Program Description
Event Details
Tai Chi can be defined as "relaxed physical movement with a peaceful but focused mind". Tai Chi Ch’uan literally means "supreme ultimate fist". Tai Chi was created centuries ago as an internal martial art that cultivates the chi (internal energy) and combines the natural energy flow with physical movement for the purpose of self defense. Tai Chi Ch’uan is therefore known as the softest of all martial arts.
In this "Intro to Tai Chi" class, you will begin with loosening up exercises to physically relax the joint areas to allow for better energy flow. This is followed with a meridian cleansing Chi Kung routine to begin cultivating the chi. The rest of the class is Tai Chi form instruction in Cheng Man Ch’ings Yang Style, 37-Posture form.
About the Instructor
David Ritchie's interest in Martial Arts began in 1969 while attending the School of Agriculture at the University of Connecticut. During this time he studied Go Ju Ryu, and later continued studying and training in other Martial Art Styles from Korea, Japan and China as well as Judo, Aikido and American Boxing.
During the time David spent practicing the Chinese Style of Wing Chung, he discovered Tai Chi Chuan. David s Tai Chi learning began in 1973, and he soon met his first Tai Chi teacher, Ben Wang, who was in the United States at the time. After 5 years Tai Chi became his only interest. In 1980, Ben invited David to Malaysia to continue studying Tai Chi at Grand Master Huang Sheng Shyan's School in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia (Borneo). David's Master Instructor at the Sabah Tai Chi Association was Master Wong Li Sung. The Tai Chi Style was Cheng Man Ching's 37 posture form.
In 1988, David visited Hong Kong and was fortunate to meet and learn from Master Wong Yi in Victoria Park. The next trip was to Bangkok, Thailand, and Tai Chi practice with a group of Chinese Elders in Lumpini Park. During this time, David began practicing Pushing Hands and Long Sword, followed later by Saber and Staff.
David began teaching privately in 1982 and, do to numerous requests, in 1989, opened the first brick and mortar Tai Chi School in New England, that concentrated only on Tai Chi. David is Director of Central Connecticut Tai Chi Chuan, along with his wife Barbara, who is Co-Director.