In China, tai chi is revered as a 'vehicle to immortality.' This interpretation highlights the extraordinary health benefits of daily tai chi practice. In the west, tai chi and qi-gong are rapidly moving to the forefront of today's healthcare news as a balanced exercise to support health and well-being. Tai chi has been used effectively to treat hypertension( 7 ), arthritis( 3 ), reduce the risk of falling( 6 ), and increase bone and muscle density( 4 ). Tai Chi has also been shown to have promising results for patients with cardiovascular disease( 8 ), cancer( 5 ) and diabetes. Tai chi applies the Chinese medical theory of intrinsic energy flow or "qi" in order to actively circulate bodily fluids, regulate organ function and return the body to homeostasis. Additionally, tai chi's correct posture and slow, concentrated movements make it especially helpful as a rehabilitative therapy that reinforces the tendons and ligaments while increasing range of motion( 2 ).

In addition to physical benefits, tai chi can also enhance memory, sharpen mental concentration and improve psychological wellbeing( 1 ). The mind often holds onto stress and anxiety, even after we walk away from stressful stimuli. This mental "attack" translates into an over-active inflammatory response that changes our internal chemistry, resulting in depression, anxiety and fatigue, as well as increasing our risk for developing chronic diseases later in life. Without infection, inflammation needlessly drains essential energy reserves that would otherwise be used for daily body maintenance such as filtering toxins, regulating organ function and correcting genetic mutations. Tai chi breathing deeply relaxes the mind and body, allowing our internal chemistry to return to homeostasis and preserve a finely-tuned machine. As a result, practitioners enjoy more energy, better sleeping patterns and a happier disposition. Many other health benefits are still being studied today.

Wu Dang Mountain, popularized by the movie "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon," is revered as the birthplace of martial arts. Wu Dang is the primary center for internal kung fu training, tai chi and qi-gong healing. It is both a physical and spiritual sanctuary rich in tradition and history. For over 2000 years, Taoist priest on Wu Dang Mountain have refined the practice of meditation, qi-gong, dao-yin (yoga) and internal alchemy, which solidified its position as the Mecca of ancient Taoist wisdom and mind-body practices. Around 1100 A.D., qi-gong was further developed on Wu Dang Mountain by the sage Zhang Sanfeng, the grand assembler of tai chi. It is said that Zhang Sanfeng observed a magpie fighting a snake and immediately understood the yin-yang nature of combat; the essence of overcoming hardness with softness. Zhang Sanfeng integrated qi-gong, bagua theory, traditional Chinese medicine, internal alchemy and kung fu to create the first "internal" martial art called Tai Chi Quan ("Grand Ultimate Fist"). Zhan Sanfeng's original 13 postures changed the platform in which kung fu and eventually other styles practiced martial arts. Previously, kung fu was only a self-defense system; Zhan Sanfeng made it an art form, a way of life, capable of generating internal power and insight. Although outwardly designed as a highly advanced martial art system, Wu Dang tai chi is in fact a direct path to health and longevity aimed at conserving jing, qi and shen: the three treasures of the Tao.

Master Chen

Knowing one's tai chi roots and recognizing its lineage, not only honors the teacher and the wisdom that has been passed down from previous masters, but also validates that you are receiving authentic instruction. Kaikudo's Tai Chi instructor, Michael Issa, has studied extensively under a tai chi master from Wu Dang Mountain, the birthplace of tai chi. Master Yun Xiang Tseng (Chen) was a child prodigy in Chinese martial and healing arts. At the age of six he was chosen by Wu Dang masters, Master Guo Gao Yi and Master Li Cheng Yu, to learn the ancient wisdom of Wu Dang tai chi, qi-gong, meditation and healing. He is of a 14th generation Wu Dang Zhang Sanfeng lineage and a 25th generation Longmen Taoist Priest, and is authorized to practice and teach the authentic Wu Dang Taoist teachings that have passed on in an unbroken living tradition for 700 years. He was given the Taoist name of Qing Zhen.

In 1990, he immigrated from the People's Republic of China to the United States. He now resides in Ft. Collins, Colorado with his wife and three children. Chen has trained many thousands in America and over 10,000 people in China. He has a gift for making these authentic Taoist teachings understandable. He teaches the Wu Dang tradition of Taoism throughout the United States. He has appeared on various major network news stations and has been interviewed by newspapers as well as published articles in national magazines.

A true son of the Tao, Master Chen believes most strongly that only in having an open sharing affection for his students can he impart the great message of peace and hope that he has come to North America to deliver. His teaching is always informed by his knowledge of classical Chinese medicine and his extensive background in Chinese classical literature.

Currently, Chen is the President of Chi for Longevity, President and founder of the Association for Chinese and American Enrichment, Inc. a not for profit organization, and serves as director of Wu Dang Cultural Studies in America. He is the official representative of Wu Dang for the Wu Dang Taoist Association. Chen's mission is to build the first Taoist Monastery in the U.S.

For more information, please visit Master Chen's website at www.wudangtao.com.