| tyle T'ai Chi was developed by Sun Lu-t'ang in the | | | | practicing it as tai chi can form a fascinating |
| late 1800s. He was already highly experience in | | | | approach to self-defense as well as an exercise |
| other martial arts before he developed this style. | | | | regimen. There is no denying the relaxation and |
| It is the youngest of the five styles of Tai Chi | | | | calmness achieved by regular practice of Tai Chi. |
| and it is known for incorporating elements derived | | | | Being so gentle on the body with no overly |
| from Xing Yi and Ba Gua, two other forms of | | | | difficult postures, Sun style tai chi is often used as |
| internal martial arts. | | | | exercise for senior citizens or for people |
| Sun tai chi uses very fluid, flowing movements | | | | undergoing some form of physical rehabilitation. A |
| with no jumping or vigorous bending as used in | | | | 32 movement set of Sun style tai chi has been |
| the other styles. It can be recognized by its | | | | formed and approved by the US Arthritis |
| ‘soft’ looking movements that can | | | | Foundation and was created by Australian |
| be described as graceful. Movements are short | | | | teacher, Dr. Paul Lam, and called "Tai Chi for |
| and compact and hand movements are | | | | Arthritis". |
| performed in conjunction with simple stepping | | | | Sun Style Tai Chi is practiced worldwide with |
| movements. Stance is always upright and the | | | | many styles of classes being held from Sun Tai |
| feet are rarely any wider than your shoulders and | | | | Chi Schools dedicated to the whole principal, |
| stepping is very soft with one foot following the | | | | classes being held within other martial arts schools, |
| other, almost rhythmically. Using the open/close | | | | classes being held for the elderly and teachers |
| palm technique the hands are moved in gentle | | | | giving private lessons. Many group classes are |
| circular movements. The Open/close hand system | | | | now being organized by health groups and in |
| helps to concentrate chi in the dan tien, which is | | | | conjunction with local councils, Sun Tai Chi in the |
| the area of the abdomen just below the navel | | | | Park days are becoming common place. With no |
| and in the palms of the hands for delivery of | | | | equipment necessary, other than loose |
| short, deadly strikes. | | | | comfortable clothing and soft flexible shoes, the |
| Although Sun tai chi was not meant to be used | | | | form can be practiced anywhere. |
| for fighting but for health both physical and | | | | Whether you are looking at a different form of |
| mental, it was used in combat for many years. | | | | martial art for self-defense, wanting to improve |
| Today, though, it has become immensely popular | | | | your fitness with the rigors of high impact training |
| and people of all walks of life who find that Sun | | | | or are looking to relieve stress and the internal |
| Tai Chi is an ideal form of exercise with its slow | | | | calmness achieved by regular practice, Sun style |
| gentle moves. Even younger, fitter people are | | | | Tai Chi can offer some amazing benefits. |