Several surveys have shown that Tai Chi Chuan improves health, especially breathing, blood circulation, coordination, dexterity and balance, both physically and mentally.
This instructor-education is made so that all, even beginners, who has never tried it before, get extensive lesson in what Tai Chi Chuan is, both as Chinese martial art and as gymnastics for good health
Tai Chi Chuan is build after the principles of Yin and Yang, the two opposite but inseparable forces. The character ‘Tai’ literally means ‘Supreme’ while ‘Chi’ has the literal meaning of ‘Ultimate’. ‘Chuan’ means fist. This means that Tai Chi Chuan is: The Supreme ultimate fist / martial art. Tai Chi transcends the limits of both space and time. The Taoists called it ‘Tao’, meaning ‘The Way’.
When you practice Tai Chi Chuan it improves the balance between Yin and Yang in the body, in the same way that acupuncture does, only with the benefit that you can practice Tai Chi Chuan anywhere, anytime, wearing anything and it takes no special conditions.
This education gives the participants an extensive lesson in the history and theory behind Tai Chi Chuan, plus a lot of practical exercises.
You will also learn about the clubs, and how you might start one of your own.
The course runs over 5 weekends and 5 days of summer camp, each year ending with one written and several practical tests at the camp.
Participants who pass the test well will be given an instructor-certificate that authorizes them to teach under Practical Tai Chi Chuan DK (PTCC DK), who is a member of Danish Tai Chi and Qigong Federation.
There are 9 instructor levels.
All active instructors must pass the yearly test to keep their authorization to teach under PTCC DK.
The style that is being taught is called: Practical Tai Chi Chuan / Wudang Tai Chi Chuan
This style contains:
1. The Hand form – is very characteristic with its floating, calm and beautiful movements, where body and mind melt together in perfect harmony, strengthens and relaxes the body and soul. “The TAI CHI hand form” is a series of movements, done at a very slow pace. Among other things this strengthens breathing, concentration, coordination, circuit and balance, both physically and mentally.
2. San Shou (self defense) – The movements in Tai Chi Chuan are based upon self defense that improves the practitioner’s balance, speed, dexterity and more.
The basic element is to divert or turn the force of the opponent against himself with a minimum use of own forces.
3. Tui Shou (Pushing Hands) – are partner drills that improve the footwork, the stand, balance, coordination, concentration and much more. Also it teaches the participants to “listen” to the opponent with all their senses, which is necessary in a fighting situation.
4. Weapon – Tai Chi Chuan experts train the Hand form to cultivate the mind, Saber to strengthen his resolve, the Sword to nourish the Chi and the Spear to increase wisdom. The Weapon forms are more athletic and are done at a higher pace. This means that they improve condition, concentration, balance and more. Self defense techniques are also trained with weapons.
5. Nei Gung (Inner Strength) – There are 24 exercises, 12 Yin and 12 Yang. These exercises strengthens the entire body physically and mentally. The exercises especially strengthens joints, bones and tendons and is a fantastic self-physiotherapy against joint-, tendon- or bone injuries. Also it is great mental training. After having done the 12 Yin exercises correctly for at least 100 days the practitioner can take punches and kicks to the body without being harmed. Tai Chi Chuan experts train Nei Gung to develop Fa Jin (focused/trained force).
(this is only taught to “Inside the door Students”)
6. Tai Chi Chuan Classics – Most of the theory we use today come from these old classics.Understanding of these texts is necessary for being a good instructor of Tai Chi Chuan
Has studied Martial arts since 1985 and in 1990 started training Wudang Tai Chi Chuan under Sifu Dan Docherty.
International Tai Chi Chuan competition results: British Open Champion 1993, 94, 95 and 99, Dutch Open Champion 1995 and 96, threefold European Champion 2000 plus referee at British Open 1997, 98 and 2000.
President of the Danish Tai Chi and Qigong Federation, DTQF.
Founder & Chief instructor in Practical Tai Chi Chuan Denmark, PTCC DK
He has produced several Tai Chi Chuan instruction videos.