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What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi (also known as Tai Chi Chuan) is a Taoist martial art that combines a series of gentle flowing movements, breathwork and mental concentration.
This combination aims to restore and enhance 'qi' or energy flow to bring about health and wellbeing. Tai Chi is a more dynamic or 'hard' form of Qigong.
The benefits of Tai Chi
The flowing movements often called 'meditation in motion' serve to reduce stress and provide a platform for mind & body awareness that:
• increases strength and flexibility
• reduces post-traumatic stress
• improves balance & concentration
• alleviates back problems
• aids post-operative recovery
• maintains stable weight
• keeps the mind calm & focused
• halts the ageing process
• lowers blood pressure
What happens in Tai Chi
You can learn Tai Chi by attending a class at your local gym or fitness centre. Classes are usually held weekly (approx. 40-60 minutes per class) and are open to all ages. There is usually an introduction to the philosophy behind Tai Chi and the movements.
The 'short form' of Tai Chi consists of 24 movements and can be performed in 10-15 minutes. The 'long form' consists of 108 movements and takes up to 40 minutes. Learning the complete series can take anything between six months to four years. An average Tai Chi movement can be performed in 7 to 10 minutes.
As you progress through the series of movements your knees should be slightly bent with all movement originating from the waist. Focus is directed to the 'tantien' which is the area just below the navel and believed to be the centre of the body's energy. This achieves greater awareness of the body and its blockages.
At the end of a session you may feel tired although nothing like the exhaustion experienced from a challenging cardio-vascular workout. Most Tai Chi students experience a release of tension and increased energy levels. Others claim it improves circulation leaving them with an overall sense of wellbeing.
The different forms of Tai Chi
Tai Chi has evolved over the course of time integrating different elements of other martial arts forms. Most of the different forms of Tai Chi have taken the name of their founders. The following forms or styles of Tai Chi are the most widely practised:
Chen Style, Hao (or Wu Shi) Style, Hu Lei Style, Sun Style, Wu Style, Yang Style, Zhao Bao Style
Tai Chi Yang is the most popular style in the West and focuses on large, open gestures.
Tai Chi