Do you need a type of training that is low impact but still give you the benefit of LONGEVITY and HEALTH? Tai chi is perfect for those who cannot train in physically demanding arts
The Tai Chi Chuan Classes Taught At Our Academy
The benefits of Tai chi chuan practice
Tai Chi is an centuries old Chinese martial art that involves slow beautiful, flowing movements. These slow movements incorporate deep rhythmic breathing and shifting the weight of the body from one leg to the other. These types of movements when practiced daily greatly increases a person’s sense of balance and center and strengthen the muscles in the legs. Practicing Tai Chi also increases coordination and range of motion, reduces stress levels, lowers blood pressure, and enhances a sense of emotional well being and inner harmony. Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan translates from Chinese to English as “Great grand ultimate fist”. Today, Tai chi is commonly known as a “internal” martial art. An internal martial may be considered “soft” compared to others types of martial arts like karate that emphasize having tension in the muscles to generate power. This is due to the fact that Tai Chi practitioners try to incorporate the idea of complete relaxation when executing their movements. Sometimes people associate Tai chi with just being older people, because the media portrays that stereotype in commercials on TV. And many seniors do practice Tai chi as a means of exercise. However, Tai Chi practice is for everyone, young and old, and the benefits of practicing this ancient martial art are many. Learning Tai Chi in its most traditional form involves 3 elements:
Cultivating Health and Longevity
In today’s stress filled world, Tai chi can be an outlet for the chronic stress invoked by the job, mortgage, rent, bills and relationships. Tai chi is an excellent exercise for cultivating an energy source known as “chi”. “Chi” is life force or internal energy. It is an Eastern concept found in many Asian cultures. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that illness is caused by a disruption of the natural flow of chi throughout the body. Correct practice of Tai chi helps to keep this flow of internal energy flowing and live.
Concentration and Focus
For many students, Tai chi is a martial art whose primary focus is to increase concentration. The physical benefits of training are a bonus. Tai chi may be called a form of moving meditation. All movements in the set or form are performed with the Chinese concept of “yi”. “Yi” is translated to “mind intent” or concentration. Without “yi” the form can be considered empty movements. The quiet, serene, relaxed way in which Tai chi is practiced is perfectly fitted to the development of complete concentration.
Combative applications
Many students of Tai Chi may have little or no interest in ever having to use Tai chi for self defense. The goal of many of these students may be to gain all of the benefits listed previously. However, like all martial arts, Tai chi was founded as a combative system of fighting. Tai chi as a fighting system has many self defense applications hidden within the sets or forms. Tai chi also has a two person exercise known as “push hands” or “tui shou”. Push hands are a method of training that demonstrates the practical side of Tai chi for self defense.
Students who practice Tai chi will find their daily lives less stressful
They will find more energy, and be more at peace with themselves and the world. Studying Tai chi is more about studying oneself. It is studying the ability to calm one’s mind and challenge one’s self to always improve and get stronger. It cultivates the person as a whole and allows students to apply these benefits to their outside lives. If a students can show patience, inner harmony, and balance in Tai chi practice then they can show it in regards to their family life, their careers and in their own creativity.
Tai Chi is an centuries old Chinese martial art that involves slow beautiful, flowing movements
