In its essence, Tai Chi is the fusion of Shaolin self-defence techniques with the Taoist practice of sitting meditation, from which Zen also emerged.

Tao Meditation comprises a series of seated exercises that strengthen the energy centres, the lower and upper dantien, and establish a connection between attention (Yi) and life energy (Chi).
They are a further tool for activating, increasing and bringing about the flow of the life force chi in the body. This in turn enriches our Tai Chi and Qigong practice.

Attention is focussed inwards, we learn to rest within ourselves and allow ourselves to be less and less disturbed by external influences. Tao Meditation also enables many people to connect with the sensing of life energy in general, the flow of this life energy and the more subtle levels of being.

The different approaches, Tai Chi form, Qigong (Tao Exercises), Tao Massage and Tao Meditation complement and enrich each other and together form the exercise system of the Original Yang Style.

This is a regular part of our classes and helps you to centre yourself and keep your attention on your body. Here we introduce the body to an energetically optimised posture. It may seem a little strenuous at first, but the positive effects soon materialise: tensions are released, we let go! We also practise open postures that deepen the breath. Breath and our life energy "Chi" are connected – if the breath intensifies, the Chi flows more and can increase.

Tai Chi was created through the fusion of Shaolin martial arts movements with the energetic principles of Taoist sitting meditation. Even though Tai Chi was used as a form of self-defence and was even originally famous in China for its particular effectiveness in combat, it is also a meditative practice.

Meditating while moving is easier for many people than sitting still for long periods of time. It also has many benefits for the body and health that sitting meditation cannot offer. However, it is not intended as a substitute for sitting meditation, rather the two practices complement each other.

This is a meridian self-massage that is performed while sitting on a cushion or chair. First we activate the energy centres ("Laogong") of the hands. Then the meridians are activated by stroking or gently tapping the face, body, arms and legs. After each massage stroke, we sense into this body part, we direct our attention to the massaged area and thus intensify the effect. In Chinese this is called „Ting“ (listening to the body), which is an incredibly valuable tool in the internal arts.

The Tao Massage stands for

• health care
• relaxation and letting go
• better and deeper sleep
• supporting Chi flow and Chi cultivation/development
• improving body awareness

The Tao Massage guides us into a meditation-like state that we can integrate in our Tai Chi and Qigong practice. It supports our Tai Chi at all levels!