Derived from the term “t’ai chi ch’uan” (which translates as “supreme ultimate fist” or “boundless fist”) , Tai Chi is considered as an international form of martial arts. It relies on slow, circular movements gracefully performed in order to focus the mind and attain a greater sense of control and posture over the body. Tai Chi aids in the achievement of an optimal state of mental calm and clarity, by teaching the practitioner to focus ones mind and energy purely on the movements performed. Medical studies of Tai Chi support its effectiveness as a form of exercise and an alternative form of physiotherapy, mental therapy and the management of stress, hypertension and anxiety.
The low-impact nature of the art form means that it is perfect for older students, and can be practiced as a form of meditation. The artful, balletic quality of the poses and movements involved in Tai Chi are also mastered for the purposes of competitions and performances, both of which are undertaken on a regular basis by the Shuaimeng Liu Martial Arts Centre. Most modern forms of Tai Chi can trace their origins and developments from at least one of the five traditional schools: Chen, Yang, Wu (Hao), Wu, and Sun. The Shuaimeng Liu Martial Arts Centre specifically teaches Chen-style Tai Chi.