Tai Chi (Taiji): For Health, Harmony and Self-Defense

Tai Chi is an ancient form of Chinese martial arts. Its origins are credited to a Daoist priest named Zhang Sanfeng who lived during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279-1368). As a form of self-defense and therapeutic exercise, Tai Chi has few equals. The Chinese people regard it so highly that it is considered one of the “Five Excellences” along with Painting, Poetry, Calligraphy and Medicine.

Unlike other martial arts, Tai Chi can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, sex, or physical condition because it requires little physical effort. Slow, even, rhythmical movements are its distinctive features. Force, haste and speed are discouraged. Relaxation, a calm mind and deep breathing are the key elements of every training session.

Tai Chi emphasizes defeating a great force with a small one through the application of circular techniques that allow effective neutralization of an attack. This method produces remarkable results in that it causes the opponent to lose ground through a shift in the center of gravity; even a slight returning force at this moment will be enough to defeat the opponent.

Scientific evidence suggests three basic therapeutic principles behind the effectiveness of Tai Chi: the restoration of vitality, the storage of physical energy, and the massaging action of the internal organs achieved through diaphragm breathing. The therapeutic value is not only beneficial in treating ill health, but is effective as a preventive measure.

The best thing about Tai Chi is the unique feeling of harmony and well-being that is experienced upon completion of each practice. The mind is clear, the thinking lucid, the body relaxed and the temper gentle.

Other benefits include:

• Increased metabolic activity
• Improved digestion
• Restored vitality
• Deep breathing (See the complimentary lesson below)
• Sound sleep
• Self-defense skills
• Peace of mind

Our fast-paced lifestyle causes a myriad of psychological, social and physical ailments. High blood pressure, heart disease, tension and mental stress are detrimental to our well-being and quality of life. Tai Chi practice provides an outlet for the accumulation of this daily debris. By getting started in our Tai Chi program you are taking an intelligent step that will provide mental and physical benefits in the immediate future and for the rest of your life.

Learn more about Yang style Tai Chi Chuan….

A complimentary lesson on Deep Breathing:

One of the health benefits of Tai Chi practice is derived from deep breathing. While there are generally two schools of thought regarding breathing, Natural Breathing and Reverse Breathing, the guidelines provided below can be employed for both methods.

What to avoid:

1. Raising the shoulders
2. Blowing out your chest
3. Forcing your breath
4. Practicing after a meal (a one to two hour wait is recommended)
5. Practicing outside in windy and damp conditions

Guidelines of practice:

1. Choose a quite place
2. Wear loose comfortable clothing
3. Practice for at least 10 minutes each training session
4. Practice regularly

Deep Breathing involves the following steps:

1. Without forcing your breath, place the tip of the tongue gently on the front upper palate. Inhale slowly through your nose until your lungs are filled to capacity pausing at the end of the inhalation.
2. Again without forcing the breath, exhale through the nose slowly, evenly and completely pausing at the end of the exhalation.
3. The pauses between the inhalation and exhalation are very significant and help foster a sense of calm and spiritual quiescence.

Congratulations! You have just discovered the power and benefits of deep breathing....now come and see what else Tai Chi practice has to offer!

Confucius said, "Do not enlighten those who are not eager to learn, nor advise those who are not anxious to give an explanation themselves. If I have presented one corner of the square and they cannot come back to me with the other three, I should not go over the points again."