Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan
Tai Chi Chuan in an ancient martial art that can be traced back hundreds of years to Chen Village where, for a long time, the teachings were secret and only taught to members of the Chen Family. In the 1800’s, Chen Chang-Xing taught art to the first outsider, Yang Lu-Chan. Yang Lu-Chan was responsible for developing the Yang style of Tai Chi and was called Yang the Invincible. Tai Chi Chuan was originally developed as a martial art but over the years has also been found to have many healing
properties such as aiding in cardiovascular health, flexibility, and
balance. It has also been known to help with high blood pressure, stress,
arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and respiratory ailments. The slow paced
low impact workout helps build strength in the legs and core muscles, as well as the stabilizing muscles. The martial applications of the styles are taught through an exercise called Push Hands. Push Hands trains the student by improving the understanding of forces, balance, intentions and Qi involved in practice with a partner. In class, we highly encourage learning at your own pace. Instructors are willing to help with an explanation, demonstration, as well as the discussion of the theory and philosophy behind tai chi. Whether you are looking for an
effective martial art or a low impact workout or relaxation and meditation, Tai Chi may be what you are looking for.
Raymond Shonk,
Tai Chi Instructor
Ray Shonk started studying martial arts at the age of ten in the styles of Muay Thai kickboxing, Judo and Jujitsu. By his early twenties, he started the practice of Tai Chi which was inspired by the epic cinematic works of Jet Li. Since then he has dedicated his time to studying the
theory, philosophy, and applications of Tai Chi. He earned a gold medal in the 2006 Chicago International Gong Fu Tournament in the Yang style division and by 2007 had been promoted to the level of instructor by Master Sam Hing Fai Chan and taught at Chan’s Kung Fu. In 2009, started teaching for Metro Hospitals Community Outreach and the City of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department. After a few years, he decided to take the next step by opening his own Tai Chi school in the
Grand Rapids area. Ray is a member of the American Tai Chi Association and teaches Yang and Chen styles.
