Tai chi chuan is an 800 year old Daoist system for self-healing and rejuvenation. Daoism recognises that mind and body are interdependent and the practice of TCC aspires to harmonise both - healthy mind, healthy body.
The slow movements of TCC promote serenity and relaxation. Daoists don’t believe in wasting energy.  In action, this means accomplishing one’s aims with minimal effort, then returning to stillness.  So TCC is precisely the practice of alternating relaxed movement with stillness. Just as things constantly change into their opposite, day becomes night, things go up, things go down - so tai chi moves arise in stillness (maximum yin), reach a peak (maximum yang) and return to stillness.  Thus TCC seeks to align us with these factual phenomena so that we players here become attuned to the Way of Nature (Dao) both in action and stillness.
Gravity, for example is an inescapable fact. Instead of struggling against gravity, tai chi movement uses gravity by yielding to it for a moment to gain momentum and redirecting that momentum along a curved path. Players seek effortlessness.
Using gravity in this way strongly works the legs, the emphasis on relaxation in every step means that each leg supports the entire body weight when the other leg is relaxed. This can be done at the player’s own pace as a higher stance is easier, and the benefits are just the same.
Arms and shoulders are relaxed, the latter ever so slightly rounded. Arms follow the momentum  of the body centre of gravity, like the ends of a slow-motion whip; the head doesn’t move independently in TCC so neck muscles can relax. As a result the entire upper body feels light and insubstantial. Perfect balance is attained by cultivating constant awareness of body centre of gravity.
Regular daily practice for a time results in abundant physical energy, increased endurance and flexibility, stronger bones and tendons, better circulation, alleviation of arthritis, better posture, strengthened immune system, body at ease, both sides of body equally trained, inner calm, improved concentration, more equanimity.
Classes are held Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at Dunoon Hall during school term. Our sessions are informal and friendly, we regularly meet afterward for coffee and conversation.
For more info call Marcus on 6622 7580
Marcus Makin