Wee, Chief Instructor Hikaru Ryu

The Future of Sifu's Tai Chi in Western Australia

Sifu Cordeiro believes that a one-on-one relationship is the best way to study true martial arts. This is the quality he is striving to attain with the personal Tai Chi courses. We wish him the best of luck with his good work. Inquire about his courses here
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