Tai Chi Chuan literally means supreme or ultimate life force fist. It is an internal martial art, using qi as the source of the practitioner’s power rather than simply muscular strength. This is the most dynamic type of qigong practice.

• Improves strength, balance, and flexibility
• Induces alpha and, in some cases, theta brain waves which reduce heart rate and blood pressure, facilitating relaxation, mental focus
• Enhances the efficiency of the immune system
• Coordinates right/left brain hemisphere dominance, promoting deeper sleep, reduced anxiety, and mental clarity
• Alters the neurochemistry profile, moderating pain, depression, and addictive cravings
•  Improves resistance to disease and infection
• Sessions are 75 minutes

“Tai Chi Chuan is a defensive martial arts system which utilizes the momentum of the opponent against himself,” states Master Gus Rubio, my teacher. He continues, “It is even offensive in its defense in that the prime physical damage to the opponent is incurred by collision. Therein lies the yang within the yin.”

Brooke teaches the Yang Family Style Tai Chi Chuan, with the 24 movement pre-revolution Yang short form as the first beginner form.