Tai Chi - is described as a self defense exercise involving slow, gentle, fluid, movements of various martial art postures performed in a relaxed, tranquil, meditative mode that improves physical fitness, mind clarity, and spirit. In this process, it repairs, heals and tones the body's sore joints, muscles and strengthens the body's internal organs, as it gently stimulates the endocrine glands and produces and stores internal energy, chi.

At US Martial Arts & Tai Chi Academy, where tai chi has been practiced and taught for over 30 years, Tai Chi is not just a feel good workout. It's healing therapy (a preventive measure and remedy for almost every ailment, including arthritis). The main way tai chi heals is via the movements and postures when done correctly with timed, deep abdominal breathing and a relaxed, focused mind to improve the circulation of blood in the body to all parts and extremities. Acupuncture theory believes that within the circulatory system are tiny meridians that carry chi or life force throughout the body.

At our school, tai chi students will also become proficient in:

• Martial art stretching for improved flexibility and joint elasticity
• Chi Kung breathing exercises that will teach one how to breathe properly for tai chi, help to open the meridians for improved chi flow, and are a stand alone internal exercise that can be done before or after tai chi practice or just by itself
• Standing meditation, moving meditation, and sitting meditation
• Tai Chi pushing hands exercises and sensitivity drills
• Tai Chi weapons
• Tai Chi self defense training

Other Internal Training - Advanced tai chi students at US Martial Arts & Tai Chi Academy are encouraged to broaden their scope by learning the less well-known but equally effective internal arts of Hsing-I (mind-intent boxing), a taoist martial art and Pa-Qua ( 8-Trigram palm boxing).