Introduction
About Grand Master Soengkono
Endorsements
How is Tai Chi Learned?
The Ancient Chinese Art
Come By for a Visit!

One’s first impression upon being exposed to Tai Chi Chuan, even briefly, is normally one of fascination mixed with puzzlement. The flowing rhythm of the movements, radiating concentration and inner peace, seem to conceal a secret. These exotic movements might even give rise to an odd feeling of familiarity, or impression that one would be quite comfortable practicing this art. Many come to Tai Chi after being put off by the one-sided orientation toward physical fitness and competition found in other activities, like sports or exercise programs. Frequently, these other paths to fitness lead to sore joints or other bodily injury.

Tai Chi, on the other hand, not only has a positive effect on your muscles, tendons and joints, but also a harmonizing influence on your internal organs. Practising it is a wonderful way to bring body and mind into line and develop both harmoniously.

Tai Chi Chuan (also called just "Tai Chi") is a Chinese way of movement founded on traditions thousands of years old. It is very different from yoga, stretch routines, gymnastics and other exercises, because to Tai Chi implies more than simply mastering the movement sequence. When Tai Chi movements are executed with awareness, they activate an "inner movement" - the flow of vital energy, called CHI by the Chinese ("ki" in Japan and Korea).

Aside from the health benefits, at the advanced level Tai Chi can also be used in martial way; that is that Tai Chi is also a MARTIAL ART. Also, a third aspect, the meditative aspect, shows the path of mental training against a background of TAOIST PHILOSOPHY.

The concise 108 movement form Master Soengkono teaches was developed by the Grand Master Cheng Man-Ching (1900-1975) and is based on the Yang style of Tai Chi - the Tai Chi style that is the most widely taught in the western world.  In addition, Master Soengkono also teaches the 48 combination Tai Chi form as well as Qigung regularly in his classes.

Born in West Java, Indonesia, Grand Master Soengkono (Song, Yung Ren) began his involvement in martial arts the hard way - in the legendary alleys of Bogor’s and Bandung’s districts where racial discrimination was at its worst toward the non-natives.

As a little boy, he often came home crying with bruises, a black eye, a bloody nose and a fat lip. His young mind attempted to reason why he was a constant target for the local bullies and many times wished that he had not been born the race he was. In those years, Grand Master Soengkono’s tiny body was weak, and his spirits were low as he recovered from one illness after another.

Encek Bacih and Encek Bacan took pity on the little boy and took him under their wings. Both renown Supreme Grandmasters of Kung Fu, Pencak Silat (the native martial art of Indonesia) and Tai Chi, Encek Bacih and Encek Bacan began instructing the little boy in the martial arts. Soon, Grand Master Soengkono began to improve physically, mentally and spiritually, building self-confidence and well-being along the way. The harshness of his environment did not change, yet Master Soengkono did, refusing to let anyone make him feel inferior. When forced to defend himself on the streets, he no longer lost.

Practising Tai Chi daily, Grand Master Soengkono’s frail health began improving, eventually transcending him into rigorous health.

ENDORSEMENTS

I had the privilege to study Tai Chi Chuan with two teachers before meeting Grand Master Soengkono. Since then, I have come to realize, at an even deeper level, that Tai Chi is much more than a series of body movements. Grand Master Soengkono teaches far more than "form" he teaches an Art which transcends the physical and holds a wisdom that enriches our everyday life. Through his admirable patience, delightful sense of humour and remarkable example, Grand Master Soengkono brings within our reach a wealth of knowledge, experience and dedication which mere words will never quite be able to reveal.
J.L. Brusset (teacher)

I have been fortunate to study with Grand Master Song for almost 4 years. Over the months of learning Tai Chi under Grand Master Soengkono, I have noticed greatly my improving strength, stamina and mobility. My joints were very stiff due to arthritis. Climbing stairs was especially difficult in the morning - my worst time. Much to my amazement, I am now able to run up and down the stairs easily. In addition to the physical benefits, Tai Chi helps me to focus and reach an inner feeling of calmness. The hectic world is left behind as we concentrate on our exercises. Grand Master Soengkono is an inspirational teacher and I leave each class with a feeling of well-being and look forward to when we will meet again.
Gayle Jurcik (teacher)

I have had five teachers in Tai Chi during the last 18 years, and now I have the rare privilege to study under a true Master. I feel that I have learned more in the last two years with Grand Master Soengkono than in all the other years combined. Tai Chi energizes me, calms and balances me, keeps me grounded, and gives me more stamina and flexibility than I had two years ago. Tai Chi and Chi Gong are a vital and necessary part of my life, and will be as long as I live. I highly recommend this form of exercise, meditation and discipline to anyone who wishes to have higher levels of awareness, positive self-control and a more joyful, peaceful life.
Kate Armstrong (psychotherapist)

Tai Chi is an oasis in my hectic, hurried lifestyle.  It is my time to recharge depleted energy and to regain a calmer disposition.  Tai Chi is something completely different from other physical activities or fitness regimes.  The environment is welcoming and inclusive of ages and abilities.  Grand Master Soengkono is a gifted teacher who leads us in "movement meditations" that are truly opportunities for rejuvination.
Andrea North (teacher)

The first step in learning Tai Chi is studying the movements of the form. This step provides a structure for the practitioner and a foundation for the following steps:

Practising and using these six steps, the practitioner tries to accomplish certain goals:

• the training of the body to generate more intrinsic energy
• the control and regulation of this energy with consciousness
• the bringing of the body, mind and spirit into harmonious relationships
• achievement of spiritual serenity

Tai Chi Chuan, literally "Supreme Ultimate Fist," is a centuries old Chinese self-defense discipline for health, relaxation, mediation, and self-cultivation. It can be learned by anyone, regardless of age, sex or athletic ability, and is practiced slowly and evenly in circular patterns.

Tai Chi Chuan is considered a healing exercise because of its reputation for alleviating many ailments, such as hypertension, gastric problems, arthritis, heart disease and anemia.

It improves circulation and balance, and helps to relax and strengthen the nervous system.  The stretching movements make the body limber, tone up muscles, and release tension.  Practicioners find that it creates a sense of well-being.  In addition to the physical health benefits of Tai Chi, there are other perks to this style.  As meditation, Tai Chi is a way of harmonizing body and mind dynamically.  It fosters an inner quiet that nourishes a continuing awareness.  It blends easily with other kinds of meditation.

As a martial art, Tai Chi Chuan is rooted in Taoism, which advocates natural effort, and in the I Ching, or "Book of Changes."  The movements ard inner teachings are derived from the complimentary relationship between yin and yang, two fundamental forces that create and harmonize the universe by their interaction.  This interaction of yin and yang is vital to the practice  of Tai Chi Chuan since physically and mentally the practitioner is continually shifting between empty and full, soft and hard, to achieve an evolving equilibrium.

This produced both physical and mental flexibility, and the power to adapt in a way that provides the practitioner with the necessary leverage to deal with a martial opponent, or someone less physical but still combative.

Practice produces the ability to yield while maintaining contact that will ultimately produce a satisfactory resolution.  At the same time, Tai Chi Chuan has the capability to produce strength physically bu the proper repetition of the movements.  In addition, it generates Chi, or inner energy, which revitalizes the system.

The Aim of Grand Master Soengkono is to allow you to learn the fundamental skills that will make it easier for you to gain a deeper understanding of Tai Chi Chuan, through his personal instructions that are precise, comprehensible and easy to follow - not to mention fun.

COME BY FOR A VISIT...

We'd love to explain to you the lifelong physical and mental benefits of Tai Chi Chuan and show you the school's spacious modern facilities.

We take great pride in giving personal attention and encouragement to each and every student.  Our staff is positive, friendly, and caring.  The classes are both fun and challenging, and allow students to progress at their own speed.

During the past 14 years, thousands of students from ages 5 to 65 have studied the martial arts of Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and Tai Chi under Grand Master Soengkono.  Many of his top students have become nationally ranked competitors and top instructors...but what's most important to us is that our students learn to live as winners!  We're looking forward to meeting you!

Take the first step towards a better, healthier life, call us!

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