Classical Tai Chi of Buffalo

We really want to pass this on to the next generation. For a limited time we are offering absolutely free classes for beginners forming February 17, 2019.  Please see our "Live Classes" page for more information and how to register:

Here's a link to what we will be using as a free video reference in our class: "New to Classical Tai Chi, start here"

A typical article on our Facebook page: Let's talk a little more about "Large vs. Small" or sometimes called "large vs. compact" for instance:   Pushing with the leg is a natural move in large forms. Pulling with the core however is a learned technique only developed in the compact form. Many natural moves also permeate compact as well so most students have difficulty keeping parts of the body stationary that should not move. Try the "sensing" lesson below. Feel for yourself what we mean by "natural" yet one can also learn to delineate and control what should be moving and non-moving with the Classical Tai Chi-Square Form, Round Form:

 Sensing Practice - Wu-chi / Wu-ji (stand with feet parallel)

 From Wu-chi, gently stretch down tailbone Slowly (stand feet parallel, toes front) gently lower (bend) your left knee moving your weight to the left foot (notice the upper body "naturally"turns to the right).

 Return to Wu-chi, now try the right knee, (notice upper body "naturally" turns to the left).

 Return to Wu-chi, now square the shoulders, feel the weight (naturally) move to the heels.

  Return to Wu-chi, slowly try to squat, most people, in the beginning, will feel the weight (naturally) transfer either to the outer edges or inner edges of the feet.

 From Wu-chi, raise one or both arms, un-stretch the tailbone, move your eyes to the horizon, try any and all movements and notice the pressure (naturally) changes on the soles of the feet, neck and the rest of the body parts.

 As we progress through the various position/postures of Wuji, then hopefully on to the Classical Tai Chi "forms", square form, round form remembering such things as the even displacement of weight on edge of the feet when it should be the soles of the feet, the involuntary turning of the body  just bending a knee when the body should be kept still, etc. The "natural" movements of the body become very important do they not? Can you now see the benefit and detriment that natural movement brings and how you can improve your movement for health and martial art by learning?

To learn about our online classes: https://classical-tai-chi.teachable.com/

In the meantime please take time to read the Blog:  The Classical Tai Chi Blog  (classicaltaichi.blogspot.com) written by Sifu James Roach was selected by Feedspot as one of the "Top 25 Tai Chi Blogs And Websites in the World To Follow in 2018".

 For information about our online classes only:   Contact Master Stephen Hwa at https://classical-tai-chi.teachable.com/ 

 Taken in 2005, Master Instructor Stephen Hwa, Ph.D. with his student and 1st certified teacher of Classical Tai Chi, Sifu Jim Roach.  

 Dr. Stephen Hwa Ph.D. is the 2nd generation disciple of the legendary Tai Chi Master Wu Chien Chuan, founder of Wu Style Tai Chi. Hwa learned from the 1st generation Master Young Wabu shown in the photo below. Sifu Jim Roach studying "Small Circle or Small Frame Tai Chi" with Dr. Hwa since 2005 and is Dr. Hwa's 1st certified teacher.  Sifu Roach was an "indoor" advanced student and 4th generation disciple of the Wu Family when he studied the "large frame" forms at the Academy in Toronto, Canada. Master Hwa was fortunate to be taught the advanced “Small Circle, or Small Frame Tai Chi Form” where every movement originates from the core of the body. Because of the depth and subtlety of learning this art in addition to the early Master’s desire to pass on this art to only a few selected students, few Tai Chi practitioners now know about these exercises. Yet, the ultimate objective of learning Tai Chi is to learn the totally internal Small Frame, while other "large frame" exercises practiced by most Tai Chi practitioners today are simply preparatory in nature. During his forty years of practicing and teaching this art, Hwa has been able to utilize his advanced scientific training (Ph.D. in Engineering) to deconstruct the art to come up with new teaching methods to break through obstacles in learning, so more people can learn these advanced movements quickly. He has written a book, Uncovering the Treasure: Classical Tai Chi’s Path to Internal Energy & Health, and created several DVDs about Classical Tai Chi available on his website at classicaltaichi.com