TaiJi Study Group
We are a group of Chen Style TaiJi practitioners in Southern California, learning under the guidance of Master Edward Shen, certified Chen Style TaiJi instructor. Master Shen is a professional structural engineer licensed in several states, and naturally is an expert on leverage, torque, and stability. He is able to explain ancient TaiJi principles using modern physics and scientific terms.
In addition to popular bare hand forms, we also learn sword, saber, and spear routines. Though these traditional weapons are no longer part of modern life, their exotic rarity actually makes them all the more fascinating. Their purpose is not for real combat, but rather as a tool to magnify the forces we exert, to help us hone our power expression. We use unsharpened prop weapons for safety.
Master Shen adds real world applications to each posture. He shows us how to apply TaiJi in actual situations, for self defense, sports, and health.
Our organization is informal. Our senior students have been learning from Master Shen for over a decade. Others range from beginners to intermediate. Sometimes we form separate upper and lower classes, and sometimes we all practice together, depending on the subject matter. When we have a large group, the senior students will help lead the beginner classes.
We meet every Saturday morning at Heritage Park in Irvine, CA. Drop-ins are welcome. No experience necessary. Do wear athletic shoes and clothing, as the routines involve some jumping and kicking.
With regular practice, TaiJi Chuan can increase flexibility, build muscles, improve balance, sharpen the brain, and calm the mind. We hope to share these benefits with everyone. Please come join us.
To increase internet exposure, we also have another website:
https://sites.google.com/view/chen-taichi-study-group/