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About Tai Chi Tai Chi is the classic Chinese method of exercise for health, self-defense and spiritual growth. Graceful in movement, slow in tempo, relaxed yet dynamic in beautiful natural postures, Tai Chi is a "moving meditation" that rejuvenates the body, mind and spirit. Practitioners discover that Tai Chi is a powerful tool that fulfills a daily prescription for perfect health. The most immediate health benefits of Tai Chi practice are improved posture, flexibility, balance, circulation, metabolism, neuro-muscular function, and a strengthened immune system. Throughout the ages, Chinese physicians have prescribed Tai Chi as a gymnastic form of medicine to complement healing with other traditional treatments such as acupuncture and herbs. Regular Tai Chi practice develops robust physical strength, emotional calm and serenity, mental clarity and latent powers. Thus the Chinese say that those who practice Tai Chi will attain the pliability of a child, the vitality of a lumberjack, and the wisdom of a sage. Though known more for promoting inner healing and relaxation than aerobic power, Tai Chi lowers blood pressure almost as well as moderate-intensity aerobics, according to results of a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine study presented in 1998. A review in the July 1997 issue of the Harvard Health Letter noted that Tai Chi reduces some stress hormones and by conferring improved muscle strength-particularly in the lower body-lowers the risk of falling (the leading cause of death by injury in seniors). Tai Chi can be recommended to anyone, regardless of sex, age, health or level of fitness. The movements are relaxing yet stimulating.Tai Chi is an exercise for the whole body, and it trains both the mind and the body. The Yang school of Tai Chi has a unique style of its own. It's main characteristics are: a closely knit series of relaxed and composed, even and flowing movements that combine strength with resilience and vigor with gentleness, with the trunk of the body erect as the axis of all movements. There are many different forms within the Yang school of Tai Chi based on the number of movements in a series. These include Yang 24, Yang 42, Yang 108 and Yang Fan. The forms vary in length from about three minutes to thirty minutes, depending upon the form. Chen style tai chi is the oldest and parent form of the five main tai chi chuan styles. It is done slowly with large motions interrupted by occasional expressions of fast power (Fajing). It is usually practiced with a lower stance than Yang 24, but this is not mandatory. Chen 18 and Chen 74 (Laojia yi lu) and Chen Broadsword lessons are available to private students. Stiff and unbending is the principle of death. Gentle and yielding is the principle of life. Thus an Army without flexibility never wins a battle. A tree that is unbending is easily broken. The hard and strong will fall. The soft and weak will overcome. -- Tao Te Ching  |
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