What is Tai Chi Chuan?
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Tai Chi is a Chinese
art for health, meditation, and self defense which
dates back thousands of years. The movements are graceful,
the tempo is slow and the benefits are great. It is
the only form of movement exercise in which a person
should not use outward strength or force in their
movements. Improvement depends on inner awareness
not outer strength or force in their movements. Tai
Chi develops both the mind and body. It embodies a
philosophy that not only promotes health, but also
can be applied to every aspect of daily life. |
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An important principle of Tai Chi is central
equilibrium or dynamic stability. By not using any more
energy than is absolutely necessary, a state of relaxation
is achieved and proper posture maintained. People who practice
this learn to exert a minimum amount of effort to perform
a task that my have caused a greater energy expenditure
at a previous time. Tai Chi may teach an individual how
to conserve energy, dynamic relaxation, along with possible
physiological benefits of lower blood pressure and stress
reduction.
Tai Chi enhances ones good health through
slow rhythmic, circular movements. It concentrates the mind
and calms the emotions; it regulates blood circulation;
it mobilizes all joints, ligaments, and muscles, and makes
one alert and energetic.
In short, the constant practice of Tai
Chi increases the repertory capacity, stimulates and stabilizes
the nervous system and improves the function of all the
organs in the body.
Tai Chi stresses dynamic relaxation and
good posture, increasing benefits and reducing stress by
adding mental exercise to the inherent physical movement.
Often referred to as “moving meditation”, Tai
Chi achieves relaxation through systematic motion.
It should be stated that many martial artists
study Tai Chi to enhance their particular style. Many practitioners
have found the dynamic relaxation and kinetic awareness
that Tai Chi teaches very beneficial. Even masters of other
martial arts such as Master Nakayama and Master Kanazawa,
both students of modern Japanese Shotokan Karate, Master
Gichin Funakoshi have found Tai Chi beneficial especially
when the practitioner reaches middle age.
As you study with me, I hope to
develop your Tamashii, which means spirit so that you can
be the best in all walks of life. |