Tai Chi Breathing
The 5 Ways Tai Chi's Hand Expression & Breathing Help You!
Tai Chi Breathing Techniques improve your posture, strengthen the abdominal muscles and exercise the internal organs. These Tai Chi breathing techniques lower your to your breath to the abdomen to control your breathing, promote relaxation, and when combined with special hand exercises, improves the sinews and ligaments.


Abdominal Breathing
Breathing from the lower abdomen is called natural breathing. When
you were born, you breathed from the lower abdomen. However, as we get
older and stress comes into play, we end up breathing in the upper chest
area. This causes tension in the chest and shoulders that can lead to
stiff necks and backs.
Calms the Mind
Have you ever been mad? Of course! Has anyone ever told you to calm
down by taking some deep breaths? Probably! Why does this action relax
you? Because the deep breathing forces you to use the lower abdominal
muscles. Once that happens your body relaxes. When your body relaxes, so
does your mind. Once you develop this lower breathing, you’ll learn to
use your mind to control your body and relax at will..


Strengthens the Muscles
As you learn the gentle breathing exercises of Tai Chi, you’ll
gradually strength the core muscles and lower abdominal muscles. You
have to teach yourself to use these muscles again to develop a low
center of breathing. This low center of breathing helps with a low
center of gravity and exercises the vital internal organs. Every time
you breathe in and out the proper way, it massages these internal organs
to keep them healthy.
Improves Relaxation
By breathing in the lower abdomen, this takes the tension from the
shoulders, neck, and upper chest. Your body will begin to relax and in
fact, you’ll start to notice when it is tense. In every class, you’ll
learn where these stress points are in your own body and learn to relax
them with the proper breathing techniques. All the breathing techniques
are coordinated with Tai Chi hand expression techniques. Hand expression
increases the relaxation by using the muscles that are tense and moving
them into a position of relaxation.


Increases Energy
Breathing combined with relaxation boosts your energy. Stress causes you to breathe erratically, and you become tense and tired. I'm sure that you've seen people that are stressed, and the first thing that is recommended for them to do is to breathe deep to help them relax. By learning proper breathing, you'll begin to have more energy, and you'll sleep better, and have a lot less stress. Like a golfer, if he is tense, he does not hit the ball as far. When he is relaxed with his swing, he'll hit the ball a lot further.
Great for Stress
“It has been only six weeks since I have been studying the graceful,
gentle and yet powerful martial arts of Tai Chi Chuan. I have already
noticed a change in the way I feel, both physically and mentally, and
I’m happy to report it’s been a good and positive change. I decided to
study Tai Chi Chuan for fitness, self defense, and stress reduction. I
have not been disappointed with my decision.”


Why Try the FREE (no obligation) Trial?
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Frequency Asked Questions
What is the schedule for Classes?
We have a variety of class times to suit everyone's needs. When you come in for your trial course, we will cover the regular class schedule. The Trial Course is private and can be scheduled at a time convenient for you.
Do I have to be in shape to start?
No! This is a common misconception. Our beginner program gradually gets you back into shape, improves your flexibility, muscle tone, strength, and balance, and improves focus and discipline. As these areas improve, the more advanced training will challenge you to improve yourself even more. You’ll never get bored.
How long have you been in business?
In 1972, Master Rothrock started training in 1968 in Karate. Later, he was introduced to the ancient arts of Kung Fu & Tai Chi... and has trained for over 50 years. Grandmaster Leung Shum's teacher is retired, and Master Rothrock still travels to New York to visit with him. He is one of only 5 disciples in the United States who have Mastered both the Eagle Claw Kung Fu System and Yang and Wu Tai Chi.
What does professional instructors mean?
A professional instructor is someone who has chosen to make their career as a Kung Fu & Tai Chi instructor. That's their full-time occupation, and they have 10 to 30 years of experience. That means they are specifically trained to teach and take pride in helping you achieve your goals. Many schools use part-time help or volunteers not specifically trained to teach martial arts.
What Can I expect when I come in for a visit?
You'll be greeted by my friendly staff, who will give you a tour of the Academy. You will never feel intimidated, and you'll feel right at home—guaranteed.
Am I going to get hurt?
No! We have a safe and modern training environment. It's not like what you might have seen in the movies. In over 50 years, we have never had anyone get hurt by the training program.
I’ve never done this before. Will I be able to do Kung Fu or Tai Chi?
Yes! Many people who have started felt the same way as you. As I mentioned earlier, we start with beginner classes for everyone. These beginner classes are designed so people who have never done anything can easily learn the techniques. You don’t have to be coordinated or need special flexibility. It’s not like the movies that you might have seen. You can easily follow along as you have a fantastic workout.
What does it mean to Have my Mind Work Better?
Develop your own personal power for the challenges we all face in life. Do you want to find better ways to overcome the obstacles in your life? Kung Fu will help you develop a stronger and more focused mind.
Are Classes Separated by Age?
Yes! All our classes are separated by level and age. Every age group has its own needs. Children need help with discipline and concentration, while adults prefer a healthy workout geared towards improving muscle tone and flexibility as they learn self-defense. You’ll be in class with other adults your age.
Are there testing fees?
No. We have no hidden testing fees or association fees.
How many times can I come a week?
We recommend that beginners start with two 30-minute classes a week.
What is the Cost of the Classes?
We offer a variety of options based on your needs. That's why we recommend a Trial Course first to get started. It provides you with an easy way to take Kung Fu for a Test Drive and allows us to look at your balance, strength, and flexibility. Then, based on our 50 years of experience, we can make some specific recommendations. To get the most up-to-date prices, we suggest you visit the Academy.
How can I get started?
You can get started with one of our Trial Programs. That is the best option for most beginners.
New Members this Month
Kelly Baur
Lucas Luzardo
Jacob Woods
Adam Easterday
Lori Harris
Jonathan Baktay
Andre Green
Mariana Fredell
Adam Coulter
Dick Farrell
Jean Farrell
Michael Coccia
Claudia Buonocore
Diane Fredericks
Eliana Patten
Braden Patten
Dave Wagner
Ellia Grace Schneider
Erin ONeill
Eric Anderson
Gina Kellett
Donald Troesch
Chris Beer
Z'elynn Scarbrough
John Tripi
Jenny Marze
August Gearhart
Branson Allen
Zion Scarbrough
Bannen Swope
Mark Worley
Stephanie Schuler
Janani Selva Narayanan
Ally Schuler
Doug Matas
Jerry Phillips
Mary Langer-Schnepp
Keith Kolarosky
Gerado Morales
Riley Morales
Olivia Riesmeyer
Chris Beer
Z'elynn Scarbrough
John Tripi
Jenny Marze
August Gearhart
Branson Allen
Zion Scarbrough
Bannen Swope
Stephanie Schuler
Janani Selva Narayanan
Ally Schuler
Doug Matas

Kung Fu art is really really nice, it helps in many ways of life. and it is not …More
I originally started taking Kung Fu at Rothrock’s hoping to get in shape and to learn some basic self-defense skills. That was over 7 years ago, and I can’t …More
Kung Fu art is really really nice, it helps in many ways of life. and it is not …More
I originally started taking Kung Fu at Rothrock’s hoping to get in shape and to learn some basic self-defense skills. That was over 7 years ago, and I can’t …More