Tai Chi

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi, or Taiji quan in Chinese, is a simple exercise of traditional Chinese Martial Arts that is valuable in promoting health, developing combat, fighting and self-defence skills.

Originating in China hundreds of years ago, Tai chi was a formidable Kung Fu (martial art). Tai Chi has been practiced for general health and fitness purposes since the 16th Century. Health benefits are derived from the Tai Chi's slow, gentle and tranquil movements which enable harmony in mind and body, improved mobility, suppleness and mental alertness. Anyone regardless of age or level of fitness can practice and benefit from Tai Chi. Loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes should be worn to classes.

Also, Tai Chi is a comprehensive programme for physical, emotional, mental and spiritual development. It is generally the best choice for self-defence, and exceedingly effective for fighting.

Tai Chi training primarily involves learning solo routines, known as forms. The Tai chi form is a series of slow moving exercises, performed smoothly and accurately, with the muscles as relaxed as possible, and the mind absorbed in each movement. While the image of Tai chi chuan in popular culture is typified by exceedingly slow movement, many Tai chi styles (Yang, Wu, Chen) have secondary forms of a faster pace. Some traditional schools of Tai chi teach partner exercises known as "push hands", and combat applications of the forms' postures.

Today, Tai Chi has spread worldwide. There are six main styles: Chen, Yang, WuHao, Wu, Sun and Taoist. If you insist on it for long time, you will keep vigorous energy, and enhance the immunity of your body. So it is a perfect and riskless exercise form and suits everyone for life. If you choose Tai Chi, you'll have no regrets.