tai chi chuan
Tai Chi Chuan (Taiji Quan) is a Chinese Martial Art. The word Taiji translates as the supreme ultimate, representing the cosmological state of the universe on all levels, basically encompassing everything, all opposing forces of Yin and Yang. The word Chuan can mean fist or the martial way. Some translations include, shadow boxing or long/touch/soft/cotton boxing. In the symbol, Yin is represented by the dark section and Yang by the light. Yin relates to the shade, calm, quiet, soft, internal energy, whilst Yang is external, the sun, strength, determination, fire.
The LINEAGE
Declan trains at Shikon Martial Arts with Steve Rowe and Mikey Reynolds. The style of Tai Chi they practice is known as Yang, from the Yang (or Yeung) family tradition. The Yang Chen Fu form (as pictured above features Mr Yang Chengfu) has 108 parts across three sections. Yang Chenfu descended from Yang Jianhou, who descended from Yang Luchan (Yeung Lu Chan 1799-1872), the founder of the Yang style. Yang Chen Fu’s oldest son Yang Shouzhong had three daughters, one of which Yeung Ma Lee (Yang Ma-Li), who Steve Rowe trained with.
Yang Chen Fu
DaoYin
This reconstructed scroll pictured, is a Daoyin practice dating from 168 BC, the ‘oldest exercise chart in the world’. A series of cognitive body and mind unity exercises practiced as a form of Daoist neigong, to cultivate jing (essence) and direct and refine qi. The practice of daoyin was a precursor of qigong, and blended with the introduction of Indian yoga into China with the spread of Buddhism and was practised in Chinese Taoist monasteries for health and spiritual cultivation. Daoyin is also said to be a primary formative ingredient in the yin aspects of Chinese martial arts including the well-known "soft styles" of the Chinese martial arts, of tai chi. (wikipedia)
philosophy
Modern or ancient styles are rooted in the philosophical practices of Taoism and Confucianism. Classic Chinese texts including the Tao Te Ching attributed to Laozi (Lao Tzu), a ‘contemporary of’ Confucius, which date back 2500 years. The Book of Documents (pictured) is said to be compiled by Confucius.
1:1 COACHING
If you would like to explore 1:1 sessions with Declan, just drop him an email or message to discuss pricing and availability. Here he is in what is know as ‘double hand ward off’ where his right hand is in ‘upper yang’ and his left in ‘upper yin’
