Tai Chi is an exercise. It is an exercise of the body, the mind, and the spirit. It is performed very slowly, as if the practitioner were moving through very thick air. Moving slowly allows one to breath deeply and permits the mind to become deeply concentrated. From the deep breathing and concentrated mind one becomes calm and tranquil, and can profoundly center oneself.

In learning Tai Chi, one studies a series of movements. This series of movements, or postures, functions as the medium through which one attends to learning and practicing the principles of Tai Chi. These principles are the real essence of Tai Chi. They are concepts of mind and body which are the depth of Tai Chi and also the depths of life. Concepts such as proper body alignment, relaxation, vitality, naturalness, fluidity, rootedness & balance, mindfulness, raising the spirit, and stillness within movement are the fundamental principles.

In learning Tai Chi, one studies a series of movements. This series of movements, or postures, functions as the medium through which one attends to learning and practicing the principles of Tai Chi. These principles are the real essence of Tai Chi. They are concepts of mind and body which are the depth of Tai Chi and also the depths of life. Concepts such as proper body alignment, relaxation, vitality, naturalness, fluidity, rootedness & balance, mindfulness, raising the spirit, and stillness within movement are the fundamental principles.

Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi Ch'uan is derived from the Chen style and is the original Yang family form. The stances of this form are lower than Yang (Beijing style) but not so low as Chen. It uses a combination both long and short circles and the style incorporates movements that are longer and deeper, more energetic, flowing and expansive, and have more apparent martial character than Yang Tai Chi.

Regular Tai Chi practice enhances health by activating the mind, by calming the nervous system, and by keeping the joints flexible, the muscles toned, and the internal organs invigorated. Tai Chi can be done by people of all ages and temperaments. Done correctly, Tai Chi enlivens and refines the human organism by stimulating and mobilizing the Chi - or life force -- which courses through the body. The activation of chi is complimented and balanced by the fluid, calm, and soothing movements. This harmonization of energies is the quality unique to Tai Chi. Through its action Tai Chi improves the health of body, mind, and spirit.

Bo Dah-Wai (David Bernhardt) has been training in the Martial Arts for over 30 years, with a Certification from the Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi Association. He is a Gold Medal Champion in Guang Ping Tai Chi from the U.S. Chinese Koushu Federation, at San Francisco's International Martial Arts Competition. He is also certified as an Internal Martial Arts judge by Grand Master Henry Look. 

A teacher since 1976, Sifu Bernhardt has taught on both coasts of the United States as well as internationally. He has also achieved black belts or equivalent in five styles. His accomplishments include 2 first degree black belts, a 3rd degree black belt and a fourth degree black belt. His studies have included Wing Chun, Jeet Kune do, Tae Kwon Do, Ying Jow Pai, Kune Mu Kwon, 5 Animal Gung Fu, Choi Lai Fut, Kajukenbo, Kenpo, Iaido, Hsing-I, Guang Ping Tai Chi and Guang Ping Tai Chi weapons, Chi Gung and Zazen. Sifu Bernhardt has been fortunate to have both Grand Master Chiang, Yun-Chun and Grand Master Look, Moon Hung as his teachers.

For more infomation on Guang Ping Tai Chi, visit GuangPingTaiChi.com