About our Instruction
All classes are conducted by Sifu Ramsey Yunan. Ramsey has over 25 years of
martial experience in many systems. Over 20 of those years are in Tai Chi
studies with some of the leading teachers in the US and from Asia. He is also
an accomplished push-hands competitor and has won medals at several national
and regional tournaments.
Ramsey also has the experience of a 20-year career in engineering and business
that allows him to relate the curriculum to applications in everyday personal
and professional life. His extensive knowledge, personal attention and love for
teaching makes our program effective, easy and fun.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese exercise system, based on Taoist
concepts, that develops the balance of Yin and Yang in our bodies, minds and
spirits. Tai Chi is a no-stress system that can be practiced anywhere by
anyone, anytime. The exercises develop good posture and strong muscle tone,
sharpen the mind, enhance vitality and help to relieve stress related pain. It
is a truly complete system, including meditation, breathing and internal organ
stimulation, providing health and many other benefits. Tai Chi is also well
known as the most effective martial art ever developed, yet it is non-violent
and doesn't use strength, so even small women and the elderly can easily defend
themselves. Most importantly of all, Tai Chi Chuan is great fun and makes good
friends!
Tai Chi is practiced in a slow, relaxed manner, so there's no exertion or
sweating and you can do it in any comfortable clothes. There is a variety of
ways that Tai Chi is practiced; seated, standing and moving. Most exercises
only need a few feet of space and can be done anywhere, including your home or
office, without special equipment like mats and other devices.
What is Kung Fu?
Kung Fu is a term used to generally describe any Chinese martial arts
system. Each system has its own style and usefulness, some are mostly for
fighting, and some are mostly for show. Authentic fighting styles do not look
particularly fancy and tend to emphasize drills over forms. The training
involves ancient exercises used to develop tremendous physical power and mental
discipline. The physical training is designed to develop the whole body, inside
and out, based on the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The
self-defense training is practical, realistic and dynamic, so that it works for
everyone. Right here and now, people young and old, male and female, can enjoy
the same legendary benefits of Kung Fu that people have been enjoying for
centuries!
Practicing these exercises has been shown to improve health and vitality
dramatically, within a few weeks. Some of the most measurable effects are a
better sense of balance, lower blood pressure, joint pain relief and a stronger
immune system. Other benefits include improved mental and physical ability, a
lower stress lifestyle, personal interaction skills, and even the ability to
defend yourself.
What is our training program like?
Silent Dragon teaches the original Tai Chi of Yang Lu-chan, and is the only
school in the region that teaches in the authentic temple method. Our program
follows that used in ancient times, where the form was taught as a set of
individual exercises, not one difficult, long sequence, as is common today. We
cover the complete curriculum of Tai Chi, which not only includes health
aspects, but also mental, spiritual and community development, and a full range
of superior martial applications in hand and weapon combat that anyone can
learn and use for sport or defense.
Initial training consists of basic breathing, posture and concentration
development exercises done while moving and in stillness. Additional training
includes practicing individual forms and other exercises. In addition to solo
practice, there are also partnered exercises to develop sensitivity and
interaction with other people.
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