Dr Paul Lam's T'ai Chi For Arthritis
Based on Sun Style T'ai Chi 

When I met Dr Paul Lam in 2001  in Oxford on my first Tai Chi for Arthritis Course, little did I know the huge impact this fortuitous meeting was to have on my life.  Not only as a Tai Chi enthusiast but also because I have Arthritis myself.

There are many different forms of Tai Chi, but I found Dr Lam had created a simple, safe and effective program for arthritis based on the Sun style.  Further to this he was eager to promote safe instruction of this program by training Instructors who understand and take special care for people with arthritis.  This program  is now being taught to many thousands of people worldwide in many countries since 1997. 

Paul Lam promotes this safe form during weekend workshops that are made accessible to all.  His enthusiasm is infectious and his encouraging approach ensures that everyone who attends the course achieves their goals. whether that be to learn a new form or to progress and further refine their skills and knowledge.

For me it has been a life changing experience enriching my Tai chi practice and bringing me great joy through movement even with the restrictions of arthritis.  I feel very fortunate that I am able to go forward and further promote his good work in the community and I endeavour to encourage and inspire others to learn as he did with me. 

Thank you Paul for making things happen, through your efforts you have bought great joy to so many people.

Sun Style
Pronounced " Soong "

"Sun" style is the youngest of the major styles. It was created by Sun Lu -Tang (1861-1932). Sun is a well-known exponent of the Xiagyiquan and Baguaquan (two famous internal martial arts styles) before he learned T'ai Chi. In 1912, Sun happened to run into Hao Weizheng ( Hao style), who was sick. Without knowing who Hao was, Sun kindly took care of him by finding him a hotel and a doctor. After Hao recovered from his illness, he stayed in Sun's house to teach him T'ai Chi.

It was said that Sun spent just a short period of time learning the Wu style before creating his own style with influences from Wu, Xingwiquan and Baguaquan . Sun Style is characterised by agile steps. Whenever one foot moves forward or backwards, the other foot follows. It's movement's flow smoothly like a river, and there is a powerful qigong exercise whenever the direction is changed. Sun Style has high stances. Some good qualities of Sun Style are that it contains much Qigong, which is especially effective for healing and relaxation; it's highest stances make it easier for older people to learn. It is also compact, not requiring a large space in which to practice. Sun has so much depth that it holds learners' interest as they progress. 

In conclusion, there are many other T'ai Chi styles and Forms, though some are less well known, this does not imply that they are less effective. The numerous styles and Forms of T'ai Chi can be overwhelming to beginners and advanced students alike. Take this as an opportunity for choice rather then an array of confusion.  T'ai Chi can be simple if you define your aims and objectives. For example, if you wish to learn T'ai Chi solely for its health benefits (as opposed to self defence ), learning the 12 Movement set is a way of simplifying the Forms. The set is less complicated and requires less repetitions of each movement.

Since the 19th Century, the Chinese have understood the immense health benefits of T'ai Chi and its popularity has grown steadily. Now, T'ai Chi is practiced in almost every corner of the world. It is one of the most popular exercises today with more than 300 million participants.

As we are surviving longer than out ancestors, chronic diseases effect more of us, diminishing the quality of out lives. Increasing scientific and epidemiological evidence indicates that exercise is essential for prevention and management of chronic disease.  T'ai Chi goes a long way towards this end. The popularity of T'ai Chi will take another quantum leap as more people experience it's enjoyment and benefits.

If you require further information regarding Dr Paul Lam's Sun Style Tai Chi, please use this link.