"Tai Chi Chuan" with Anne Becker *

Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art whose fundamental principle is to avoid combat. The opponent’s energy bounces off you as if off a ball. Every movement incorporates both a block and an attack. To master this skill, very precise execution and regular practice of the movements are necessary. To this end, a specific sequence (the form) is repeated over and over again, with increasing depth of understanding.

Tests can be used to verify whether the movements are being performed correctly. This is easily noticeable even for beginners, very impressive, and puts you in a good mood.

Depending on the group’s ability to absorb the material, the first two to three pairs of movements (the movements alternate between a Yin and a Yang aspect) can be taught.

Duration: 60–90 minutes

Time of day: Morning or afternoon until just before dinner (very invigorating)

The martial art Tai Chi Chuan is based on three main pillars: meditation, energy work (Qigong), and the Tai Chi Chuan form. Breath control is an essential force used in the practice. There are numerous exercises designed to prepare the body, both mentally and physically, for the practice of the martial art Tai Chi Chuan. I have selected a few of these and described them briefly. The description is intended primarily to help you understand what these exercises are about.