Tai Chi
Tai Chi Chuan Style
Tai Chi Chuan is a holistic martial art seeking to use internal energy (‘Chi’) for good health, self-development and self-defence. To help realise the famous soft power of internal energy, the initial training concentrates on slow, relaxed, flowing movement. This makes it adaptable to many levels of health and fitness. Through this inclusive approach, Tai Chi has become regarded the world over as a fun and effective way to strengthen mind, body and spirit for young and old alike.
What can it do for me?
Tai Chi is renowned as a stress-buster: a way to harmonise mind, body and spirit; rebuild core mental and physical strength; and learn a strong centred approach to life. Those busy with the daily pressures of work and home find that regular practice creates the balance, strength and robustness to enjoy the moment and relax within what seems to be an ever-more complex and demanding life.
Studies have found that even moderate amounts of Tai Chi practice can, amongst other things, reduce blood pressure, increase bone density, increase strength and range of motion in joints, improve immune function, improve many muscle/joint disorders, aid recovery from injury and lighten your mood. At more advanced levels the training can be quite vigorous and, should you want, martial. So as you deepen your experience you can broaden your skill base.
Read more: Tai chi benefits for older people
As it is a practical, grounded tool for investigating how Chi works we find interest from practitioners of disciplines such as Yoga, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Acupuncture, or Reiki who seek a deeper understanding of their own arts. It is for these same reasons that we find many external martial artists looking into a study of internal energy in order to take the next step of their particular journeys as well.
