About Tai Chi Mantis Institute
Our School
The Tai Chi Mantis Institute was founded by Master Wong Lam Ling, an eighth generation disciple of Grandmaster Chiu Chuk Kai and the Tai Chi Praying Mantis Martial Arts. We strive to educate and promote the techniques of traditional Chinese martial arts. We are committed to creating an encouraging and safe environment that welcomes all students who seek to learn and incorporate the practice of Tai Chi and Qi-gong into their daily lives, with an emphasis in improving mental and physical health. Master Wong promotes a disciplined and rigorous practice that upholds thousands of years of traditional Chinese martial arts philosophies and techniques.
Mission
To promote, practice and uphold the teachings of Grandmaster Chiu Chuk Kai and Master Wong Lam Ling in traditional Chinese Tai Chi, Qi-gong and Kung Fu for the purpose of improving our mental and physical well-being, as well as the well-being of others.
To honor and commemorate the legacy of our predecessors, their teachings and the philosophies of Chinese martial arts.
To show humility in our practice of martial arts, as well as respect to our predecessors, fellow students and ourselves.
To serve our local and greater community by showing good citizenship, as well as welcoming all who seek to truly learn from our school, regardless of age, gender and background.
Tai Chi and Qi-gong
Tai Chi (Tai Chi Chuan) and Qi-gong (pronounced "chee-gong") are two practices that originated in ancient China, and are now practiced throughout the world as an effective exercise for strengthening and balancing both the body and mind. Historically Tai Chi Chuan and Qi-gong were thought to have origins in ancient Taoist and Buddhist temples, and thus emphasized as both a religious and physical practice.
In modern times, Tai Chi Chuan and Qi-gong practices generally refer to the physical and mental aspects. The essence of Tai Chi Chuan is to strengthen and improve the internal strength and the flow of Qi, the vital life energy. Focus is on fluid, relaxed movements with slow and deep breathing. Besides being an effective form of self-defense, Tai Chi Chuan and Qi-gong have been proven to have many health benefits, as they train the body by improving muscle strength, flexibility and stamina as well as the mind by helping improve one's ability to focus and relax.
Beginner students start with breathing exercises, the Tai Chi walk, and the basic 24 movement set (Yang style), which forms a foundation for all future training. Students will expand their training with additional sets, which incorporate elements of the Sun, Wu and Chen styles. They will also learn Tui Shou (Pushing Hands), the 24 and 48-movement Chen Style, and weapons sets.
Qi-gong practice, which focuses on developing one's internal strength, is for the intermediate/advanced student. For the more advanced student, Tai Chi and Qi-gong are taught together, and meant to be practiced as a complementary exercise for maximum benefit to the mind and body.