Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese internal martial art system which combines profound principles, theories and martial arts techniques. Its slow, soft and continuously flowing movements are mesmerizing and beautiful to watch on the surface. However, it is the cultivation of one's internal energy, mind and physical body that make it so unique and challenging to learn. Tai Chi practice requires a deep level of relaxation and a focused mind, thus allowing one's intent to lead and guide the body's energy.

Tai Chi is not only a martial art, but is also widely acknowledged as an effective health exercise. Its controlled; slow-moving yet powerful movements promote fitness, develop strength and endurance, and bring about a total mind/body awareness and integration.

In China, martial art is commonly referred to as Wu Shu and Tai Chi is highly respected as one of the most complex and effective of the "internal" martial arts. Chen Style Tai Chi is the original and the oldest form of Tai Chi. It emphasizes self-defense and incorporates both fast and slow movements. Yang Style and Wu Style are derived from the original Chen Style. Both these styles emphasize internal cultivation through slow rhythmic movements.

Chen Style Tai Chi is the oldest of all the Tai Chi forms and all other forms of Tai Chi are derived from it.

The form combines elements that fast and slow, soft and powerful; it is best characterized by its circular and spiral-like movements. Chen Style Tai Chi is suitable for those who prefer a slightly more demanding cardiovascular workout.

Instructor - Henry Wan

Henry started his martial arts training in Hong Kong at the young age of twelve. He obtained his black belt in TaeKwonDo there in 1996. He continued to develop his TKD skills when he immigrated to Canada and added Tang Soo Do to his training. Henry continued to train very hard and diligently. Unfortunately, during one of those intense workouts, he sustained a serious hip joint injury that would end his TKD career and prevent him from continuing his pursuit with any of the "hard" martial arts (eg. requiring strong and explosive kicks and strikes).

But this would not deter him from his passion. As a result of his injury, his direction shifted from the external martial arts to the traditional Chinese internal martial art of tai chi -- as it requires less external energy and focuses more on using internal strength. Under the instruction and expert guidance of tai chi master Bao Sen Liang, Henry was not only able to continue with his martial arts training, but was able to excel far beyond his expectations in a very short period of time. Not only was he developing his physical skills, but was now building internal strength and opening his mind to new potentials that he never perceived nor comprehended possible in all his many years of martial arts training. However, even with attaining such relatively high level, Sifu Bao Sen Liang expressed that Henry had just only begun and officially "entered the door" of his long and satisfying journey with tai chi !

Henry has studied traditional tai chi forms in Chen, Yang, and Wu styles as well as weapons and push hands sparring. After a period of time of studying and practicing tai chi properly, his hip problem has been resolved and is a personal testament to the healing and strengthening effectiveness of this ancient internal martial art system.

Henry has also challenged himself in national tournaments in different categories and won gold medals in both tai chi forms and push hands competitions. Henry graduated to instructor status in 2009 and realized that the process of teaching others is actually helping him with his own continued learning path, to prompt him to see and analyse the complex tai chi concepts from different perspectives and dimensions.