Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan is the taijiquan style taught predominately at the Daoguan. This style is the embodiment of what is taught in the Taijiquan Classics and has been handed down from teacher to student through thirteen generations to our elder Teacher (Laoshir) Wang Yen-nien of Taipei, Taiwan, The Republic of China.

Taijiquan

Taijiquan is a martial art that uses the mind to coordinate soft, flowing movements with breath.

Research reveals what committed Taiji quan practitioners already know through personal experience: regular practice of Taiji quan promotes balance, increases leg strength, enhances cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems, fosters relaxation and creates tranquility. Additionally, Taiji quan can increase our skill at managing interpersonal relationships in a healthy way (energy management).

Some students practice Taiji quan to create and maintain good health and to live a long life. Others are interested in developing a high level of martial skill; still others are interested in slowing down and relaxing. Because Taiji quan is practiced at the Daoguan in group settings, students may enjoy companionship and mutual support in their Taiji quan practice.

Advanced students have the opportunity to study Taiji weapons including:

• sword
• pole
• cane
• fan

In addition we offer tuishou, a cooperative two-person practice the purpose of which is to develop sensitivity, centeredness, groundedness (root), suppleness, and the ability to read energy from others effectively and to respond to them appropriately.

Baguazhang

Baguazhang (Eight Trigram Palm) is taught at the daoguan and is unique in that all the movements are done around a circle. It is similar to taijiquan because the focus is on the development of internal energy and strength rather than focusing on external force.

Taijiquan Basic Exercises

We also offer Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan Basic Exercises:a series of movements combined with mind, and breath to heal and maintain healthy internal organs, to strengthen the body, and to calm the mind.

Taiji quan Master Wang Yen-nien said:

“Taiji quan, an internal martial art suitable for men and women, young and old stress natural cultivation of qi (life force) without using strength, and strives to develop a strong, malleable body and gentle movements.

Taiji quan synchronizes mind, movement and breath. Practice it with a pure and sincere heart and discard all extraneous thoughts. Concentrate your shen (spirit), quiet your qi (life force) and then use the Daoist Art of Breathing (Tu na Dao yin) to coordinate your practice of the movements of the form. You will perspire, but you should not breathe hard. After a period of time, qi will naturally accumulate in the Dan tian (elixir field). Later it will circulate through the whole body. This skill grows imperceptibly, and you unwittingly become healthier.

Neigong is the internal foundation Taiji quan.  … Neigong uses only ordinary inhaled air that is circulated through the body by the mind and the movement of the internal organs. This strengthens vascular activity and sexual vitality, strengthening the body; and cultivates qi, cleansing the spirit. Tranquility of spirit is a key aspect and hence the name Neigong.

The word Neigong is made up of nei= (inner, within, inside) and gong= (skill).”

(Wang Yen-nien. (1988, 1993): Yangjia Michuan Taiji quan Illustrated and Explained. Published by Grand Hotel T’ai Chi Ch’uan Association.)

Neigong (Inner work) uses Prenatal Breathing and the Daoist Art of Breathing as its fundamental method.

For a more about the breathing meditation integral to our practice at this school please visit Meditation Practice Methods page.