Forget what you’ve heard about Tai Chi Chuan. What many think of as low-impact exercise is actually a complete fighting system from Northern China.
A subtle fighting art
Tsubokai offers the rare opportunity to study the highly effective martial applications of Tai Chi Chuan. These techniques work at all ranges of combat, and include many lost principles painstakingly researched by our instructor Alan Wolfenden.
Training begins by learning the slow movements and controlled breathing. These are supplemented by energy building exercises known as Chi Kung.
As you train through our grading system to an advanced level, you will discover the strikes, kicks, punches, throws, locks and chokes that are concealed within the form.
Examples of fighting application
Our style
Tai chi chuan at Tsubokai is based on the almost lost Old Yang family tradition.
In the mid 19th century Yang Lu Chan mixed Taoist internal arts with the Shaolin external energy fighting arts. This hybrid system was so effective that it earned him the nickname of ‘Unbeatable Yang’. His art was taught to members of the Royal bodyguard and then Royal family themselves. Legend has it they were the ones to give the style its name, which translates as the ‘supreme pinnacle of fighting arts’.
Unfortunately, from the 1920’s onwards tai chi has been diluted in favour of promoting health and fitness, reducing the system to a shadow of its former self.
At Tsubokai, we practice in the old way, cultivating the internal and external power which once gave this system its deadly reputation.
Example of our form
Come see for yourself, or get in touch to find out more.
- Cultivate a balance between internal and external energy
- Lower stress levels and increase fitness
- Small classes with experienced instructor
- Informal, friendly atmosphere
07934 499 410
tsubokai@live.co.uk
