It All Began With . . . Tai Chi Chuan is believed to have been developed by a Taoist monk, Zhang San-Feng, who lived in China in the 13^th Century. It all started with his keen observations of a fight between a large bird and a small snake outside of his window. Each time the bird lunged at the coiled snake, the snake yielded by twisting its body away from the bird's sharp beak. The fight went on for some time but the snake was not harmed. Eventually exhausted, the bird flew away in search of easier prey. Zhang San Feng combined this soft, yielding ability of the snake with the tough, physical strengthening of the Shaolin martial arts to develop Tai Chi Chuan.

What It Is . . .Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient form of Chinese exercise and self-defense, encompassing a slow-moving sequence of postures that, if done correctly, should seem almost effortless. Total immersion in this system of exercise can help develop better posture, increase arm and leg strength (without adding bulk), and improve cardiovascular conditioning/endurance. Medical studies have shown that Tai Chi Chuan can improve joint flexibility, balance, enhance mental and physical health of the body, lower high blood pressure, and reduce symptoms of stress. Tai Chi Chuan also develops the "qi," (chi) or internal energy and allows it to flow through the energy channels in the body to help maintain overall health and well being. Tai Chi Chuan is easy to learn, easy to practice, and a low impact exercise.

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