Tai chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art and mind-body exercise, strongly emphasizes body alignment and proper posture. One key element of this alignment is the act of relaxing your tailbone. In this article, we will explore the how and why of relaxing your tailbone in tai chi, delving into the benefits it brings to both physical health and the overall practice of this beautiful art form. The Importance of Proper Alignment Proper alignment is fundamental to the effective practice of tai chi. Relaxing the tailbone is a crucial aspect of achieving this alignment, as it promotes a bala ..read more

Tai chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art and mind-body exercise, with its slow, deliberate movements and emphasis on relaxation and balance, is often seen as a form of gentle exercise or method of stress relief. However, for some practitioners, it can also be a gateway to mystical experiences. Mystical experiences are often described as moments of unity with something greater than oneself, a sense of oneness with the universe, or a connection to a divine or spiritual realm. These experiences can be profound and transformative, leaving lasting changes in one’s perspective on life ..read more

by Vanessa Costigan & Gerrie Sporken This year’s winter training in Amsterdam brought 37 tai chi apprentices together to both teach and learn from each other. The 8th level apprentices gathered a day or so earlier practicing tai chi, push hands, and especially taking time to talk and process together. As the evenings drew dark quite early, we engaged in three evening sessions starting around 6 PM. The early evening timing was welcomed in the depths of winter as the temperature took a dive into minus numbers. As all the apprentices arrived from many different countries, the energy rose. Tra ..read more

 In Memory of Ken Van Sickle Gifted Tai Chi Sword Practitioner, Instructor, and Photographer by Tai Chi Practitioners and Teachers from the Tai Chi Foundation   I remember Ken saying once in a sword workshop that no fancy steps are necessary for fencing… just be easy, like walking in the park. -Sherry Kent *** Ken was a kind and generous teacher. He was very patient and encouraging. He was also very practical in his approach to practicing the movements in the forms. He emphasized that form follows function, so movements change based on application, real or imagined. This important p ..read more

As the world moves at an ever-accelerating pace through increasingly troubling times, there lies a practice, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, that offers a sanctuary of peace and wellness. Tai chi chuan, a martial art once shrouded in secrecy and mystique, has unfolded into a global phenomenon that transcends cultures, ages, and lifestyles.  Here’s what you should know about the transformative period of tai chi history (reportedly between 206 BCE and 24 CE), its contemporary relevance as a bridge between the past and present, and its impactful role in holistic health and spiritual tra ..read more

by Peter Kennedy   For those of you who may not know, there was a Tai Chi Weekend in Austria at the Tai Chi School in Götzens at the beginning of March 2024. This was organized by Maria Gandler and Franz Stumpf. I want to share my reflections and encourage you to visit. To clarify, the weekends called Tai Chi & Tai Ski are for apprentices and students and are held in the spring and autumn. For your information, the European Winter Training 2025 will be in Götzens, Austria! When I arrived back in Götzens and met the local apprentices, I felt like I was being welcomed by family. Warm s ..read more

In the realm of alternative therapies for mental health, tai chi has emerged as a gentle yet powerful practice that holds promise in alleviating symptoms of depression. This centuries-old Chinese martial art and mind-body exercise, often described as “meditation in motion,” seamlessly combines fluid movements with mindful awareness, offering a holistic approach to mental well-being. Tai chi provides potential benefits to individuals grappling with depression and can help contribute to a balanced and serene mind. Understanding Depression: Depression is a pervasive mental health condition that a ..read more

  As the sun rises, casting a warm glow over a tranquil park, a group of individuals moves in harmonious synchrony, their motions fluid and graceful. This scene, replicated in parks across the globe, is a testament to the enduring legacy of tai chi chuan. The ancient art has transcended its martial origins to become a symbol of peace, health, and spiritual balance.  The story of tai chi is not just a chronicle of a martial art, but a fascinating journey through centuries of Chinese philosophy, culture, and wisdom. It’s a narrative that intertwines the principles of Yin and Yang, the ..read more

By Steve Shulman Our best practice and progress in tai chi is experiential — body-to-body. Nevertheless, there are books that can be inspiring, fascinating, and helpful. In the early days of our school, very few English-language tai chi books were available. Over time, new volumes began to appear. Folks would get in line to be the first kid on their block to check them out. Of course, a zillion books and YouTube videos about tai chi are now available — ranging from wonderful to… less than wonderful. Additionally, much of the tai chi available to view online and read about is not the style our ..read more

In volunteering to write this article, I feel like I am stepping out on a limb – this is a completely new type of venture for me, and that in itself seems to epitomize wood energy. So – this is an invitation to join me in experiencing some aspects of taking on a new pursuit (while I take on a new pursuit). Spring is the season for new undertakings, new efforts, new interests. As we emerge from the chill and darkness of winter, we see life show itself again in crocus and daffodils poking their stems through the ground, buds on trees with either flowers or leaves forming – a promise of the summe ..read more