Tai Chi Classes in Portland

Tai Chi (also known as Taijiquan) is a Chinese martial art whose legacy dates back to the early 17th century. The name Taijiquan translates as “Supreme Ultimate Boxing” and is considered the highest form of martial art.

Tai Chi is based on the cultivation of one’s internal energy or Qi (pronounced Chee) rather than on external physical strength. There are five major styles of Tai Chi: Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun, and a second Wu style. All of these styles are taught at the U.S. Wushu Center.

Tai Chi uses a series of slow, flowing movements that have been standardized into set patterns which are called forms. The first form students learn at the U.S. Wushu Center is a beginner form called the Yang style 8-form, which is followed by the Yang style 24-form. 24 Yang (also called the Yang short form) is the most popular form in the world.

All of our instruction is designed in a stepping-stone fashion; each form you learn will provide you with the understanding and skills necessary to move confidently to the next one.

Tai Chi’s slow pace is ideal for people of all ages and all stages of physical development. The movements of Tai Chi serve to loosen the limbs and open all the joints in the body to allow for the free flow of Qi to circulate throughout the body. Practitioners believe this leads to increased vitality and enhanced mental, physical, and emotional health.

The movements of Tai Chi also can be used for self-defense. In fact, Tai Chi is considered the highest form of martial art, and the most difficult to truly master. Tai Chi’s strategy is based on yielding to divert aggressive motion or energy prior to counter-attacking. It is a discipline whose lessons can be applied in all areas of life.

Tai Chi’s movements (and those of Qigong) are designed to loosen the limbs and open all the joints in the body to allow the free flow of Qi to circulate throughout. This “opening up” of your body’s systems helps lead to increased vitality and mental, physical, and emotional health.

For older adults, we recommend Tai Chi as the better choice for health and well-being. Although it is based on specific martial arts techniques, Tai Chi uses slow, flowing movements that provide exercise, improve balance, promote focus and memory, and help provide a sense of physical well-being.