T’ai Chi 

T’ai Chi translated means “supreme ultimate.” It is a centuries old Chinese exercise which is deeply rooted in a rich legacy of Chinese medicine, meditation, and martial arts. There are many different styles of T’ai Chi, but they all cultivate internal energy, promote good health, eliminate stress, increase focus, and develop martial skills.

The philosophy of T’ai Chi is based in Taoism which emphasizes balance, yielding, natural effort, and applying ones own internal power rather than merely using external physical force.

How T’ai Chi Benefits on the Physical Level

The physical benefits of T’ai Chi are numerous. The results are powerful even though T’ai Chi is not physically demanding. Due to this, many health organizations like the Arthritis Foundation is promoting T’ai Chi. It improves resistance to shingles, influenza (by strengthening the memory T cells), and much more. New research has shown that T'ai Chi can help those with Parkinson's Disease. It has long been prescribed by Chinese doctors for people needing the revitalization that comes from improved circulation and respiration. It will benefit all of the meridians and acupoints of the body and strengthen every bone, muscle, and tendon from the waist down. T’ai Chi “loosens” the body in such a way that it becomes receptive to ones own internal Ch’i energy which then can flow to where it is needed. “Supreme Ultimate” is what is attained when ones Yin and Yang are balanced, promoting the harmony of energy within the internal organs and ones entire being. Other than ballet and fencing, there is nothing better than T’ai Chi to increase ones balance. Finally, practicing T’ai Chi on a regular basis will increase your lifespan by at least 5 years!

The Martial Benefit of T’ai Chi

T’ai Chi as a self-defense martial art was in existence prior to any form of Kung Fu. The value of understanding the martial application is that one can properly duplicate the movements by working the correct body angles, footwork, and hand positions. Continued practice of the slow motion form teaches a focus and “fighting intention” toward imaginary opponents. But remember – what you can do slow, you can also do fast. By developing a relaxed focus and intention, you can develop fighting efficiency and the ability to “flow like water.” The nature of water is to adapt to the shape of whatever vessel it is poured into. This principle, when applied, teaches that adapting to any situation is viable, which is both a virtue and an inner strength. For example, one thinks in terms of a mountain being “strong” but not the effect of being soft and yielding like water. And yet, conversely, nothing on Earth, not even a mountain, can withstand the force of a tidal wave.

How T’ai Chi Benefits on the Emotional & Mental Levels

The benefits of T’ai Chi on the emotional and mental levels are exceptional. I have seen students entire emotional outlook change, having more self-confidence and self-esteem. I have seen T’ai Chi help students with problems such as depression, dyslexia, and insomnia. The slow, easy, and gentle movements bring a calm peacefulness, increased sensitivity, and a sense of total relaxation creating what I call a “vibrant relaxed” – a state of being where one is relaxed and yet alert and vibrant having “drained away” all stress and tension. Finally, practicing T’ai Chi will greatly increase ones mental focus.

THE SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF T’AI CHI

Spiritually, T’ai Chi is a “meditation in motion.” Once one learns all of the movements of the form and you can do them without thinking, the “flow” which the student attains causes one to become connected to The Void. It is as if T’ai Chi has become part of your DNA and you reach the state of “knowing without thinking,” “seeing without looking,” “listening without hearing,” and “feeling without touching.” The student becomes in line, and at one with, the Universe and all of Nature, in a sea of C’hi, flowing like water.

Bio

In addition to being a Certified Yang Style T’ai Chi Instructor, David “Phoenix” Nutter is also a Feng Shui Master, Reiki Master, and has Black Belts in two systems of Karate.

For more information on T’ai Chi class dates, or dates of speaking engagements Mr. Nutter will have upcoming on T’ai Chi, call 304-366-2578, or email us at phoenix@sacredmountainfengshuiinc.com You may also send for information to:

David Nutter 
PO Box 2182 
Fairmont, WV  26555