"SNAKE CREEPS DOWN"

YANG STYLE TAI CHI CHUAN

SHORT HISTORY OF YANG STYLE TAI CHI CHUAN

The real origins of Tai Chi are obscure; however, more reliable sources date the development of Tai Chi back to Chen Wangting, a 16th century Royal Guard of the Chen village in Wenxian County, Henan Province. After he retired from the army, influenced by Taoism, he led a simple life of farming, and studying and teaching martial art. In the 1670’s Chen Wangting developed several Tai Chi routines, which included the old frame form still practiced today. Tai Chi was passed on to and refined by further generations of the Chen family but was not widely practiced outside the area of Chen’s village until the early 19th century when Yang Luchan learned Chen style Tai Chi whilst employed in the Chen household. Yang Luchan soon became a highly skilled and enthusiastic practitioner, developing his own particular style of Tai Chi, which he taught to a great number of people, including the members of the Imperial Court. The simpler Yang style of Tai Chi has become very popular in modern times.

All the schools of Tai Chi in practice today originate from either Chen’s or Yang's style.

Tai Chi Benefits

1. Control your stress level and lower blood pressure.

2. Build strength and improve balance through practice of forms.

3. Increase the level and flow of internal energy (qi) in your body through the practice of qigong exercises.

4. Learn a system of self defense that neutralizes an opponent's actions and uses his own strength to your advantage. 

        Tai Chi is a complete exercise in the sense that both internal (the mind) and external (the body) are integrated and exercised. Tai Chi is probably the most famous and widely practiced of all the Chinese martial arts. Concentrating on correct posture and breathing control, Tai Chi's movements are fluid, graceful and well-balanced and promote the complete harmony of body and mind. When practiced properly, Tai Chi provides the mental relaxation and physical fitness to create a balanced lifestyle.

        Tai Chi is a fun, yet challenging way of helping you develop into the best shape of your life. You will gain greater energy, and develop a strong, toned and more healthy body. With Tai Chi training, the results will be a longer, healthier and more exciting lifestyle while curbing pre-mature aging.

Scientific Studies

A recent study funded by the U.S. Government and conducted by prestigious institutions such as the medical schools of Harvard University, Yale University and the Washington Disease Control Center (May 3, 1995 issue of the Journal of American Medical Association) concluded that the practice of Tai Chi has significantly reduced the risk of falls in the elderly (by 47.5%) and improved their balance, body awareness and muscular strength.

MASTER INSTRUCTOR

Anthony F. Verburgt; B.A., M.A.

    Anthony F. Verburgt started advanced studies in Yang Tai Chi Chuan under the tutelage of his father-in-law Shan, Chuan Ming, a native of Beijing, China.  Mr. Shan started his studies beginning at the age of 6 years and for him it was a constant means of maintaining his health.  Mr. Verburgt was able to enhance his knowledge of the Chinese Martial Arts and learn many facets of training and applications that are in the most part restricted to those within the immediate family.  Mr. Shan's family was not involved with the arts; therefore, he decided to pass the information to his daughter's husband.  

Self Defense and Rape Crisis Programs - Featured on KY3, KSPR 33, KOLR 10 and Branson's TV5 televisions.

35 years of Law Enforcement in Taney County (Deputy Sheriff), Defensive Tactics Instructor  - Learn the legal implications of martial arts.

40 years of Martial Arts preparation - experience through rigorous and diligent studies.

Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degrees - a professional educator - leaving public education to bring Professional Teaching to the Martial Arts.

The instruction team at Tracy's Karate Studios have over 32 years of teaching experience behind them. Directed by a 29 year veteran of the Missouri Secondary Public School System including Colleges and Universities.   They have the patience, skill and dedication to work with you to achieve your goals.

Tracy's Karate Studios is the World's Oldest and Largest System of Chinese Kenpo Karate (Chuan Fa Tang Shou).

Over 1000 Schools and Clubs teach the Tracy System of Kenpo.

Serving Southwest Missouri since 1973.

"The ability to defend oneself is a personal right and the martial arts are a priceless treasure"