Tai Chi Chuan means "supreme ultimate fist", taking the Chinese philosophical concept of balance and harmony of opposing universal forces as its inspiration. It was designed as a martial art as well as as a means to achieving health and inner peace. This is accomplished by practicing its movements in a slow and fluid way, allowing the body to become strong while remaining relaxed, and the mind to become active while remaining tranquil. Doing so creates harmony within the body and has been proven to have countless benefits to our well-being. As a martial art, it uses the principle of overcoming force with softness to redirect an attack rather than meeting it with opposing force.

Health Benefits of Tai Chi: 

There is a growing body of evidence in modern research supporting the health benefits of Tai Chi. A list published by the Mayo Clinic includes the following:

  • Decreased stress, anxiety and depression

  • Improved mood

  • Improved aerobic capacity

  • Increased energy and stamina

  • Improved flexibility, balance and agility

  • Improved muscle strength and definition

  • Enhance quality of sleep

  • Enhance the immune system

  • Help lower blood pressure

  • Improve joint pain

  • Improve symptoms of congestive heart failure

  • Improve overall well-being

  • Reduce risk of falls in older adults

In addition, a Harvard Health Publication from 2009 lists medical conditions for which Tai Chi may be of particular benefit. These include:

  • Arthritis

  • Low Bone Density

  • Heart Disease

  • Hypertension

  • Parkinson's Disease

  • Sleep Disorders

  • Stroke Rehabilitation

  • Cancer Support

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Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan

Yang family style is the most widely practiced style in the world. Its founder, Yang Lu Chan, began studying Chen style under Chen Changxing in 1820. He became a master in his own right and developed his own expression of the art. The art was passed down through the Yang family and developed into what is today known as the Yang long form, consisting of 108 movements. The practice is a form of applied philosophy, where the universal concepts of yin and yang are embodied within the movements themselves. Through moving meditation, we become a microcosmic reflection of the world around us and are able to become more aware, connected, and balanced within.

Leung Ying Tai Chi Chuan

Leung Ying TaiChi Chuan was created by the late Grandmaster Kris Valentine, who founded I Chuan Pai, the Mind Fist System. The name means "Dragon's Eye", and integrates the coiling, swirling motions that characterize dragon style movements and the eight directions, called ba gua, into a unique form. The style was first introduced to the public by Grandmaster Valentine in the 1990s to a group of thousands in Taiwan, and was developed in collaboration with Grandmaster Duran who has inherited the style. Leung Ying teaches both a means of promoting one's health and a complete system of self-defense.

 Fu Jow Lu Yi Gim - Straight Sword

Grandmaster Wai Hong created our signature sword form by drawing on the principles inherent in the tiger claw system and integrating them with the mode of expression within Taichi sword. The result is a breathtakingly beautiful and intricate form that teaches both flow and the pursuit of a singular focus. By meditating on the lines of the form and the edge of the blade in motion we are able to also sharpen our mind and spirit. The form also laws the foundation for combative sword training for any students who may one day have an interest in that aspect of the art. Sifu Falko was fortunate to be in the first group at his martial arts school in Florida to be taught this form by Grandmaster Wai Hong, and has been studying it since it was revealed in the early 2000s.